Germany, Luftwaffe. A Commemorative Service Bayonet, by Robert Klaas

(Luftwaffe Extraseitengewehr mit Klingenätzung). An extremely well-preserved Luftwaffe commemorative service bayonet, measuring 35.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 20 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. A wide fuller runs the majority of the length of the upper edge of each side. Acid-etched onto the obverse is an inscription of “ZUR ERINNERUNG AN MEINE DIENSTZEIT” (“IN MEMORY OF MY SERVICE TIME”), flanked by a Stahlhelm and droptail-style Luftwaffe eagle clutching a mobile swastika, and situated within an arabesque border. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “ROBERT KLAAS, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic mirrored crane logo. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated zink alloy hilt, featuring a hooked quillon and pommel, with an intact blackened leather buffer pad covering the seam. A hollow insertion slot set into the pommel retains both a red wool insert and functional push-button spring release. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are fixed in position with two non-magnetic metal rives. 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 for the accommodation of a frog. The former is included, and is constructed of multiple panels of blackened leather, ultimately fastened into a loop for belt suspension. A functional spring catch situated within the throat firmly holds the bayonet in place during storage. Minor issues with age and storage are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, loss of nickel plating to the hilt, and some loss of finish to the scabbard. A superb commemorative bayonet in near extremely fine condition.