Germany, Ordnungspolizei. A Dress Bayonet, Long Version, by Carl Eickhorn

(Ordnungspolizei Bajonett). An extremely well-preserved Ordnungspolizei dress bayonet, measuring 47 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 33.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to the tip and lower edge. A wide fuller runs the majority of the length of the top edge of each side, while the obverse ricasso bears of maker’s mark of “CARL EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing an early (mid-1930s) version of the firm’s classic squirrel logo. The blade sits securely within a nickel silver hilt featuring a hooked quillon and pommel, the latter in the form of a stylized double-sided eagle’s head. The pommel has a hollow insertion slot which retains a functional push-button release. Stamped onto the reverse of the crossguard is a unit mark of “S. KÖ. I. 371”, likely indicating distribution to Schutzpolizei in the Köln district. Two pieces of polished staghorn compose the handle grip and are fastened in place with dual aluminum rivets. Inset into the obverse of the handle is a silvered Ordnungspolizei insignia measuring 20 mm (w) x 20 mm (h). Accompanying the bayonet is its original scabbard, constructed of a boiled and blackened leather shaft with a magnetic metal core. Nickel silver fixtures are secured to both the tip and throat, with the latter featuring a downward-pointing hook for the accommodation of a frog, which is included and constructed of multiple panels of blackened leather which are riveted into a loop for belt suspension. Stamped onto the throat is a corresponding unit mark of “S. KÖ. I. 371”, indicating an original matching accompaniment to the bayonet. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, scratching of the nickel silver, slight fatigue of the leather elements, and some friction which renders insertion and extraction of the blade from the scabbard difficult. An early, matching, untouched set, this bayonet remains in an extremely fine condition.