Germany, Feuerschutzpolizei. An EM/NCO’s Bayonet, by E. & F. Hörster

(Feuerschutzpolizei Bajonett). A well-preserved Feuerschutzpolizei EM/NCO’s bayonet, measuring 405 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 250 mm-long polished magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip, sharpened lower edge, and with fullers running the length of each side. The blade is plain with the exception of a maker’s mark near the reverse ricasso reading “E. U. F. HÖRSTER, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the company’s logo. It sits securely within a silver-plated upper crossguard which presents with stylized hooks in a classic Feuerschutzpolizei format. An intact black leather buffer pad covers the seam where the blade meets the crossguard. The latter forms part of a one-piece hilt which completes in a curved pommel, in turn lacking an insertion slot as a decorative piece. The handle grip is composed of two pieces of pebbled black bakelite, secured together with two magnetic metal rivets. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft with a downward-pointing hook emanating from the side. The hook retains a period original black leather frog, secured into a belt loop with heavy stitching. Wrapped around the frog is a replacement, mis-matched, and possibly postwar portepee constructed of multi-coloured threading. The bayonet demonstrates some issues consistent with age and use, including slight oxidation of the silver plated metal, loss of paint to the scabbard, and some fatigue of the frog leather. It is in an overall very fine condition.