Germany, Ordnungspolizei. A Dress Bayonet, Mountain Police Issue, by Carl Eickhorn

(Gebirgs-Polizei Bajonett). A well-preserved Gebirgs-Polizei (Mountain Police) dress bayonet, measuring 34.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 20 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. A narrow fuller runs the majority of length of the upper edge of each side of the blade. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “ORIGINAL EICKHORN, SOLINGNE”, circumscribing the firm’s classic squirrel logo. It sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy hilt which features a hooked quillon and pommel, with a hollow insertion slot set into the latter which retains a functional push-button spring release. Two pieces of polished staghorn compose the handle grip, and are fixed in place with dual magnetic metal rivets. Inset into the obverse of the handle is a magnetic metal edelweiss measuring 28 mm (w) x 31 mm (l). 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, constructed of multiple panels of blackened leather stitched into a loop for belt suspension. A functional catch situated within the throat firmly holds the bayonet in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, scratching of the nickel plated elements, moderate loss of scabbard paint, and some fatigue to the frog. This specialized example remains in a better than very fine condition.