Germany, Heer. A Commemorative Service Bayonet, with Infanterie-Regiment 79 Dedication, by Anton Wingen Jr.

(Heer Erinnerungs-Bajonett). A rare and well-preserved Heer commemorative service bayonet, measuring 40 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 of the blade. The obverse bears an acid-etched inscription of “ZUR ERINNERUNG AN MEINE DIENSTZEIT / 14. (PZ.-ABW.) KOMPF. INF.-RGT. 79” (“IN MEMORY OF MY SERVICE TIME / 14TH (ANTI-TANK) COMPANY 79TH INFANTRY REGIMENT”). The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “ANTON WINGEN JR., SOLINGEN” circumscribing the firm’s classic knight logo. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated non-magnetic metal alloy hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel, and with a hollow insertion slot set into the pommel retaining a functional push-button spring release. A blackened leather buffer pad covers the seam where the blade meets the hilt. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are fastened in place with dual non-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, which is included and constructed of multiple panels of blackened leather which are riveted into a loop for belt suspension. Wrapped around the frog is a knot consisting of a green threaded acorn topped by a red cap, suspended from a green rayon cord. A functional catch within the throat holds the bayonet in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include faint running marks to the blade and some loss of scabbard paint. This scarce and unit-attributed commemorative bayonet remains in an extremely fine condition.