Germany, Kriegsmarine. An Officer’s Dress Dagger, by F.W. Höller

(Kriegsmarine Offiziersdolch). A well-preserved Kriegsmarine Officer’s dress dagger, measuring 42 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 with narrow dual fullers running approximately two-thirds of the length of each side. It has double-sided acid-etched designs, with the obverse bearing a central fouled anchor flanked by arabesques and a ship, while the reverse bears a solitary ship flanked by arabesques. The reverse ricasso has a maker’s mark of “F.W. HÖLLER, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic thermometer logo. The blade sits securely within a gilded bronze crossguard, which bears double-sided central fouled anchors, with the seam covered by an intact black leather buffer pad. Inset into the reverse of the crossguard is a functional push-button release connecting to a spring clip emanating from the blade’s ricasso. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of ribbed dark brown celluloid, with the ribbing retaining a period original twisted and rolled bronze wire cord. It completes with a bronze pommel consisting of a German national eagle perched on top of a wreathed mobile swastika, screwing in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. Wrapped around the crossguard is a matching portpee, consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorn suspended from a strap of identical construction. The dagger is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a dimpled and gilded bronze shaft. The upper third of the shaft has two integral oak leaf bands, each retaining loops for the accommodation of a hanger. Two rivets flank the throat, which retains a functional catch to lock onto the blade’s clip. It demonstrates minor issues consistent with age and wear, including minor running marks to the blade, moderate cracking to the handle, and moderate loss of gilt finish to the bronze elements. The dagger is in an overall better than very fine condition.