Germany, DRK. A Red Cross Leader’s Dagger, with Hanger

(Deutsches Rotes Kreuz Dolch für Führer mit Gehänge). A Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (German Red Cross/DRK) Leader’s Dagger, measuring 38 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 leather 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. Wrapped around the handle is a period portepee, consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorn suspended from a cord of identical construction. 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 tarnishing to the blade, loss of nickel plating to the crossguard and pommel, and significant loosening of the handle grip which rendered insertion and extraction of the blade from the scabbard difficult. This rare Leader-grade dagger remains in a very fine condition.

Accompanying the dagger is a matching hanger, consisting of a functional aluminum spring clip with two loops emanating from the lower edge. Each loop retains a beige doeskin strap topped by a layer of beige rayon, in turn trimmed with silver aluminum wire tresses bordered with red embroidery. The straps are adjusted with functional aluminum buckles, and culminate in functional silvered feinzink spring clips to lock onto the scabbard’s loops. Unmarked, the hanger measures 29 cm in total length as presented. Demonstrating minor to moderate loss of silver finish to the metal elements, the hanger remains in a better than very fine condition.