Russia, Soviet Union. A Navy Officer’s Dirk, with Hanger, by the Zlatoust Factory

A well-preserved Soviet Navy Officer’s dirk, measuring 34 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 21.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to the edges and tip. The obverse ricasso is maker marked with the logo of the Zlatoust Tool Factory, above a manufacture date of “57”. The reverse ricasso bears a serial number of “Г01801”. The blade sits securely within a bronze crossguard featuring hooked quillons, with the seam covered by an intact blackened leather buffer pad. A functional push-button set into the crossguard connects to a clip emanating from the ricasso to release the scabbard lock. The handle grip consists of a single piece of light brown bakelite. The dirk culminates in bronze pommel, the obverse of which bears a Soviet coat of arms, with a five-pointed star on the base, screwing in to maintain the dirk’s structural integrity. Accompanying the dirk is its original scabbard, constructed of boiled and blackened leather shaft with bronze fixtures secured to the tip, mid-section, and throat. The latter bears a five-pointed star defect by a sickle and hammer on one side, and a depiction of the Spasskaya Tower on the opposite side. Two eyelets emanating from the side of the uppermost fixtures retain loops for the accommodation of a hanger. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade and tarnishing of the bronze fixtures. It remains in a near extremely fine condition.

Also accompanying the dirk is a matching hanger, consisting of a black rayon belt fastening closed with a bronze lion’s head medallion at each end concealing a loop and clasp. Two additional lion’s head medallions retain loops for the accommodation of additional black rayon straps, similarly adjusted with functional buckles bearing dual heads, complete with clips to lock onto the dirk’s scabbard. Unmarked, the hanger demonstrates minor material fatigue to the straps, and remains in a near extremely fine condition.