Germany, Third Reich. A Postschutz Official’s Dagger, Composite Parts Example, by Carl Eickhorn

(Postschutz Dolch). A composite parts Postschutz official’s dagger, measuring 39 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. It is plain with the exception of a maker’s mark on the obverse ricasso reading “ORIGINAL EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic logo of a squirrel clutching a sword. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy upper crossguard, featuring double-sided central black mobile swastikas. The handle grip consists of a single piece of lacquered black wood, with the obverse inset with a silvered Reichspost insignia. A flattened nickel-plated pommel completes the dagger. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft, riveted with nickel-plated fixtures at the tip, mid-section, and throat. Emanating from the latter two are loops for the accommodation of a hanger. The throat retains a functional spring catch to firmly hold the dagger in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks to the blade, scratching to the hanger grip, and nicks to the nickel-plated fixtures. This dagger, constructed of retrieved parts and demonstrating signs of postwar reassembly is in a very fine condition.