Germany, Weimar Republic. A Miniature Dress Bayonet, by Carl Eickhorn

(Bajonett). A well-preserved miniature dress bayonet, measuring 27 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 15.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to the tip and lower edge. The reverse ricasso is maker marked with the logo of Carl Eickhorn, Solingen, as used from 1906-1921. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated magnetic steel hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are fixed in position with two domed magnetic metal rivets. Accompanying the bayonet is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. A functional catch situated within the throat firmly holds the bayonet in place during storage. Some issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include faint running marks and tarnishing to the blade, moderate loss of scabbard paint, and the loss of the scabbard’s leather strap with its studs remaining in position. This early Weimar-era example, commonly used as a sales samples and repurposed as a letter opener, remains in a better than very fine condition.