Germany, Luftwaffe. A Commemorative Dress Bayonet, by Ernst Pack & Söhne

(Luftwaffe Bajonett). A well-preserved Luftwaffe commemorative dress 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 some factory-original sharpening to the tip and lower edge. A wide fuller runs the majority of the length of the upper edge of each side. The obverse bears an acid-etched inscription of “ZUR ERINNERUNG AN MEINE DIENSTZEIT” (“IN MEMORY OF MY SERVICE TIME”), flanked by a Stahlhelm and Luftwaffe eagle clutching a mobile swastika. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “E. PACK & SÖHNE, SOLINGEN”. It sits securely within a nickel-plated 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. An intact black leather buffer pad covers the seam where the blade enters the hilt. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are secured in position 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 situated within the throat firmly holds the bayonet in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some blunting of the tip, scratching and running marks to the blade, and moderate loss of paint to the scabbard shaft. The bayonet remains in an overall better than very fine condition.