A Rare Croatian Diplomatic Dagger

Manufactured by "Braca Knaus, Zagreb" (marked on the blade); fittings in silver platted bronze, blade nickel plated (good very fine condition); scabbard is straight, minor wear and moderate use, no major dents; handle in black synthetic material, worn, moderate wear; overall this dagger shows moderate wear and use, exhibits nice original patina throughout, overall very fine plus condition; very rare.

A Croatian Air Force Dagger with Hangers by BRAĆA KNAUS;  Measuring 430 mm with scabbard, this dagger features a 246 mm nickel-plated blade, magnetic, with unsharpened edges, remaining bright and crisp, having a very sharp tip. The blade is maker marked "BRAĆA KNAUS = ZAGREB" on the reverse ricasso. Faint scratches overall, common to extraction and return to the scabbard, natural shine, in extremely fine condition. Exhibiting traces of rust where it butts the crossguard. Nicely-detailed two-sided eagle crossguard, the reverse eagle exhibiting light surface wear. Fittings in silver-plated tombac, dagger handle in a synthetic off-white material, with hairline cracks, which is usual for this type of dagger, along with scattered chipping. Hilt is completed by an original silver bullion portepee in the correct tie, exhibiting wear in the blue fabric covering on the head, exposing the underlying wood frame. Scabbard also in silver-plated tombac, free of dents, with two rings attached, measuring 287 mm in length. Accompanied by original dagger hangers, embroidered uppers, leather backers, ornate design on the clips and buckles matching that of the scabbard, showing wear from active use and age, very fine. Overall, near extremely fine.

A WWII Croatian Air Force Dagger - A WWII Croatian Air Force Dagger - Air Force Dagger WWII, by Braca Knaus, Zagreb (double marked on blade and scabbard throat); fittings and scabbard are in silver plated tombac, exhibiting moderate wear; handle is made of synthetic off-white material, having few hairline cracks, which is usual with this type of dagger; blade is nickel plated, few spots of rust, but overall in very fine condition;  scabbard have few minor dents, but about 97% of plating intact; this dagger comes with original hangers, showing use and age, but a good example in slightly worn condition. In overall very fine condition.

Manufactured by "Braca Knaus, Zagreb" (marked on the throat of scabbard); nickel-plated hilt fittings exhibit slight surface wear to the circular pommel with twisted rope border and center obverse with raised inscription, "NHD" (independent state of Croatia). The straight crossguard features downward rolled quillons with a twisted rope pattern border and triplet design on the obverse and reverse quillon block. The plain black celluloid grip shows minor surface wear and no cracks or chipping. Blade is approximately 25cm (10 inches) long, bright and shiny, unmarked, double edged blade, in extremely fine condition. The scabbard is straight, patinated nickel-plated variety, and features a pebbled area between the two hanger bands; it retains virtually 100% of the factory dark finish,. In overall extremely fine condition. Rare dagger in excellent condition.