Germany. A Kriegsmarine Officer’s Dagger by W. Kirschbaum & Cie AG of Solingen

An example of a third reich period German Kriegsmarine dagger, measuring 414 mm with its scabbard on, with a 245 mm nickel-plated magnetic steel blade, with dull edges and having a sharp tip. The blade’s reverse ricasso is marked with the maker mark of Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie AG of Solingen, depicting overall surface wear, as well as runner marks on the blade common to extraction and return to the scabbard, but with the original etching on the blade overall well preserved. The fittings are brass, bearing an anchor design on both sides of the crossguard, with a blade release button on the maker marked side of the dagger. The pumpkin-coloured celluloid grip shows minimal fading from age, with cracks in the grip from age, but with the seven rows of wrapped twisted brass wire well preserved. The pommel exhibits a detailed Naval eagle standing on a wreathed swastika, with moderate surface and gilt wear on the wings. The ornately-designed scabbard exhibits contact wear with multiple small dents and surface wear on the body from active use. The throat is held firmly in place by two period screws, with the body having two bands displaying the traditional oak leaf design with thick dagger hanger rings; matching Kriegsmarine dagger portepee; fabricated from fine aluminum bullion wire; the head in multiple rows of innate twisted wires; the centre of the head in loops matching embroidery; the stem in a thatched design; with long fine aluminum wire cord tightly wound around the scabbard and pommel of the dagger; with considerable wear on multiple spots from use and age; also accompanied by a non-original dagger hanger constructed of brown leather. In overall as-found condition.