Germany, Kriegsmarine. A Kriegsmarine Naval Officer’s Dagger by Weyersburg & Kirschbaum, Solingen

(Kriegsmarine Offiziersdolch). A well-preserved Kriegsmarine officer’s dagger constructed of a 251 mm-long nickel-plated magnetic steel blade, beautifully engraved on both the obverse and reverse with naval motifs including anchors, serpentine creatures, and decorative leaves. On the reverse ricasso, a maker’s mark reading “WKC” along with the profile of a knight’s helmet is clearly visible, indicating this dagger was manufactured by Weyersburg & Kirschbaum, Solingen. The blade attaches to the 130 mm-long handle through the brass upper cross-guard which bears decorative anchors and designs. In the upper cross-guard sits a fully-functioning but loose (previously repaired) blade release button, with the catch set flush into the blade allowing the dagger to remain securely in the scabbard when not in use. The grip is constructed of beautifully preserved ivory-coloured celluloid accented by seven rows of tightly-wrapped woven brass wire in the creases of the grip. The pommel is constructed of a brass Reichsadler (National Eagle), with the eagle gripping a wreathed mobile swastika. The interior of the eagle’s wings is flanked with amber-coloured gemstones that were added to the dagger post 1945. Tightly coiled around the handle is an ornate, beautifully-presented officer’s pommel composed of interwoven rows of silver aluminum bullion wire, finishing in an acorn-shaped knot. The scabbard, measuring 281 mm in length, is constructed of brass with an alternative pebbled finish. Set into the scabbard are two brass loops attached to oak leaf wreaths allowing the unit to be suspended from a uniform. Minor wear is evident on the dagger, including some tarnishing and runner marks from scabbard insertion and extraction on the blade, a crack in one notch of celluloid on the handle, and some minor tarnishing of the scabbard. The dagger is otherwise intact and presents in an overall very fine condition.