Description
E. & F. Hörster, Waffenfabrik, Solingen, H H S monogram pierced by a sword (obverse) and E&F.HÖRSTER SOLINGEN two-line italic mark (reverse) double-TM. As stated on page 219 of The Sword And Knife Makkers Of Germany 1850-2000 Volume 1 by the late Anthony Carter, “Most of the [Hörster] bayonets were stamped with the two line italic mark”. Nickel-plated hilt fittings show minor surface wear, but no lifting, oxidation or pitting to the well detailed eagle head pommel without pommel slot and oak leaf embellished crossguard. The reverse crossguard is unground with no evidence of an accountability number. Medium brown stag horn grip plates show light surface wear/age toning, but no cracks or chips, and with Third Reich Police grip emblem properly pinned to the obverse plate. Grip plates show evidence of being cut down during refurbishing at the time the clamshell was removed and blade shortened after the SS assumed control of the Police in June 1936, as the original lower obverse rivet hole has been filled with a brown paste while the reverse hole is unfilled. Plated blade measuring 32.5 cm in length grades EX++ with minor runner marks and some faint shadowing, but no grinding marks near the blade tip where blade was shortened and no nicks to cutting edge. Spine of blade is Waffen-amt marked and complete with brown leather buffer pad. Black leather scabbard shows light surface wear/age, but no creases, rips or tears, and no damage to the reverse stitching. Dent-free nickel-plated scabbard fittings show minor surface wear with no damage to the lower ball, and are complete with retaining staples. The black leather, triple-stitched, 4-rivet frog grades EX++ showing minor wear but, no rips, tears of damage to stitching. Nice Hörster, double-trademark example that was shortened and up-dated for use during the Third Reich. EX+/EX++
