Germany, Feuerschutzpolizei. An NCO’s Commemorative Dress Bayonet, by Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie

(Feuerschutzpolizei Bajonett). A well-preserved Feuerschutzpolizei NCO’s commemorative dress bayonet, measuring 41 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge. Each side of the blade has a wide fuller which runs the majority of the length of the bottom edge. It is plain with the exception of a maker’s mark on the reverse ricasso in the form of the logo of Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie, Solingen. The blade sits securely within a one-piece, nickel-plated, non-magnetic metal alloy hilt with hooked quillons, and with an intact brown leather buffer pad covering the seam. The handle grip is composed of two pieces of pebbled black bakelite, secured together with dual magnetic metal rivets. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. Emanating from the side of the shaft is a downward-pointing hook for the accommodation of a frog. The former is included, and is constructed of a heavy piece of black leather which has been stitched into a loop for belt suspension. Also wrapped around the frog is a matching portepee, consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire and red threaded acorn, in turn suspended from a black leather strap embroidered with silver aluminum wire tresses. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks and sporadic tarnishing to the blade, minor loss of finish to the nickel-plated fixtures, and some loss of scabbard paint with consequent surface oxidation. This matching set remains in a near extremely fine condition.