Germany, Ordnungspolizei. An Officer’s Dress Bayonet, Long Version, by Carl Eickhorn

(Ordnungspolizei Seitengewehr für Offiziere). A very well-preserved Ordnungspolizei Officer’s dress bayonet, measuring 48 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 33 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 each side of the blade. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “CARL EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic squirrel logo. It sits securely within a multi-piece hilt featuring a nickel silver crossguard, adorned with raised oak leaves, and pommel which takes the form of a double-sided eagle’s head. Two pieces of polished staghorn compose the handle grip, and are fixed in position with dual magnetic metal rivets. The reverse of the crossguard bears a unit mark of “P.M. 52.”, while the blade’s spine is stamped with an acceptance mark. Accompanying the bayonet is its original scabbard, constructed of a blackened leather shaft. Nickel silver fixtures are affixed to both the tip and throat, with a downward-pointing hook emanating from the latter for the accommodation of a frog. The former is included, and consists of multiple panels of blackened leather stitched and riveted into a loop for belt suspension. Stamped onto the reverse of the throat fixture is a unit code of “P.M. 52.”, indicating a matching set. A functional catch situated within the throat firmly holds the bayonet in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade and scratching of the nickel silver elements. This complete set remains in an overall extremely fine condition.