Germany, Kriegsmarine. An Officer’s Dress Dagger, by Carl Eickhorn

(Kriegsmarine Dolch für Offiziere). A Kriegsmarine Officer’s dress dagger, measuring 42 cm in length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the edges and tip. Dual narrow fullers run the majority of the length of each side of the blade, which also bears double-sided, acid-etched nautical images consisting of fouled anchors flanked by serpentine and arabesque designs. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “ORIGINAL EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, surrounding the firm’s classic squirrel logo. The blade sits securely within a gilded brass crossguard which bears double-sided central fouled anchors, with an intact wool buffer pad covering the seam. Inset into the reverse of the crossguard is a functional push-button connecting to a clip which emanates from the ricasso to release the scabbard lock. A single piece of ribbed off-white celluloid composes the handle grip, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and rolled wire cord. The dagger culminates with a gilded brass pommel in the form of a German national eagle perched on top of a wreathed mobile swastika, screwing in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. Accompanying the dagger is its original scabbard, constructed of a gilded brass shaft with etched imagery distributed around the circumference. Dual integral oak leaf bands are set in place just below the throat, each retaining a loop for the inclusion of a hanger. The throat retains a functional catch to lock onto the blade’s clip for secure storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks to the blade with additional minor surface oxidation, as well as moderate oxidation and tarnishing throughout the brass fixtures. The dagger remains in a very fine condition.