Germany, Ordnungspolizei. An Officer’s Dress Sword, by Peter Daniel Krebs

(Polizei Degen für Führer). A very well-preserved Ordnungspolizei Officer’s dress sword, measuring 96 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 79 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade retaining factory-original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. A fuller runs approximately two-thirds of the top edge of each side of the blade. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “PET. DAN. KREBS, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s crustacean logo, while the blade itself sits securely within a multi-piece hilt. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of ribbed and lacquered black wood, inset on the obverse with a silvered bronze Ordnungspolizei insignia measuring 23 mm (w) x 20 mm (h). A nickel-plated magnetic steel hand guard protrudes in a D-shape from the crossguard and pommel, and is stamped with an SS proof mark. The crossguard is wrapped with a matching portepee, consisting of a stylized silver aluminum acorn suspended from a black rayon strap embroidered with silver aluminum wire and red threaded tresses. A rank-appropriate circular ribbed pommel completes the sword. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a blackened magnetic metal shaft. Two integral loops emanate from the upper quarter for the accommodation of a hanger. A silvered magnetic steel fixture is riveted to the throat and features a stylized trefoil design, and is stamped with an additional SS proof mark. Minor loss of finish is visible to the handle grip, hilt, and scabbard shaft, but this scarce and fine-quality example remains in an extremely fine condition.