Germany, Heer. A Flak Crew Commemorative Bayonet, by Anton Wingen Jr.

(Heer Bajonett). An interesting Heer flak crew commemorative dress bayonet, measuring 39.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. A wide fuller runs the majority of the length of the top edge of each side of the blade. The obverse bears an acid-etched dedication of “ZUR ERINNERUNG AN MEINE DIENSTZEIT” (“IN MEMORY OF MY SERVICE TIME”), flanked by a depiction of a Flak 88 with its crew at the ready, all surrounded by arabesque latticework. The reverse ricasso is maker marked “ANTON WINGEN JR., SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic knight logo. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated magnetic metal hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel, and with a hollow insertion slot set into the latter retaining a functional push-button spring release. A blackened leather buffer pad covers the seam where the blade meets the hilt. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are fastened in place with dual non-magnetic metal rivets. Accompanying the bayonet is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. A downward-pointing hook emanates from the side of the shaft just below the throat for the accommodation of a frog, while the throat retains a functional catch to firmly hold the bayonet in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks to the blade, loss of nickel plating resulting in minor surface oxidation, and loss of scabbard paint. This branch-dedicated commemorative bayonet remains in a very fine condition.