Germany, Weimar Republic. A Reichsmarine Officer’s Dress Dagger, by Weyersburg, Kirschbaum & Cie

(Reichsmarine Offiziersdolch). An extremely well-preserved Reichsmarine Officer’s dagger, measuring 40 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25.5 cm-long nickel-plated magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges, and dual fullers running approximately two-thirds of the length of each side. The reverse ricasso bears the maker’s mark of Weyersburg, Kirschbaum & Co., Solingen, topped by the firm’s classic knight’s helmet logo. It sits securely within a gilded bronze upper crossguard, with the seam covered by an intact wool buffer pad, each side of which is decorated with a central fouled anchor. Inset into the obverse of the crossguard is a functional push-button release connecting to a clip which emanates from the blade’s ricasso, which locks the dagger in place within its scabbard. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of ribbed black celluloid, with the ribbing retaining a twisted and rolled bronze wire cord. It completes with a “flaming ball” style pommel which presents with oak leaf designs around the outer circumference, screwing in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a dimpled and gilded bronze shaft. The upper third of the shaft retains two integral loops which emanate from ribbed bands for the accommodation of a hanger. The throat is secured together with dual side rivets, and retains a functional lock to meet the dagger’s catch. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade and tarnishing of the bronze elements. It remains in an overall extremely fine condition.