Germany, Luftwaffe. A Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1 Commemorative Bayonet, by Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie

(Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1 Erinnerungs-Bajonett). A scarce and extremely well-preserved Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1 commemorative bayonet, measuring 40.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges. A wide fuller extends down the length of the lower edge of each side of the blade. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is a dedication of “ZUR ERINNERUNG AN MEINE DIENSTZEIT - FALLSCHIRM-JÄGER-RGT. 1” (“IN MEMORY OF MY SERVICE TIME - 1ST FALLSCHIRMJÄGER REGIMENT”), flanked on the left by a Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika, and on the right by oak leaves and a detailed depiction of the Fallschirmjäger Badge. Also visible on the obverse ricasso is the maker’s logo of Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie, Solingen. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated non-magnetic alloy hilt, with the seam covered by an intact black leather buffer pad. The hilt has a hooked quillon and hollow insertion slot with a functional push-button spring release. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are secured together with two non-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 the side of the shaft for the accommodation of a frog. The throat retains a functional spring catch to firmly hold the bayonet in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade and loosening of the structure, with additional scratching and loss of paint to the scabbard. This interesting commemorative bayonet is in a near extremely fine condition.