Germany, Heer. A Gebirgs-Pionier-Bataillon 54 Commemorative Dress Bayonet, by Carl Eickhorn

(Gebirgs-Pionier-Bataillon 54 Bajonett). A rare and extremely well-preserved Heer Gebirgs-Pionier-Bataillon 54 commemorative dress bayonet, measuring 400 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a polished 250 mm-long magnetic steel blade with a fuller running the length of each side. The obverse of the blade featuring a striking acid-etched inscription of “ZUR ERINNERUNG AN MEINE DIENSTZEIT - GEBIRGS-PIONIER-BATAILLON 54” (“IN MEMORY OF MY SERVICE TIME - 54TH MOUNTAIN ENGINEER BATALLION”), set within oak leaves. It is flanked on the left by a Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, and on the right by an edelweiss. 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 firmly within a one-piece silver-plated hilt featuring a hooked quillon. Two strips of pebbled black bakelite comprise the handle grip, secured together with dual magnetic metal rivets. A hollow insertion slot is integrated into the pommel, and features a functional push-button spring catch. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. A downward-pointing hook emanated from the side of the shaft, connecting to a period original black leather frog which is machine-stitched into a belt loop. The throat of the scabbard retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the bayonet in place during storage, and is held together by a single rivet. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include slight spots of oxidation and finish loss to the centre of the crossguard, scratching of the scabbard, and fatigue of the leather frog. This rare and unit-attributed bayonet is in an overall extremely fine condition.