(Seitengewehr für Polizei). This is a very well-preserved Schutzpolizei unslotted dress bayonet, measuring 490 mm in length when inserted into the scabbard. The bayonet features a 330 mm-long nickel-plated steel blade with a sharpened tip and blunted edges, with fullers on both the obverse and reverse. The blade presents plain with the exception of a maker’s mark near the reverse ricasso reading “PAUL WEYERSBERG & CO., SOLINGEN”. The blade sits firmly within the nickel-silver plated upper crossguard, itself featuring a hooked quillon and decorated on the obverse with oak leaves, and with a reverse inscription of “S.W.I.” for Schutzpolizei Wiesbaden, along with an issue number of “1304”. The crossguard forms a one-piece handle which completes in a pommel consisting of a stylized eagle’s head with finely-detailed feathering. The grip consists of two pieces of stag horn held together by dual metal rivets.
The obverse is inset with a police insignia in the form of an eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika on top of an oval oak leaf wreath, measuring 20 mm (w) x 22 mm (h). It includes a scabbard constructed of a pressed leather shaft, the tip of which bears a silvered bronze adornment held in place by a staple. The throat is held together by a single rivet and retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the bayonet in place during storage. It is similarly stamped with “S.W.I. 1304”, indicating that it is an original accompaniment to the bayonet. The shaft also bears a downward hook connecting to a frog constructed of single piece of blackened leather, fastened together by four visible magnetic metal rivets and form a loop for belt attachment. The frog is stamped on the reverse with “PO 1937” and “1936” with an illegible maker’s mark. Oxidation is evident to the metal and zink features, with significant material fatigue apparent to the leather elements, which includes a split to the reverse seam of the scabbard. The bayonet is in an overall very fine condition.