Germany, Heer. A Dress Bayonet, with RFV Dedication, by Carl Eickhorn

(Heer Bajonett). A Heer dress bayonet, measuring 41 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 26 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to the tip and lower edge. A wide fuller runs the majority of the length of each side of the blade. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “CARL EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic squirrel logo. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated magnetic metal hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel. The reverse of the crossguard bears initials “RFV”, indicating possible issue to personnel attached to the Reichsfinanzverwaltung (National Finance Administration), or alternatively, owner initials. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are fastened in place with two metal rivets. Accompanying the bayonet is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. A downward-pointing hook emanates from the side of the shaft just below the throat for the accommodation of a frog, while the throat itself retains a functional catch to firmly hold the bayonet in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident throughout, and include running marks and minor loss of plating to the blade, loss of plating to the hilt resulting in some surface oxidation, a deliberate perforation to both of the handle grips near the crossguard for an unknown purpose, and loss of scabbard paint resulting in surface oxidation. This highly worn bayonet, possibly issued to personnel attached to the Reichsfinanzverwaltung, remains in a fair condition.