Germany, Democratic Republic. An NVA Officer’s Dress Dagger

(NVA Dolch für Offiziere). A well-preserved Nationale Volksarmee (National People’s Army/NVA) Officer’s dress dagger, measuring 40 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with unspoiled sharpening to the edges and tip. Dual narrow fullers run the majority of the length of each side of the blade. The obverse ricasso is stamped with a serial number of “72231”, while the reverse ricasso bears a Suhl factory mark. The blade sits securely within a plated brass crossguard which culminates in acorns at each end, and with 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, while the dagger culminates in a rounded and plated brass pommel which screws in to maintain its structural integrity. Accompanying the dagger is its original scabbard, constructed of an anodized magnetic metal shaft with plated brass fixtures secured to both the tip and throat. The latter bears a raised NVA insignia, oak leaf, and has two eyelets which accommodate loops for the inclusion of a hanger. The throat retains a catch to lock onto the blade’s clip for secure storage. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, a chip to the plating of the pommel revealing the brass base metal, and some scratching of the scabbard shaft. The dagger remains in a near extremely fine condition.