Germany, Ordnungspolizei. A Dress Bayonet - by Alexander Coppel

(Ordnungspolizei Bajonett). A very well-preserved Ordnungspolizei dress bayonet, measuring 490 mm in length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 335 mm-long polished and non-serrated magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and a fuller on each side. The reverse of the blade is stamped near the ricasso with a maker’s mark of “ALEXANDER COPPEL, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the company’s scale logo, while the reverse ricasso is also stamped with a company logo. The blade sits securely within the nickel-silver alloy crossguard, the obverse of which bears an oak leaf design, while the reverse is stamped with an inscription of “L. O. 95.” for Landjägerei Ostpreußen. The handle grip is composed of two pieces of finely-textured staghorn, secured in place by four visible rivets. Set into the obverse of the hands is a silvered Ordnungspolizei insignia, measuring 20 mm (w) x 22 mm (H). It completes with a hooked pommel in the form of a stylized eagle’s head with detailed feathering. The bayonet is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a boiled brown leather shaft. Riveted into both the tip and throat are nickel-silver fittings, with the latter bearing a downward-pointing hook for attachment to a frog. The throat fitting is secured in place by an additional rivet and retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the bayonet in place during storage. A matching set, the throat fixture is similarly stamped with a district mark of “L. O. 95.”. Some pitting and running marks are evident to the blade, along with the loss of a single secondary reinforcement rivet to the reverse of the handle grip, oxidation of the nickel-silver elements, and material fatigue of the scabbard leather. It is in an overall very fine condition.