Germany, Ordnungspolizei. A Dress Bayonet, Long Version, by Ernst Pack & Söhne

(Ordnungspolizei Bajonett). An well-preserved Ordnungspolizei 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 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 reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “”E. PACK & SÖHNE, SOLINGEN”, topped by the firm’s classic Siegfried logo. A presumed manufacture date of “38” is stamped onto the obverse ricasso. The blade sits securely within a nickel silver-plated brass 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. 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-plated magnetic metal 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. The reverse of the frog is stamped with a maker’s mark of “ADOLPH SCHWARTZ & CO., BERLIN N. 39”, with a manufacture date of “1915”, indicating repurposed depot stock. The throat is also stamped with an issue code of “VU 337”. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include minor running marks to the blade, loss of nickel plating to high-contact points of the hilt, and minor fatigue of the leather elements. The bayonet remains in a better than very fine condition.