This Luftwaffe etched dress bayonet is an outstanding collector's piece. The blade remains in excellent condition, retaining its beautiful original polish. The ricasso is stamped with the maker's mark of the rare Austrian manufacturer Hack Werke Steyr. The obverse of the blade features an attractive etched design depicting a Wehrmacht steel helmet and the early Luftwaffe eagle with swastika and the characteristic "drooped tail," positioned on either side of the inscription "Zur Erinnerung an meine Dienstzeit" ("In Memory of My Service"). The blade shows only a few very minor gray specks.
The hilt is in excellent condition with only minimal signs of handling and retains its full original finish. The grip scales are made of genuine stag horn and are free from chips or cracks.
Attached to the hilt are the original sword knot, leather strap, and synthetic portepee, all in very good condition with only light signs of age and use. The original leather blade buffer is still present, as is the red felt insert in the pommel slot, a characteristic feature found on Wehrmacht dress bayonets.
The bayonet is complete with its original scabbard and leather frog. The scabbard is in good condition, showing only moderate signs of wear.
A rare and highly desirable collector's piece that would make an excellent addition to any collection of German edged weapons from the Second World War.