Germany, Heer. A Commemorative Dress Bayonet by Carl Eickhorn

(Heer Bajonett). An extremely well-preserved Heer commemorative dress bayonet, measuring 350 mm in length when inserted into the scabbard. The bayonet features a 200 mm-long nickel-plated magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and fullers on both sides. The obverse bears a finely-detailed, acid-etched banner with an inscription of “ZUR ERINNERUNG AN MEINE DIENSTZEIT” (“IN COMMEMORATION OF MY SERVICE TIME”), surrounded by oak leaves, and flanked on each side by a Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika. The reverse ricasso has a maker’s mark of “ORIGINAL EICKHORN” around the firm’s logo of a squirrel clutching a sword, with characteristics indicating manufacture between 1935 and 1941. The blade sits securely within the nickel-plated upper crossguard, with the seam covered by a blackened leather washer. A hooked quillon emanates from the crossguard, facilitating a secure grip with the pommel. The handle grip is composed ot two pieces of pebbled black bakelite, held in place by dual metal rivets. It completes with hooked pommel and insertion slot, retaining an original red felt insert, with a functional release button. The bayonet is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of black-painted metal. The shaft bears a downward integrated hook, retaining an original black leather frog with a belt loop. The throat of the scabbard is held together by a single visible rivet, and retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the bayonet in place during storage. While highly presentable, the bayonet displays minor issues consistent with age and use, including running marks to the blade, loss of silver finish and black paint to the respective elements, and minor material fatigue to the leather frog. It is in an overall near extremely fine condition.