Germany, Luftwaffe. A Flying Troops Commemorative Bayonet, by Carl Eickhorn

(Fliegertruppe Bajonett). An interesting Luftwaffe Flying Troops commemorative bayonet, measuring 39.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25 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 top edge of each side. The obverse bears an acid-etched inscription of “ZUR ERINNERUNG AN MEINE DIENSTZEIT BEI DER FLIEGERTRUPPE” (“IN MEMORY OF MY SERVICE TIME IN THE FLYING TROOPS”). The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “ORIGINAL EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic squirrel logo. It sits within a nickel-plated non-magnetic metal alloy hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are fastened in place with dual magnetic 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 for the accommodation of a frog. A functional spring catch within the throat firmly holds the bayonet in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include minor running marks to the blade, some loosening of the blade from within the hilt, loss of nickel plating, and loss of scabbard paint. This unusual example to a Luftwaffe serviceman remains in a very fine condition.