Croatia, Independent State. A Rare Jasenovac-Made Lančara Dagger

A rare and well-preserved Lančara dagger, measuring 378 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 215 mm-long magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges. The blade emanates from a one-piece tang, in turn featuring a double-sided wooden handle grip securely held together by three bronze alloy rivets. A separate magnetic metal crossguard protects the user’s hand while in use. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a slate grey-painted magnetic metal shaft. A downward-pointing hook emanates from one side of the shaft for the accommodation of an optional frog. Unmarked, the dagger demonstrates the physical characteristics of examples manufactured at Jasenovac camp for the Croatian Armed Forces and Ustaše militia. Issues consistent with age and wartime use are evident, and include consistent pitting and oxidation of the blade and magnetic metal features, some loosening of the crossguard, and minor scratching and cracking of the handle grip. This rare dagger is in an overall very fine condition.