Germany, Feuerschutzpolizei. A Commemorative Dress Bayonet

(Feuerschutzpolizei Bajonett). A very well-preserved Feuerschutzpolizei commemorative dress bayonet, measuring 410 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 250 mm-long polished magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and unspoiled edges, and with fullers running down the length of each side. The obverse of the blade bears a finely-detailed acid-etched inscription of “DEM GAUSIEGER, WEIMAR 1936” (“TO THE REGIONAL VICTOR, WEIMAR 1936”), flanked on the left by Feuerschutzpolizei imagery in the form of a fireman’s helmet on top of an axe and sword. It sits securely within a one-piece nickel-plated zink alloy hilt, which features a hooked crossguard. An intact black leather buffer pad covers the seam where the blade and crossguard meet. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite comprise the handle grip, and are secured together with dual non-ferrous metal rivets. As a decorative piece, the bayonet does not feature an insertion slot. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted metal shaft. A downward-pointing hook emanates from the side of the shaft and connects to a period original black leather frog, stitched into a loop for belt attachment. The scabbard retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the bayonet in place during storage, and is held together with a single side rivet. Minor issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, as well as oxidation and loss of finish to the metal elements. This unique commemorative Feuerschutzpolizei dress bayonet is in an overall near extremely fine condition.