POLICE BAYONET Third Reich period emblem, upgraded from the Weimar-era design. [Carl Eickhorn]. (Matching numbers)

A police bayonet of the Weimar period, subsequently modified in accordance with Third Reich standards, representing a characteristic example of the unification measures implemented within German police structures after 1933. The blade bears the trademark of the renowned Solingen firm Carl Eickhorn — the squirrel emblem that served as a guarantee of the highest quality from this manufacturer.

Structurally, the bayonet retains evidence of its Weimar origins: the originally longer blade was shortened, with the point reground to conform to the new standard. The grip was similarly reduced in length. The Weimar-era escutcheon was replaced with a new police emblem — an eagle with swastika within an oak wreath, characteristic of the Third Reich police service. The leather scabbard has likewise been adjusted to accommodate the reduced blade length. Matching numbers are preserved on both blade and scabbard — identical serial designations confirming their factory pairing.

Police bayonets constituted a distinctive type of edged weapon issued to German police forces during the Weimar Republic and Third Reich periods. Police bayonets differed structurally from military patterns in blade configuration and the characteristic grip treatment featuring the police emblem. Weapons of this type were employed primarily for parade and ceremonial purposes, as well as during guard duty. The modification of Weimar-era bayonets was conducted on a large scale as part of the standardisation of police unit armaments, rendering this category of items relatively common among collectors of German police edged weapons. Many surviving examples display original Weimar-period police unit markings, frequently accompanied by later numbers and stamps added following modification during re-inventory or reissue to different units.

The Carl Eickhorn company was established in Solingen in 1865 and became one of the largest manufacturers of edged weapons in Germany. The trademark squirrel emblem (Eichhörnchen) served as a guarantee of the highest quality. During the Third Reich period, the firm produced an extensive range of regulation edged weapons: daggers for all branches of service, SA, SS, NPEA, NSFK, and TeNo daggers, as well as dress daggers, sabres, and swords. Carl Eickhorn products are distinguished by superior steel quality and meticulous finishing, and are highly prized by contemporary collectors.