Germany, Third Reich. A Rare Postschutz Official’s Dagger, by Paul Weyersberg

(Postschutz Dolch für Führer). A well-preserved Postschutz official’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 factory-original sharpening to both the edges and tip. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “PAUL WEYERSBERG, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic wreathed sword logo, indicating manufacture by the sole confirmed producer of Postschutz edged weapons. The blade sits securely within a multi-piece hilt featuring a nickel-silver crossguard executed in the form of a double-sided German national eagle, bearing central black mobile swastikas on each side, with an intact blackened leather buffer pad covering the seam. The crossguard is stamped with a mark of “DRP” (Deutsche Reichspost) and issue number of “1909”. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of lacquered and black painted wood, inset on the obverse with a silvered Reichspost insignia measuring 24 mm (w) x 15 mm (h). It culminates with a nickel-silver pommel which screws in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. Accompanying the dagger is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. Nickel-silver fixtures are secured to the tip, mid-section, and throat with side rivets. Emanating from the latter two are loops securing multi-link chains which meet a functional spring clip for uniform suspension. A functional spring catch situated within the throat firmly holds the dagger in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade with additional signs of cleaning and polishing, sporadic scratching to the handle grip and nickel-silver fixtures, and moderate loss of scabbard paint resulting in some surface oxidation to the exposed base metal. This rare and properly maker-attributed dagger remains in a near extremely fine condition.