Germany, DRK. A Rare Leader’s Dagger

(Deutsches Rotes Kreuz Dolch für Führer). A Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (German Red Cross/DRK) Leader’s Dagger, measuring 38.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the edges and tip. Fully unmarked, the blade sits securely within a multi-piece hilt, featuring a nickel-plated crossguard bearing double-sided oval medallion, with the obverse bearing a raised DRK-style German national eagle. An intact blackened leatherette buffer pad covers the seam where the dagger meets the hilt. A single piece of ribbed light brown celluloid composes the handle grip, while the dagger culminates in a wide, flattened pommel which retains an original pommel screw. Accompanying the dagger is its original scabbard, constructed of a pebbled and nickel-plated magnetic metal shaft. Two integral bands situated at the upper third of the shaft feature rectangular loops for the addition of a hanger, while a functional catch within the throat firmly holds the dagger in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks and sporadic loss of nickel plating to the blade, loss of nickel plating to the crossguard and pommel, and significant loosening of the handle grip. This rare Leader-grade dagger remains in a better than very fine condition.