Germany, Kriegsmarine. An Officer’s Dagger, by Weyesberg, Kirschbaum & Cie

(Kriegsmarine Dolch für Offizier). An early and extremely well-preserved Kriegsmarine Officer’s dagger, measuring 43 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges. Dual narrow fullers run approximately two-thirds of the length of each side of the blade, which also features double-sided acid-etched imagery consisting of a fouled anchor and ship at full mast, both flanked by arabesques. Stamped onto the obverse ricasso is the maker’s mark of Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie, Solingen. It sits securely within a gilded bronze crossguard, bearing double-sided central fouled anchors, with the seam covered by a partially-intact maroon wool buffer pad. Inset into the reverse ricasso is a functional push-button spring release connecting to a clip which emanates from the ricasso. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of ribbed dark brown celluloid, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and rolled bronze wire cord. It completes with a gilded 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 and pommel is a matching portepee, consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorn suspended from a strap of identical construction. It 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 with loops for the accommodation of a hanger, while the throat retains a functional catch to lock onto the blade’s clip. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks and minor tarnishing to the blade. This early Kriegsmarine Officer’s dagger remains in a near extremely fine condition.