Germany, Kriegsmarine. An Officer’s Dress Dagger, Refurbished Example, by E. & F. Hörster

(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 with dual narrow fullers running the majority of the length of each side. The faint remnants of acid-etched imagery are visible on both sides, while the reverse ricasso bears the partially-legible maker’s mark of E. & F. Hörster, Solingen. The blade sits securely within a gilded brass crossguard which bears double-sided fouled anchors. A functional push-button spring release set into the obverse connects to a clip which emanates from the ricasso to release the scabbard lock. A single piece of ribbed off-white celluloid composes the handle, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and rolled wire cord. 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 imagery distributed around the outer circumference. Two integral oak leaf rings situated just below the throat accommodate loops for the addition of a hanger. A catch situated within the throat holds the dagger in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and refurbishment are evident, and include pitting and cleaning to the blade which has erased its original etchings, replacement of the buffer pad, crude epoxy repairs to the handle, and some loss of gilt finish to the brass fixtures. This refurbished example remains in a fair condition.