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

(Kriegsmarine Offiziersdolch). A well-preserved Kriegsmarine Officer’s dagger, measuring 41.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25 cm-long nickel-plated magnetic steel dagger with a sharpened tip and edge, and dual fullers running approximately two-thirds of the length of each side. The blade bears double-sided acid-etched designs consisting of central fouled anchors flanked by serpentine and arabesque imagery. The obverse ricasso bears the maker’s mark of Weyersburg, Kirschbaum & Cie, Solingen, topped by the firm’s classic knight’s helmet logo. The blade sits securely within a gilded bronze crossguard, decorated on each side with a central fouled anchor. Inset into the reverse of the crossguard is a push-button release connecting to a functional spring clip emanating from the blade’s ricasso to lock the dagger into its scabbard. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of ribbed white celluloid, with the ribbing retaining a period original twisted and rolled bronze wire cord. It completes with a gilded bronze pommel in the form of a German national eagle perched on top of a wreathed mobile swastika, screwing in to securely maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. Wrapped around the crossguard and handle is a matching portepee, consisting of a stylized gold bullion wire acorn suspended from a strap of identical construction. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a gilded bronze shaft decorated with etched designs throughout the outer circumference. The upper third of the shaft features two integral oak leaf bands retaining loops for the accommodation of a hanger. The throat retains a functional catch to lock onto the dagger, and is secured together with side rivets. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include slight running marks and tarnishing to the blade, some scratching to the handle grip, and sporadic tarnishing of the bronze features. It remains in an overall extremely fine condition.