Germany, Heer. A Dress Bayonet, by Richard Herder

(Heer Bajonett). A well-preserved Heer dress bayonet, measuring 35 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 20.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory--original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. Wide fullers extend the majority of the length of the top edge of each side of the blade. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “RICH. ABR. HEDER, SOLINGEN” for the firm of Richard Abraham Herder, flanked by the company’s logo. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy hilt which features a hooked quillon and hollow insertion slot set into the pommel, the latter retaining a functional push-button spring release. An intact 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 secured in position with dual magnetic metal rivets. Accompanying the bayonet is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. A downward-pointing hook emanating from the side of the shaft just below the throat accommodates a frog, while a functional catch situated within the throat firmly holds the bayonet in place during storage. Some issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include faint running marks to the blade, moderate loss of nickel plating to the hilt, and moderate loss of scabbard paint. The bayonet remains in a better than very fine condition.