Germany, Ordnungspolizei. A Police NCO’s Degen, by Carl Eickhorn

(Polizei Degen für Offizier). An exceptionally well-preserved Police Officer’s degen, measuring 1000 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features an 810 mm-long polished magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge. Each side of the blade features a fuller that runs approximately two-thirds of its length. Stamped onto the reverse ricasso is a maker’s mark of “ORIGINAL EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, topped by the firm’s classic squirrel logo. The blade sits firmly within a one-piece, nickel-plated, magnetic metal hilt with a hand guard and with the seam covered by a fully-intact brown leather buffer pad. The handle grip consists of a single piece of lacquered, ribbed, and blackened wood. The ribbing retains a wrapping constructed of silver aluminum wire. A magnetic metal fixture consisting of oak leaves interspersed with acorns meets the crossguard. Inset into the obverse centre of the handle grip is a silvered and non-magnetic Ordnungspolizei insignia consisting of an oval oak leaf wreath overlaid by a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 25 mm (w) x 25 mm (h). The degen completes with a flattened and ribbed pommel nut, screwing in to securely maintain the degen’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a matte black-painted magnetic metal shaft. Magnetic metal fixtures are secured to both the tip and throat with two side rivets each, with the latter presenting in a trefoil design. The same fixture also retains a functional spring catch, firmly holding the degen in place during storage. Also emanating from the scabbard near the throat fixture is an integral loop and ring for the accommodation of a hanger. With the exception of minor oxidation which has resulted in sporadic loss of nickel plating to the handle guard, the degen demonstrates no damage or wear and is in an overall extremely fine condition.