Germany, Ordnungspolizei. A Dress Bayonet, Long Version for Rural Police, by E. & F. Hörster

(Extraseitengewehr der Polizei). An extremely well-preserved Ordnungpolizei dress bayonet, measuring 50.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 33 mm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to the tip. A wide fuller runs the majority of the length of the top edge of each side of the blade. The ricasso features a double maker’s mark, with the reverse reading “E. & F. HÖRSTER, SOLINGEN”, while the obverse bears Hörster’s classic monogram logo. The blade sits securely within a multi-piece nickel-plated alloy hilt, with an intact leather buffer pad covering the seam. A hooked quillon is stamped with a unit mark of “L.D. 2.”, while a stylized pommel in the form of a double-sided eagle’s head has a hooked beak to facilitate a comfortable grip. Two pieces of polished staghorn compose the handle, and are fastened in place with aluminum rivets. Inset into the obverse of the handle is a silvered Ordnungspolizei insignia in the form of an oval oak leaf wreath, overlaid by a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 20 mm (w) x 22 mm (h). Accompanying the bayonet is its original scabbard, constructed of a brown leather shaft, indicating issue to Gendarmerie (rural police). Nickel-plated non-magnetic metal fixtures are riveted to both the tip and throat, with a downward-pointing hook emanating from the latter for the accommodation of a frog. A matching unit mark of “L.D.2.” is also stamped onto the throat, indicating a matching set. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, softening of nickel finish to the plated fixtures, and minor fatigue of the scabbard leather. A high-quality example in extremely fine condition.