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

(Kriegsmarine Offiziersdolch mit Anhänger). A well-preserved Kriegsmarine Officer’s dress 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 unspoiled edges. It features double-sided dual narrow fullers which run approximately two-thirds of the length of each side. The blade also features double-sided acid-etched designs consisting of a central fouled anchor, flanked by arabesques and serpentine designs. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “PAUL WEYERSBERG & CO., SOLINGEN”, circumscribed the firm’s wreathed sword logo. It sits securely within a gilded bronze crossguard which features double-sided fouled anchors in the centre. Inset into the reverse crossguard is a push button which connects to a clip emanating from blade’s ricasso to lock the dagger into place within the scabbard. Wrapped around the crossguard is a period original portepee, consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorns suspended from a strap of identical construction. 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 bronze pommel in the form of a German national eagle perched on top of a mobile swastika, screwing in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a gilded bronze shaft with etched floral designs around the circumference. The upper third of the shaft features two integral oak leaf bands with loops for the accommodation of a hanger. The latter is included, and consists of black doeskin straps topped by black rayon, each adjusted with functional gilded bronze lion head buckles and completing in functional spring clips for uniform suspension. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some loss of finish to the gilded elements, as well as fatigue of the portepee. The set remains in an overall near extremely fine condition.