France, Republic. An Air Force Dagger, Named to Colonel Arié Maxime, Air Force Reserve 1984

Dagger is chrome-plated steel, with an extremely sharp tip, both sides with a raised ridge in the centre and bevelled deeming it double-edged and diamond-crossed, magnetic, obverse ricasso marked with the French Air Force insignia, reverse ricasso is maker marked "DUMAS 142/79", obverse of the blade engraved in running script "Association Nationale des Officiers de Réserve de l'Armée de l'Air au Colonel Arié Maxime", reverse engraved in running script "Novembre 1984 / No. 61", spring steel tension clips placed on either side of the ricasso to secure the dagger to the scabbard, the blade measuring 260 mm in length. Flat straight crossguard contoured on the obverse and reverse sides, gilt brass grip caps are rectangular in shape, white synthetic grip designating it as a dagger for officers and officer cadets, square gilt brass grip cap nut secures the grip assembly to the blade, the portapee in gold-coloured bullion wire on a dual cord with length adjustment ring is wrapped around the handle in the appropriate fashion, the blade exhibiting edge nicks and spotting, with scattered gilt wear and contact marks on the brass fittings, the entire dagger inclusive of its blade and handle measuring 370 mm in length. It is housed in its original scabbard, the rigid wood/cork body covered in dark blue leather, two gilt brass rectangular hanger bands with ball finials containing loose hanger rings, gilt brass chape finished with a square finial, spotting evident on the brass fittings, the square finial exhibiting gilt loss overall, the dark blue leather wrapped body free of marks and wear, the scabbard measuring 295 mm in length. The dagger is housed in its cardboard box of issue, thatched texture design on the interior and the exterior, exhibiting light wear and soiling on the lid, the box measuring 410 mm in height x 85 mm in width x 35.5 mm in height. Near extremely fine. 

Footnote: This dagger was adopted by Order of July 20, 1934, Article 65. Daggers were worn during ceremonies, inspections, taking of arms and reviews.