Germany, Third Reich. A Postschutz Leader’s Dagger, Refurbished Example, by Paul Weyersberg

 (Postschutz Dolch für Führer). A Postschutz (Postal Protection) Leader’s dagger, measuring 40 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 24.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains some factory-original sharpening to the edges and tip. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “PAUL WEYERSBERG, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic wreathed sword logo. The blade sits securely within a nickel-silver alloy crossguard, taking the form of a double-sided stylized German national eagle, inset with double-sided blackened mobile swastikas. The top of the crossguard bears a stamped mark of “DRP” (“DEUTSCHE REICHSPOST”) and issue number of “1995”. The handle grip consists of a single piece of curved black painted wood, with the obverse inset with a silvered Postschutz insignia, measuring 25 mm (w) x 15 mm (h). It culminates in a nickel-silver pommel which screws in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. Wrapped around the pommel is a mis-matched Wehrmacht-issue portepee, consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorn suspended from a cord of identical construction. Accompanying the dagger is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic shaft. Three nickel-silver fittings are secured to the tip, mid-section, and throat. The latter two retain loops for the accommodation of a chain link hanger which meets a matching spring clip, constructed of a nickel-plated zink alloy. A functional spring catch situated within the scabbard’s throat firmly holds the dagger in place during storage. Issues consistent with wear and refurbishment are evident, and including extensive cleaning and polishing of the blade resulting in the loss of its cross grain, modification of the crossguard’s marks, chipping throughout the handle, loss of scabbard paint, denting of its fixtures, and hyperextension of the spring clip. A scarce example, this refurbished dagger remains in a very fine condition.