GERMAN 1871 PRIVATE PURCHASE ENGRAVED ARTILLERY BAYONET

This private purchase 1871 Artillery Bayonet that has both sides of the blade plus the top spine engraved. This bayonet was engraved for the 1st Thuringian Field Artillery Battery of the 11th Army Corp. The obverse side has a beautiful 10.5" (1 THURING FELD ARTILL. REGT. NO 19) engraving. The reverse side had a 10.5 scene of (horses pulling a caisson and artillery piece, with the standard brace of weapons and crossed swords.) The etched panels still have the dull gray background showing little or no polishing. The blade is bright chrome with no nicks on the edge. There is no maker mark. The etching is in superior condition. The cast brass handle does not have a slot to mount the bayonet.The reverse cross guard has the unit number 19. A. 59 stamped into it. The red cloth buffer strip is still worn but present. The leather scabbard has the typical brass fitting fastened with the typical staples. The rim of the throat is stamped 19 A 1 55. The leather is hard and the stitching is complete. The lower fitting has been dented and that or the shrinking of the leather is keeping the final inch of the cross guard from seating all the way. Really a beautiful display bayonet.
Condition Very Good ++++