Germany, Kriegsmarine. An Officer’s Dagger, by Paul Weyersberg & Co

(Kriegsmarine Offiziersdolch). A well-preserved Kriegsmarine Officer’s dagger, measuring 42.5 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. The blade has a double-sided acid-etched design consisting of central fouled anchors flanked by arabesques. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “PAUL WEYERSBERG & SO., SOLINGEN”, surrounding the firm’s wreathed sword logo. The blade sits securely within a gilded bronze crossguard, which has double-sided central fouled anchors. Inset into the reverse of the crossguard is a functional push-button release connecting to a spring catch emanating from the blade’s ricasso. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of ribbed white celluloid, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and rolled bronze wire cord. It completes with a gilded 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 cord of identical construction. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a gilded bronze shaft with etched designs around the outer circumference. The upper third of the shaft has two integral oak leaf bands, each retaining a loop for the accommodation of a hanger. The throat is flanked by two rivets and retains a functional catch to lock onto the blade’s clip. Etched onto the side near the throat is a presumed owner’s name of “PINDER”. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include minor tarnishing to the blade, and sporadic verdigris and loss of finish to the bronze features. It remains in an overall near extremely fine condition.