Germany, Ordnungspolizei. A Feuerschutzpolizei Dress Bayonet, Owner Engraved Example by HACO

(Feuerschutzpolizei Bajonett). An interesting Feuerschutzpolizei (Fire Protection Police) bayonet, measuring 40 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 26 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. A wide fuller runs the majority of the length of the top edge of each side of the blade. The inverse bearing an expertly acid-etched owner’s dedication of “FRANZ PLÖHN”, situated within laurel borders and flanked on each side by arabesque latticework. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “HACO, BERLIN” for a noted manufacturer of Third Reich-period edged weapons. It sits securely within a nickel-plated magnetic steel hilt with classic double-hooked quillons and a hooked pommel. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are fastened in place with dual domed non-magnetic metal rivets. 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, which is included and constructed of multiple panels of blackened leather which are fastened into a loop for belt suspension. A functional catch situated within the scabbard’s throat firmly holds the bayonet in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks to the blade, moderate loss of nickel plating to the hilt, the loss of the buffer pad, and some fatigue to the frog. This unusual example of an owner-engraved Feuerschutzpolizei bayonet remains in a very fine condition.