Germany, Weimar Republic. A Reichsmarine Officer’s Dagger

(Reichsmarine Dolch für Offiziere). A well-preserved Reichsmarine 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 blade with a sharpened tip and unspoiled edges. Dual narrow fullers run the majority of the length of each side of the blade, which also features double-sided acid-etched designs consisting of naval imagery situated within arabesques. The obverse ricasso is maker marked “HIC”, while the reverse ricasso bears a partially legible stamp of “121”. The blade sits secured within a gilded bronze crossguard which features double-sided central fouled anchors, with the obverse inset with a functional push-button release connecting to a clip emanating from the blade’s ricasso to lock onto the scabbard. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of ribbed off-white bone. The ribbon retains a period original twisted and rolled bronze wire cord. It completes with a rounded pommel which screws in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. Accompanying the dagger is a matching but replaced scabbard, constructed of a gilded bronze shaft. The upper third of the shaft features integral bands in the form of stylized ropes, each retaining a loop for the accommodation of a hanger. A functional catch inside the throat locks onto the blade’s clip. Stamped onto the side near the throat is an issue number of “111”. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, scratching of the handle grip and some tarnishing of the bronze features. This late Reichsmarine-period dagger remains in a better than very fine condition.