Germany, Kriegsmarine. An Officer’s Dress Dagger, by Carl Eickhorn

(Kriegsmarine Dolch für Offiziere). A very well-preserved Kriegsmarine Officer’s dress dagger, measuring 42 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. Dual narrow fullers run the majority of the length of each side of the blade, which also bears double-sided, acid-etched nautical imagery consisting of central fouled anchors flanked by serpents and arabesque latticework. The obverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “ORIGINAL EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, topped by the firm’s classic squirrel logo. Surrounding the maker’s mark is a hand-etched service number and owner’s initials. The blade sits securely within a gilded brass crossguard which bears double-sided central fouled anchors, with an intact wool buffer pad covering the seam. Inset into the obverse of the crossguard is a functional push-button which connects to a clip emanating from the ricasso to release the scabbard lock. A single piece of ribbed off-white celluloid composes the handle grip, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and rolled wire cord. The dagger culminates with a gilded brass pommel in the form of a German national eagle perched on top of a wreathed mobile swastika, screwing in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. Wrapped around the handle is a matching knot, 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 gilded shaft with etched imagery distributed around the outer circumference. Dual integral oak leaf bands are set just below the throat, each with a loop for the inclusion of a hanger. A functional catch within the throat locks onto the scabbard’s clip for secure storage. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks and tarnishing to the blade, as well as some loss of finish to the scabbard. The dagger remains in a near extremely fine condition.