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

(Kriegsmarine Dolch für Offiziere). A 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 demonstrates the remnants of dual narrow fullers which run the majority of the length of each side. The obverse ricasso bears a partially-legible maker’s mark in the form of the classic squirrel logo of Carl Eickhorn, Solingen. The blade sits securely within a gilded brass crossguard, bearing double-sided central fouled anchors, with a functional push-button set into the obverse connecting to a clip emanating from the blade’s ricasso to release the scabbard lack. A single piece of ribbed white celluloid composes the handle grip, while the dagger completes 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. Accompanying the dagger is its original scabbard, constructed of a gilded brass shaft with etched designs distributed around the outer circumference. Dual integral oak leaf bands are set in place just below the throat, each retaining a loop for the addition of a hanger. A functional catch situated within the throat locks onto the blade’s clip. Significant issues consistent with age are evident, and include near-total deterioration and oxidation of the blade reflecting attempts to clean using a caustic substance, also resulting in the erasure of its etchings and partial-obscuring of the maker’s mark, with additional loss of the buff pad and handle wire, as well as friction which complicates use of the scabbard lock button. This dagger, featuring a relic blade, remains in fair condition.