Hungary, Kingdom. A Model 1932 Air Force Officer’s Dagger, with Hanger, by Mészáros Lajos

A Model 1932 Royal Hungarian Air Force Officer’s dagger, measuring 37.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 20.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, stiletto-style magnetic steel blade. The obverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “MÉSZÁROS LAJOS” for the prolific Budapest-based manufacturer of Hungarian edged weapons. The blade sits securely within an elaborate gilded and silvered brass crossguard with downturned quillons and an elaborate raised Hungarian national eagle on the obverse. Inset into the centre of the reverse is a functional push button which connects to a clip which emerges directly adjacent to the ricasso to release the scabbard lock. A single piece of ribbed black ebony composes the handle grip, while the dagger culminates with a pommel in the form of a double-sided eagle’s head, executed in nickel-plated brass, which screws in to maintain its structural integrity. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a tapering nickel-plated brass shaft. A raised Hungarian coat of arms emerges from the obverse just below the crossguard, and is situated within a radiant and pebbled frame. Also emanating from the edge of the shaft are dual rings for the accommodation of a hanger. A catch set into the throat’s opening locks onto the scabbard’s clip to hold the dagger in place during storage. Some issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks to the blade with additional blunting of the tip and edges, some loosening of the hilt, and minor loss of nickel to the plated fixtures. It remains in an overall better than very fine condition.

Also accompanying the dagger is a matching hanger, consisting of a functional brass spring clip with dual loops set into the lower edge. Each loop retains a brown leather strap which is adjusted with a ribbed brass buckle. The straps complete with magnetic metal spring clips which lock onto the scabbard’s loops. Measuring 25.5 cm in total length as presented, the hanger demonstrates minor material fatigue to the leather, but remains in a near extremely fine condition.