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(Bundesmarine Jubiläums-Ehrendolch mit Etui). A unique and well-presented collector’s edition Bundesmarine 50th Anniversary Honour Dagger. Measuring 420 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard, it features a 250 mm-long magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and unspoiled edge. Dual fullers run the length of each side of the blade. The obverse features an acid-etched inscription of “50 JAHRE DEUTSCHE MARINE, 1956-2006” (“50 YEARS OF THE GERMAN NAVY, 1956-2006”), set within oak leaf branches. An inscription of “KONTERADMIRAL ERIC TOPP” is set into the obverse ricasso, commemorating Germany’s third most successful U-Boat ace who saw extensive postwar service with the fledgling Bundesmarine. The reverse features intricate acid-etched nautical designs, with a maker’s mark on the reverse ricasso of “WKC, GERMANY, EST. 1883”, for the firm of Weyersberg, Kirschbaum, & Co. of Solingen. It is topped by the firm’s classic knight’s helmet logo and sits above an issue number of “049/500”. The blade sits securely within a gilded bronze upper crossguard, with an intact white wool buffer pad covering the seam. Each side of the crossguard bears a raised fouled anchor, with the obverse featuring a functional push-button release connecting to a clip set into the blade for locking onto the scabbard. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of ribbed white celluloid, wrapped in a gold bullion wire cord. The dagger completes with a finely-detailed gilded bronze pommel, presenting as a German State Crown. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a dimpled gilded bronze shaft. Dual integrated bands presenting as stylized ropes are set into the upper third of the scabbard, completing in loops for attachment to a hanger. The throat is secured together with a single side rivet.
It is accompanied by a two-piece hanger, constructed of two black rayon straps. The straps both complete at each end with functional gilded bronze spring clips, and are adjusted with lion’s head buckles of identical construction. One strap measures 260 mm in length, and the other 155 mm in length, in their current presentation. Also included is a portepee, consisting of a stylized acorn construction of multiple rows of twisted and rolled silver aluminum wire, suspended from a cord of identical construction. It is unmarked and measures 480 mm in length.
The set is accompanied by a period original presentation case, constructed of a dark lacquered wooden frame. It opens with a functional metal hinge and dual functional snap buttons. The interior features a padded navy blue velvet lid liner, featuring a central carved wooden coat of arms WKC, the former measuring 80 mm (w) x 95 mm (h). It features a customized, slotted blue felt medal bed accommodating each piece of the set. The case measures 470 mm (w) x 280 mm (l) x 55 mm (h).
This unique commemorative Bundesmarine dagger set is in an overall extremely fine condition.
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