France, Republic. An Air Force Dagger

Dagger is chrome-plated steel, with a semi-sharp tip, both sides with a raised ridge in the centre and bevelled deeming it double-edged and diamond-crossed, magnetic, reverse ricasso is maker marked "P. FOURY 70 R. LA FAYETTE PARIS DÉPOSÉ", the blade measuring 260 mm in length. Flat straight crossguard contoured on the obverse and reverse sides, gilt brass grip caps are rectangular in shape, orange synthetic grip (the colour itself known to exist but are not mentioned in the regulations, the colour perhaps the result of ageing), square gilt brass grip cap nut secures the grip assembly to the blade, the blade exhibiting scratches overall, common to extraction and return to the scabbard, along with a few edge nicks and spotting, with scattered gilt wear and contact marks on the brass fittings, the entire dagger inclusive of its blade and handle measuring 370 mm in length. It is housed in its original scabbard, the rigid wood/cork body covered in dark blue leather, two gilt brass rectangular hanger bands with ball finials containing loose hanger rings, gilt brass chape finished with a square finial, leather dagger hanger straps with sliders, gilt brass buckles and finished with large hooks, the straps measuring 200 mm and 360 mm in length respectively, surface wear evident in the dark blue leather wrapped body, gilt wear and contact marks on the brass fittings, overall wear evident on the straps from active use, the scabbard measuring 295 mm in length. Very fine.

Footnote: This dagger was adopted by Order of July 20, 1934, Article 65. Daggers were worn during ceremonies, inspections, taking of arms and reviews.