Germany, Ordnungspolizei. A Schutzpoliei Dress Bayonet, Long Version, by Alcoso

(Ordnungspolizei Bajonett). A well-preserved Schutzpolizei dress bayonet, measuring 48.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 33.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains some factory-original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. A wide fuller runs the majority of the length of each side of the top edge of the blade. Both the obverse and reverse ricassos bear transitional marks indicating manufacture by the firm of Alexander Coppel, Solingen (ALCOSO). It sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy hilt featuring a hooked quillon and pommel, the former bearing a unit dedication of “L. SCH. III. 291” (Schutzpolizei), and with the latter presenting as a double-sided eagle head. Two pieces of polished staghorn compose the handle grip, and are fastened in place with dual aluminum rivets. Accompanying the bayonet is a period mis-matched scabbard, constructed of a boiled blackened leather shaft with nickel-plated fixtures secured to both the tip and throat. A downward-pointing hook emanates from the side of the throat fixture for the accommodation of a frog, while a stamped unit dedication of “L. SCH. 56.” (Schutzpolizei) is visible on the opposite side. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks and tarnishing to the blade, pitting of the nickel-plated fixtures, fatigue of the scabbard leather resulting in loss of finish and fraying of the stitching, and friction which renders insertion and extraction of the bayonet difficult. This mis-matched set remains in a very fine condition.