Germany, Imperial. A Rare Navy Officer’s Dress Dagger, with Damascus Blade and Hanger, by Carl Eickhorn

(Kaiserliche Marine Dolch für Offiziere mit Damastklinge und Gehänge). A rare and extremely well-preserved Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial German Navy) Officer’s dress dagger, measuring 39.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a stunning 25 cm-long magnetic Damascus steel blade featuring double-sided dual narrow fullers, a sharpened tip, and sharpened edges. The obverse bears a striking gilt inscription of FESTEN MUTH IN STURM UND GEFAHR” (“FIRM COURAGE IN STORM AND DANGER”), printed on a stylized banner which is interspersed with laurel branches. The reverse ricasso is maker marked with the classic mirrored squirrel logo of the firm of Carl Eickhorn, Solingen. It sits securely within a gilded bronze crossguard which bears double-sided central fouled anchors, with the seam covered by an intact red wool buffer pad. Inset into the reverse of the crossguard is a functional push-button release connecting to a clip white emanates from the ricasso. The handle grip consists of a single piece of ribbed off-white bone, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and rolled wire cord. It completes with a pommel consisting of a gilded bronze German State Crown, screwing in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. The dagger is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a dimpled and gilded magnetic metal scabbard. Two integral oak leaf bands set into the upper third retain loops for the accommodation of a hanger. The throat features a functional catch to lock onto the scabbard’s clip. Demonstrating only minor, age-appropriate tarnishing and patination of the metals, this superb and high-quality Officer’s dagger remains in an extremely fine condition.

The dagger is paired with a period hanger of three-piece composition. It consists of a black doeskin belt topped by a layer of black rayon, perforated on the reverse with eight eyelets reinforced with magnetic metal grommets. Each end features a gilt ring to loop the belt in place, with one end retaining a gilded bronze buckle consisting of a circular laurel leaf wreath, surrounding a central fouled anchor defaced by the monogram of Kaiser Wilhelm II. The belt is paired with two small straps of identical construction, adjusted with functional lion head buckles and completing at each end in a functional spring clip. Demonstrating minor oxidation and material fatigue to the metal and embroidered elements, respectively, this Officer’s dagger hanger remains in a near extremely fine condition.