Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII Heer Army single etched 98k dress bayonet by Carl Eickhorn of Solingen, complete with black enamel scabbard and black patent leather dress frog. The nickel plated blade carries the classic “Zur Erinnerung an meine Dienstzeit” service remembrance etching and an Eickhorn seated squirrel trademark. The blade has been shortened and reprofiled from its original configuration, an important alteration that is fully disclosed below.

Dress bayonets of this type were worn by enlisted and NCO personnel for parade, dress, and walking out occasions. They were generally finished with high quality nickel plating and fitted with either stag or black composition grip plates. Blade lengths varied, and examples were commonly encountered in approximately 20cm and 25cm configurations. Colored felt inserts were often fitted in the rifle slot, while black or brown leather frogs and branch or rank specific Troddeln could complete the suspension.

This example has an alloy hilt with nearly all of its nickel plating still intact. The finish has matured to a light oxidized patina but shows no significant lifting or major damage. The mortise button and bayonet latch remain present and fully functional.

The rifle slot retains its red felt insert, which shows light moth damage. The checkered black Bakelite grip plates remain in excellent condition and are firmly mounted. They are secured by plated steel rivets dressed on the reverse. The rivets have lost much of their plating and now show oxidation.

The nickel plated blade currently measures approximately 9". This does not correspond to the standard short or long dress bayonet blade lengths. The point has clearly been reprofiled, as have portions of the edge and spine, indicating that the blade was shortened at some point. Based on its present proportions, it appears likely that it began as a longer dress bayonet, though the reason for the alteration is unknown.

The blade retains its nickel finish well over most of its length, with only light oxidation and no major edge chipping. The final approximately 1 1/2" near the reprofiled point has lost most of the nickel plating. Plating has also been ground away along the edge and spine for approximately 3 1/2" as part of the reprofiling process.

The original leather blade buffer remains in place at the base of the blade and is in very good condition.

The right side of the blade features a single etched decorative panel bordered by ornamental work. Near the point is a German Stahlhelm over crossed rifles within a wreath, while closer to the ricasso is a closed wing Wehrmachtadler. Oak leaf decoration surrounds the central double line banner.

The banner is inscribed:

Zur Erinnerung
an meine Dienstzeit

which translates approximately as “In remembrance of my service,” a common commemorative inscription encountered on German dress bayonets of the period.

The reverse ricasso is marked with the Eickhorn seated squirrel trademark, with ORIGINAL above and:

Eickhorn
SOLINGEN

below. This seated squirrel trademark is was used during Eickhorn production from approximately 1935-1941. Carl Eickhorn is a legendary maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany. According to J. Anthony Carter's book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this company was founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn, and is arguably the most famous of all Solingen makers. Not only could the family trace their history back 500 years, but they could also demonstrate involvement in the hardening and grinding industries for the same period. Truly the nobility of Solingen Edged weapon dynasties. Eickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers.

The black enamel scabbard is straight and remains free of visible or readily detectable dents. Approximately 80% of the original black enamel finish remains, with scratches and chips from age and use, especially on the reverse. The finish also shows attractive age related checking and crazing.

The scabbard appears more consistent in length with a short dress bayonet than with the blade’s likely original configuration. Because the blade itself has been shortened, the scabbard may not be original to the bayonet from initial issue, though it is a compatible period style component.

The scabbard is fitted in a black patent leather dress frog. The frog shows the characteristic aging often seen on patent finished leather, with portions of the surface having softened or “melted” slightly over time. It is a dress style frog without the heavier rivet reinforcement commonly seen on field frogs. The stitching remains intact, and an impression from the bayonet grip scales is visible in the surface.

With its single etched service remembrance blade, early Eickhorn seated squirrel trademark, intact red felt insert, excellent Bakelite grips, black enamel scabbard, and patent leather dress frog, this remains a very appealing Heer 98k dress bayonet despite the period or later blade alteration. The shortened and reprofiled blade, lost plating near the point and along the edge and spine, oxidized grip rivets, scabbard compatibility question, enamel wear, and aged frog finish are all fully disclosed. It would display especially well in a Heer dress bayonet, etched German edged weapon, Carl Eickhorn maker, or advanced WWII parade equipment collection.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 9"
Blade Style: Single Edge w/ Fuller
Overall length: 13 3/4“
Crossguard: 2 1/8”
Scabbard Length: 9 1/8"