Germany, Heer. A Service Bayonet, by Carl Eickhorn

(Heer Bajonett). A well-preserved Heer commemorative service bayonet, measuring 35 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 20 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge. A narrow fullers runs the majority of the length of each side of the top edge. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is a stylized banner bearing an inscription of “ZUR ERINNERUNG AN MEINE DIENSTZEIT” (“IN MEMORY OF MY SERVICE TIME”), flanked by Heer-style German national eagles clutching mobile swastikas. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “ORIGINAL EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic logo of a squirrel clutching a sword. The blade sits securely within a one-piece nickel-plated alloy hilt with a hooked quillon, and with a hollow insertion slot with a functional push-button spring release. The handle grip is composed of two pieces of polished staghorn, secured together with dual magnetic metal rivets. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a magnetic metal shaft. Emanating from the side of the shaft is a downward-pointing hook for the accommodation of a frog. The throat retains a functional spring catch to firmly hold the bayonet in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks and tarnishing to the blade, scratching to the nickel plating of the hilt, loss of scabbard paint, and the loss of scabbard’s throat rivet. The bayonet remains in a better than very fine condition.