Germany, Heer. An Infantry Regiment Großdeutschland Service Bayonet, by Alcoso

(Infanterie-Regiment “Großdeutschland” Bajonett). An extremely well-preserved Infantry Regiment Großdeutschland commemorative service bayonet, measuring 400 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 250 mm-long polished magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and with fullers running the length of each side. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is an inscription of “ZUR ERINNERUNG AN MEINE DIENSTZEIT INF.- RGT. GROßDEUTSCHLAND” (“IN MEMORY OF MY SERVICE TIME IN THE INFANTRY REGIMENT GROßDEUTSCHLAND”), flanked on each side by Heer-style German national eagles clutching mobile swastika, in turn set within an arabesque border, the reverse ricasso bearing a maker’s mark of “ALCOSO, SOLINGEN” for the former firm of Alexander Coppel, circumscribing the company’s scale logo. The blade sits securely within a one-piece nickel-plated metal hilt with a hooked quillion and hollow insertion slot featuring a functional push-button spring release. The handle grip is composed of two pieces of pebbled black bakelite secured together with dual magnetic metal rivets. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. A downward-pointing hook emanates from one side for the accommodation of a dagger hanger. The throat retains a functional spring catch, firmly holding the bayonet in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age are evident, and include slight oxidation of the nickel plating and some loss of finish to the scabbard. This commemorative blade belonging to a member of an elite Heer unit is in an overall extremely fine condition.