Germany, Kriegsmarine. An Officer’s Dress Dagger, Puma Model, by Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie

(Heer Offiziersdolch). An extremely well-preserved first pattern Kriegsmarine Officer’s dress dagger, measuring 41 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25 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 bears double-sided acid-etched designs consisting of central fouled anchors flanked on each side by arabesque and serpentine designs. The obverse ricasso also bears the maker’s logo of Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie, Solingen. The blade sits securely within a gilded bronze crossguard, with one side featuring a central German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika, and the other a fouled anchor, with the seam covered by an intact black leather buffer pad. Inset into the reverse of the crossguard is a functional push-button release connecting to a clip emanating from the blade’s ricasso to release the dagger from its scabbard. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of ribbed celluloid, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and rolled bronze wire cord. It completes with a rounded and gilded pommel, screwing to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. Wrapped around the crossguard and handle is a matching portepee consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorn suspended from a strap of identical construction. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a dimpled and gilded non-magnetic metal shaft. The upper third of the shaft features two integral oak leaf bands, each retaining loops for the accommodation of a hanger. The throat is flanked by dual rivets fastening in place a functional spring catch to lock onto the dagger’s clip. Minor running marks are visible to the blade, but the dagger demonstrates no other evident damage or wear and is a rare example in extremely fine condition.