Germany, Ordnungspolizei. A Dress Bayonet, by Alexander Coppel

(Ordnungspolizei Bajonett). An extremely well-preserved Ordnungspolizei dress bayonet, measuring 47 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 33 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge. A wide fuller runs the majority of the length of each side of the blade. The obverse ricasso is maker marked with the logo of Alexander Coppel, Solingen, while the reverse ricasso bears an additional full-text Coppel mark. Stamped onto the spine and reverse of the crossguard are property and district codes. The hilt is constructed of a nickel-plated alloy and features a hooked quillon and pommel in the form of a double-sided eagle’s head. The handle grip is composed of two pieces of staghorn, secured together with dual non-magnetic metal rivets. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a boiled and blackened leather shaft. Nickel-plated fixtures are riveted to both the tip and throat, with a downward-pointing hook emanating from the side of the latter for the accommodation of a frog. The former is included and is constructed of dark brown leather, securely stitched into a loop for belt suspension. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, scratching of the nickel-plated fixtures, and some material fatigue to the leather of both the scabbard and hanger. The handle grips also demonstrate evidence of the removal of a rivet, with one hole subsequently filled in. The bayonet remains in a near extremely fine condition.