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The item presented is an original German Police Bayonet (Polizei Seitengewehr), likely the model introduced after the centralization of the police in 1936. This example was manufactured by the well-known company Alexander Coppel from Solingen and is in very nice condition. Importantly for collectors, both the bayonet and the scabbard have matching unit numbers.
Blade: Flat, nickel-plated, with clear manufacturer's signatures. One side features the company logo – scales with the letters "A C S" (Alex Coppel Solingen). The other side has the full inscription "ALEXANDER COPPEL SOLINGEN". The blade shows visible signs of use, light dulling, and "runner marks" (scratches from being drawn from the scabbard).
Hilt: Features silver-plated zinc or nickel fittings with beautiful, realistic decorations in the form of oak leaves and acorns on the crossguard and an eagle's head pommel. The grip plates are made of natural stag horn in a brown color. Pinned to the right grip plate is an aluminum, 1st or 2nd pattern police eagle (national emblem within a circular oak leaf wreath).
Scabbard: Made of black leather, with steel, nickel-plated fittings that are secured with staples. The scabbard retains its shape and most of its original finish.
Unit Markings: On the underside of the crossguard (on the reverse) and on the top scabbard mount, identical numbers are stamped: "S.Ar. I 1167". The "S.Ar." marking likely refers to the Schutzpolizei (Municipal Police) in the Arnsberg district. The Roman numeral "I" indicates a specific sub-unit or precinct within that district, and "1167" is the inventory number of the weapon.
Accessories: Includes the original frog (brown leather, visible in the photo) and a portepee (police knot), making it a complete and rare set.
Historical Context: After Hitler came to power in 1933, and especially after the centralization of all police forces under the control of Heinrich Himmler in 1936, standardized uniforms and equipment were introduced. The police bayonet (formally Seitengewehr für Polizei) was a dress and service item for NCOs and enlisted men (officers wore shorter, privately purchased versions). These models were often converted from older Weimar Republic bayonets, which sometimes resulted in a shortened blade. Examples with matching unit numbers are particularly valuable, as they indicate continuous logistical issuance. The Alexander Coppel (Alcoso) factory was one of the key manufacturers of edged weapons in Solingen during that period.