Germany, Heer. A Dress Bayonet, Staghorn Grip Variant by Carl Eickhorn, c. 1942

(Heer Bajonett). A well-preserved Heer dress bayonet, measuring 39 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 24.5 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 reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, topped by the firm’s classic squirrel logo executed in a mid-war (c. 1942) pattern. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy hilt, with an intact black leather buffer pad covering the seam. The hilt features a hooked quillon, as well as a hollow insertion slot set into the pommel, the latter retaining a functional push-button spring release. Two pieces of polished staghorn 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 shaft. A downward-pointing hook emanates from the side of the shaft just below the throat for the accommodation of a frog. The former is included and consists of multiple panels of black leather stitched into a loop for belt suspension. A functional catch situated within the throat firmly holds the bayonet in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some tarnishing and running marks to the blade, scratching of the hilt, moderate loss of scabbard paint, and some fatigue to the frog. This unusual wartime bayonet remains in a better than very fine condition.