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

(Kriegsmarine Offiziersdolch). An extremely well-preserved Kriegsmarine Officer’s dress dagger, measuring 420 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 255 mm-long polished magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and unspoiled edges. Dual fullers run approximately two-thirds the length of each side of the blade, which also features a double-sided acid-etched design consisting of a central fouled anchor flanked by arabesque and serpentine designs. Stamped onto the obverse ricasso is a maker mark of “W.K.C.” for Weyersburg, Kirschbaum & Co., Solingen, topped by the firm’s classic knight’s helmet logo. Emanating from the reverse ricasso is a clip connecting to a spring-release button set into the crossguard to unlock the dagger from the scabbard when removing from storage. The blade sits firmly within the crossguard, with the seam covered by a partially-intact brown suede buffer pad. The crossguard itself is constructed of gilded bronze and bears a central double-sided fouled anchor. 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. Completing the dagger is a pommel consisting of a detailed German national eagle perched on top of a wreathed mobile swastika, screwing in to securely maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of bronze and bearing etched designs throughout the shaft. Dual integral oak leaf bands are set into the upper third of the scabbard, each retaining a loop for the accommodation of a dagger hanger. The throat is secured together with dual side rivets and retains a functional catch meeting the dagger’s locking clip. Age-related friction renders depression of the spring release difficult, but the dagger demonstrates no notable damage or other issues, and is in an extremely fine condition.