Germany, Kriegsmarine. An Officer’s Dress Dagger, Refurbished Example, by Clemen & Jung

(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 mm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel dagger which features double-sided dual narrow fullers, as well as acid-etched nautical scenes in the form of central fouled anchors flanked by arabesque and serpentine imagery. The obverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “CLEMEN & JUNG, SOLINGEN”, while the reverse ricasso is also marked with the firm’s early monogram logo. The blade sits securely within a multi-piece hilt with a gilded brass crossguard, bearing double-sided central fouled anchors. Inset into the obverse of the crossguard is a functional push-button connecting to a clip which emanates 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 brass wire cord. The dagger culminates in a gilded brass pommel in the form of a German national eagle perched on top of a wreathed mobile swastika, which screws in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. Accompanying the dagger is a mis-matched first model scabbard, constructed of a gilded brass shaft with etched imagery distributed around the circumference. Two integral rope rings are set in place just below the throat, each with an eyelet and loop for the inclusion of a hanger. A functional catch within the throat locks onto the blade’s clip. Issues consistent with age and refurbishment are evident, and include moderate deterioration throughout the blade’s nickel plating consistent with exposure to a caustic substance, the loss of the buffer pad with the addition of a reinforcement to the seam just above the crossguard, and denting throughout the lower half of the scabbard. This refurbished example remains in a very fine condition.