Germany, Ordnungspolizei. A Fire Police NCO’s Dress Bayonet

(Feuerschutzpolizei Bajonett für Unteroffiziere). A well-preserved Feuerschutzpolizei (Fire Police) NCO’s dress bayonet, measuring 39.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. A fuller runs the majority of the length of the top edge of each side of the blade. Stamped onto the obverse ricasso is a mark of “CARL HENKEL, BIELEFELD”, for a noted distributor of Feuerschutzpolizei accessories. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy hilt with a classic dual hooked quillon, and with an intact blackened leather buffer pad covering the seam. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are fixed in place with dual non-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, which is included and is constructed of multiple panels of black leather fashioned into a loop for belt suspension. A functional spring catch situated within the throat firmly holds the bayonet in place during storage. Some issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks to the blade, scratching of the nickel plating, minor loss of scabbard paint, and some fatigue to the frog. The bayonet remains in an overall near extremely fine condition.