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Recently, the daggers carried by the Axis powers, and other European countries, have proved to be popular collectibles. Although, in general, they are not as well made as their German counterparts, they are still of great historical significance, and certainly display well. Since reference material is still lacking, there are still many bargains to be had in this field - rarities have still not been established. In addition to the fine Chapter written by Dr. Milestone, in Johnson's Volume 3, and the fine reference book by Kurt Glemser entitled, "A Guide to Military Dress Daggers" (available in the "book" section on the "Offering"), recently a new hard back book has come out, entitled, "World of Dress Daggers", by Robert Berger. It is almost 300 pages, and definitely worth purchasing - has great informative text and wonderful photos.
AXIS #29255C ITALIAN MVSN MODEL 1937 WITH CHAIN HANGER
This model 1937 MVSN example has the usual aluminum hilt. The pommel is fashioned in a serpent like, snake shape and the side panels are plain running into a quillon crossguard which points upward. Inset into the aluminum hilt are bake-o-lite panels. The obverse panel has a Fascist symbol consisting of tied sticks with an axe symbol. The reverse is blank except for the fact it has the brass retaining screw. This hilt is in good shape showing only normal wear. The scabbard shell is a steel base being totally straight and dentfree. The shell has good conditioned original black paint. The paint has some mild spidering in the surfaces and there are a couple of small spots where paint is missing at the bottom area where it meets the chape. The lower chape has a copper base coat - some of which shows at the bottom ball. The rest of the chape is gilded and looks good.. There are two center brass band with small eyelets. Attached to the eyelets is the gilded brass chain hanger signifying a 1937 Model - the 1939 Model has black leather straps. The chain has four upper ringlets and seven lower examples. They are connected at the upper portion to a stylized, "M". These, of course, is the monogram of Mussolini. Attached to the initial is a matching snap clip featuring the Roman style eagle perched on a base with the "SPOR". The fine blade is a beauty reflecting pristine plating. As is the norm, the edge of the blade is at the top, instead of the bottom - an Italian anomaly that I'll never understand. This blade is in mint condition. A fine complete Italian Model 1937.
AXIS #27634C MODEL 1924 CHINESE ARMY DIRK WITH SUSPENSION STRAPS
This Chinese army dirk is quite attractive appearing to be the same as the example shown in the Fedurin Book on page 413, right. The hilt consists of brass mounts having a pressed out flower like design. The pommel is flat on the top and extends downward with strips of brass which cover the obverse and reverse of the grip area. The covering plates go into a matching flowered ferrule at the bottom of the grip. At the edges of the grip exposed are segments of grip ribs which have the appearance of a turtle shell look. I think that they are really a wood base with an enamel covering that gives this look. The ribs are tightly wrapped with brass twisted wire. Below the grip is a very small crossguard which has quillon ends which are in a round ball shape. The scabbard consists of a light steel plain shell which is slightly blued. Connected to the shell are matching brass mounts also having the flower design. There is one at the top and one at the bottom. Attached to the upper mount is a brown leather frog-like accoutrement. Attached to the frog are two short leather hanging straps each with an adjustable brass buckle. The blade of this dirk appears to be nickel-plated. It has a groove on both sides which runs down the center. The total length of this dirk in the scabbard is about 16 ½-inches. It shows minor age throughout and appears to be of World War II or slightly later vintage. A nice looking item.
AXIS #27653C BULGARIAN MODEL 1951 ARMY DAGGER WITH CHAINED HANGER
This Bulgarian army dagger is identical to the example that is shown on color on page 65 of the Fedurin book. The dagger has gilded brass fittings. The pommel is a square like device with a round top that acts as a tang nut. The top has the Soviet star raised out. The ferrule matches the square like design of the pommel having a slight taper to it. There are two brass strips of decorative metal that run across the obverse and reverse grip, they are inlaid into the grip which appears to be made of a white plastic or celluloid. These metal strips have a pigtail like roped look to them. The crossguard is straight having quillons that go upwards on the right and downwards on the left and they are in a teardrop shape. The scabbard of this example is a nickel-plated steel. It is straigit throughout. The steel shell is fitted with gilded brass mounts. There are three of them. The top mount is decorated with a standing lion positioned over a rising sun and on the reverse there is a government style building with a star at its peak. The center ramp and lower mount are plain but they do have a point at the center of the edges where they meet the scabbard shell. The center and upper mount are equipped with smooth eyelets and there is a chain hanger. The hanger consists of a number of matching metal ringlets which are held together with connector tabs. The two chain assemblies are connected to a matching gilded snap clip at the wearing area. The blade of this example is similar to a German naval type except that it has a single fuller instead of dual fullers. It is a double edged style blade with ricasso. The blade is a high quality example having good tip and fine mint nickeled finish. There is a red washer which is in place to protect the blade. A good-looking dirk here of high quality. This dagger measures approximately 14-inches overall.
AXIS #27654C DANISH AIR FORCE GROUND DUTY OFFICER’S DIRK
This Danish dirk is quite good-looking being only 14-inches overall. It is the same as the example shown on page 213 of the Fedurin book. The mounts of the dagger are all made of gilded brass. The pommel is in the shape of a doorknob with a small tip at the center top. The crossguard has a center block which features the Danish crest. It is a crown with cross at the top over a seal containing three outward stretched lions. The quillon arms taper downward to small balls at the end. The reverse of the crossguard has a blade release button. The grip is an attractive segmented wood type which has six flat sections which go around the circumference. It appears to have a black enamel or paint coating. The original portepee is still with the dagger. It is a miniaturized acorn style ball made of a nylon bullion like thread. The insert at the bottom is a red color and the cord is similar to twisted string. The knot is identical to the example that is shown on the book piece. The scabbard shell is made of metal but is covered with a grained leather. The leather is a black color and is in perfect condition. The scabbard mounts are matching gilded brass and there are three of them. Each mount has a curved edge where it meets the scabbard shell. The mounts are decorated with a beaded pattern which runs near the edge at the upper and lower mount and in the center on the center mount. The upper and center example are fitted with plain eyelets and matching carrying rings. The tapered lower fitting has a round ball style chape. The blade of this example is of highest quality being the style with double edge and center ridge. It has a needlelike tip and small ricasso. It is a nickel-plated example and remains in choice mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the trademark of the E&F Hörster company. It is a single oval having a large “H” letter with two smaller letters, “HS” in the center being pierced by a sword. This mark is from the seventies as this dirk is a model 1976. On the opposite ricasso there is a Danish seal which has wings attached to its edges. There is a white buffer pad which protects the blade. Most attractive high quality dagger.
AXIS #27645C THAILAND NAVAL OFFICER DIRK
This dirk is quite attractive measuring approximately 16-inches overall. The mounts are in gilded brass. This piece is identical to the example shown in color on page 415 of the Fedurin book. The pommel is in the shape of an elephant’s head facing to the left. The trunk actually forms a small loop which could be used to attach an accoutrement. The detail is fairly nice to the elephant’s head and there is a backstrap that flows downward to the ferrule which is lined and built into the crossguard. The crossguard is straight having a quillon which points upward at the left and one that points downward at the right. The grip is in the form of a ray skin which is white in color and probably a plastic base. The grip is in straight sections numbering nine ribs. Each rib is tightly wrapped with gilded triple wire the center being twisted. The reverse of the ferrule has a push button that releases the blade lock. The scabbard appears to be a metal base shell which is covered with a dark blue black leather. The leather is in perfect condition and has a pleasing grain in its surfaces. The scabbard is fitted with an upper and lower mount of matching gilded brass. These mounts have a scallop design at the area that meets the shell. The scallop design is similar to what we see on a Japanese naval dirk. The upper mount has three raised lines which act as a band and there is an eyelet on either side each equipped with a carrying ring for vertical suspension. These mounts are retained by a dome head screw in the right side edge. The blade of this example is double etched and is in a shape similar to a Japanese naval dirk. The blade has a single fuller which stops at about the center point and then a false edge begins at the upper blade spine flowing to the tip. It is a single edged blade with a false ricasso. The etching is in a floral design on both sides. At the bottom of the obverse etch there is a design which appears to be a temple like building with wings below it. The ricasso area has a design similar to a Jewish six pointed star. An interesting looking piece here. The blade is protected by a leather washer which matches that of the scabbard. This blade is a fairly high quality example. A nice looking dirk here.
AXIS #27643C THAILAND POLICE OFFICER DIRK
This police officer dirk from Thailand is done in a chrome or nickel finish and is identical to the example shown in the Fedurin book on page 418. The pommel is in the shape of an elephant. The elephant is turned to the left and his trunk creates a loop where an accoutrement could be attached. The detail to the animal is quite good throughout. There is a backstrap which is plain and flows downward the length of the grip ending in a matching ferrule with lined surfaces. The crossguard is a thin example having quillons which are extended to teardrop shape, one going upward at the left and the other downward at the right. The grip of this example is probably a wood base covered with a ray skin style material which could be plastic. It is an off-white color with good graining to the skin. The grip is composed of seven straight sections each tightly wrapped with triple wire, the center being twisted. The scabbard is composed of a metal shell with metal mounts. All pieces are matching and the mounts appear to be separately applied, one at the bottom and one at the top. Both of the mounts have scalloped designs where they meet the shell similar to that of a Japanese naval dirk. There is a single band at the upper portion of the scabbard and the band is fitted with an eyelet on the left and the right side which accommodates a ring. This piece was meant to be carried vertically. The throat is flared out and has three rings similar to the carrying band motif. The blade is removed through a push button at the reverse ferrule. The blade is a narrow single etched type having a single fuller. There is a slight false edge at the point end of the blade and the entire blade is high quality nickel plate. The blade is in mint condition. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the capital letters, “SPP” and on the reverse there are the numbers, “40” over “4740”. The original leather washer is in place. This dirk is fairly long measuring approximately 18 ½-inches.
AXIS #27663C UNIDENTIFIED SOUTH AMERICAN AIR FORCE DIRK
This air force dirk is quite good-looking measuring about 17-inches overall. I believe it could be Argentinean or one of the other South American countries but I can not find it in any of my references. The pommel is quite attractive being in the shape of an eagle’s head. The eagle looks to the left. The brass pommel below the head of the bird has nicely done feathering having some handwork involved. The ferrule below is a portion of the elaborate crossguard which has a round center block. This center block contains a vaulted star within a wreath and on the reverse there is a ribbon which runs across with a star above it. There is wording in the ribbon that appears to be, “Ordem Edrogresso”. This is not enough for me to identify the origin of this piece. Next to the center block there is a pair of feathered wings on either side. These wings must mean this is an air force dagger. The wings, like the eagle, also have fine feathering featuring good workmanship. The reverse crossguard has a blade release button. The grip is a segmented type which appears to be a white plastic. It tapers downward and the ribs run downward from left to right. The off-white grip is wrapped with triple twisted gilded brass wire. A fine looking hilt here. The scabbard is a black leather type having dual decorative lines which run down its surfaces and being sewn up the rear. The leather shell is equipped with matching gilded brass mounts. The upper mount and center mount have raised edges and a raised center area which connects to an eyelet with carrying ring. The center mount also has a plain eyelet with carrying ring. The lower mount tapers downward to a ball style chape. The blade of this piece is quite well done showing only minor age. This blade is a double edged center ridge type with bright nickel-plated surfaces. The ricasso is marked with the maker name, “Eberle” and beneath that, “March / Registrada”. There is a green felt buffer that protects this blade. A very nice dagger here that looks to be from the 1950s or early 1960s. I wish that I knew what it was and if someone can identify it please do so as we could use the assistance.
AXIS #27637C RUSSIAN MODEL 1945 ARMY OFFICER DIRK
This army officer dirk is exactly like the one shown in color in the Fedurin book on page 308. The dirk has gilded brass mount throughout. The pommel has a squared off brass top with a round fitting which acts as a tang nut. The fitting has a star raised out of the surface. The pommel obverse has the stamping of the Russian hammer and sickle within a wreath like device. The ferrule below has the same shape as the pommel and is fitted on the reverse with a push button release. The crossguard has quillon arms which go outward to an upward teardrop at the left and a downward teardrop at the right. The grip is a orange plastic which is deeper toned on the obverse than it is on the reverse. It has trimmed edges which give it an angular look. The scabbard shell is a metal base being covered with blue black leather. The leather is in good shape showing only minor usage signs. The scabbard mounts are matching brass gild and the obverse upper mount has a Russian star with hammer and sickle in the center with sunrays going out from it. The center mount and lower mount are plain having points on the edges where they meet the leather. The reverse of the upper mount has a church like building with clock and Russian star at the top of its steeple. The blade is a high quality double edged type with center ridge and short ricasso. It has a needlelike tip and is in pristine mint condition. The obverse ricasso has maker’s initials that look like the letters, “ZSK” and below this probably the date the dirk was produced, “1955”. On the reverse ricasso there is the issue number, “NO7371”. A leather buffer protects this mint condition blade. A nice looking Russian dirk here showing only minor age and some usage.
AXIS #27635C MODEL 1945 RUSSIAN NAVAL OFFICER DIRK
This Russian naval officer dirk is nearly the same as the example shown in the Fedurin book in color on page 306. The dirk is made of gilded mounts. The pommel has a squared look with a round tang nut at the top. The upper portion of the tang nut has a raised out star. The front section of the pommel displays the Russian two headed eagle with crown above. The ferrule is a matching shape to the pommel and it has a blade release push button on the reverse. The crossguard is a matching gilded brass having the left quillon going upward in a teardrop shape and the right quillon downward in a teardrop shape. The grip appears to be made of a tan colored plastic which is shaved on the corners to give it a segmented look. The scabbard of this example is a metal shell covered with blue black grained leather. The shell is equipped with matching gilded brass mounts. The mounts have points in the center areas where they meet the scabbard shell. The upper mount and center mount are equipped with eyelets with brass rings. The upper mount features a stamped anchor with fouled rope. The anchor occupies the majority of the frontal position of this fitting. On the reverse there is a sailing ship on the ocean with a castle having two flags on top in the background. These mounts are retained with rivet like nails through the scabbard shell. The bright blade is a double edged high ridge center type having short ricasso. On the obverse there is a number etched in, “2005” and below that the letter, “C”. I believe this is an accountability number not the date as this piece looks to be from the 1960s or 70s. The blade is in mint condition and is buffered with a leather washer. A nice Russian naval dirk.
AXIS #27615C UNIDENTIFIED BULGARIAN DAGGER WITH CHAIN
I cannot find any references to this dagger in any of the current books, but I am positive that it is of a Bulgarian vintage. It appears to be a dagger made in the 1970’s or 80’s. The pommel has a ball top which funnels outward to a rounded ferrule. The ferrule below matches the rounded area of the pommel, and steps in slightly with a flare where it meets the crossguard. The crossguard itself has the Bulgarian lion heads on each end of the quillons. This design is very similar to the Bulgarian army dagger of the 30’s, with the exception that the quillon arms are much thicker showing lion’s hair going all the way back to the center block.
The center block on both sides has a field design with a standing lion, being the symbol of Bulgaria, in the center. There is blackening in the backgrounds to bring out the details of this good looking crossguard. The grip appears to be a round metal variety, being cylindrical in shape and slightly bulbous in the center. The scabbard is a steel shell, which is equipped with functioning upper and center band. These bands are lined and have eyelets which accommodate a long linked chain. The lower scabbard fitting has matching lines similar to the bands, and then tapers downward to a ball. The scabbard shell is a black painted surface. The chain hanger is the style with overlapping links that lay nicely against each other. The two chains gather at a ring at the top, which is equipped with a clip. The clip is a chrome-like item that would connect over the belt area of a pair of trousers. The blade is a bright example, having a center fuller with double edges. It has a short ricasso which blends into the fuller area. The blade of this piece is not marked. This dagger is quite heavy overall, and measures approximately 15 inches in overall length.
AXIS #27636C RUSSIAN MODEL 1945 AIR FORCE DIRK
This Russian Air Force Dirk shows some actual wear time, which gives it quite a bit of character. The dagger is made of brass mounts, and is the same as the example shown on page 309 of the Fedurin book in color. This dirk has a squared pommel which is topped by a round fitting that retains the tang. The round fitting at the top portrays a vaulted Russian Star. On the face of the squared portion of the pommel, there is a design of a Hammer and Sickle below the Star. The ferrule is of the same proportion and shape as the pommel, and on the reverse is equipped with a push-button that operates the blade release lock. The crossguard is a matching brass type, with quillons that go outward into teardrop shapes at the end, one rising upward at the left and downward at the right. The grip is a squared orange color plastic, having the edges trimmed. The grip is in perfect condition. The scabbard shell is metal. It is covered with a fine blue-black leather. The leather shows some usage signs, but the grain is still there and there are no cuts or problems. The scabbard shell is fitted with three brass mounts. Each mount is pointed at the edge area where it meets the scabbard shell. The upper mount is decorated on the obverse with rising sun, having a winged propeller above it in the rays. On the reverse, a large airplane is shown rising above The Kremlin. These decorative depictions are very well done. The upper mount is also equipped with an eyelet and carrying ring that matches that on the center ramp. The lower scabbard fitting is completely plain. The blade of this example is a double edge type with center ridge. It has a short ricasso that becomes “v” shaped connecting to the ridge line. The point is still needle-like, and this blade remains in near full-mint condition. The reverse is marked with an issue number “A07549”, and on the obverse there is a set of initials which appear to be “ZNK”, above the number “58”. A fine looking Russian Air Force Dirk here, showing the realism of some usage.
AXIS #27642C POLISH AIR FORCE DIRK MODEL 1954 WITH HANGERS
This Polish Air Force Dirk is identical to the example shown in color on page 269 of the Fedurin book. The dagger features chromed fittings throughout, and does show some actual usage. This piece has a pommel that is cylindrical shaped, having a doorknob shaped ball at the top. The pommel displays on the obverse a raised-out Polish Eagle. The ferrule is matching cylindrical shaped at the bottom. It rests over a crossguard that has quillon arms, extending to ends having teardrop shape. The left crossguard arm rises upward and is holed, and the right crossguard arm extends downward in the teardrop shape. The grip of this example is an off-white plastic, which is rounded at both the obverse and reverse, and is oval-shaped on the edges. The scabbard shell is metal and is covered with a black leather, having very fine grain. The leather is sewn up the rear. The leather shows some mild usage scuffs, but there are no cuts or problems. The scabbard shell has three mounts. The mounts are a matching chromed finish, and each has a pointed center where the edge meets the scabbard shell. The upper mount has an enameled diamond applied insignia, which is checkered with red and white boxes. It is equipped with an eyelet and carrying ring, which matches that of the center ramp. The lower fitting tapers downward slightly, and has a ball that acts as its bottom chape. The blade is a double edged type with center ridge. It has a short ricasso that becomes “v” shaped as it meets the center ridge. The tip is still needle-like, and the blade has its bright original nickel finish rating in near mint condition. This blade is stamped on the obverse ricasso, “24242”. The reverse has no stamping and is equipped with a blade lock, that is button operated from the reverse of the ferrule. A nice dagger here! The dagger comes with its original hanging straps. These straps are of a white leather equipped with dark colored metal oval buckles. At the lower portion, there is a matching dark colored metal snap on each strap, and at the upper area the straps are equipped with matching “D” rings, having white leather belt loops. A complete example here, which shows some mild usage.
AXIS #29192C ITALIAN FASCIST M.V.S.N. OFFICER
This Italian Fascist Officer dagger is in nice condition throughout but does not have the hanger. The hilt is the standard aluminum variety. It has a pommel which is supposed to be an eagle but looks more like a frog’s head to me. The quillon arm goes upward at the bottom. The rest of the hilt is of smooth aluminum, having a black Bakelite grip insert on each side. The obverse Bakelite has a gilded brass fasces set into the center. These grip plates are retained by a single brass screw in the reverse center of the Bakelite. The scabbard shell is a tapered steel type with brass trim. The scabbard surface has outstanding original black paint. There are some very minor chips in the surfaces that have occurred over the years, but the paint still looks like it is about 95% all there and still bright. At the lower portion of the scabbard there is a gilded fitting with ball which acts as a chape. Usually, these are worn down to the copper flash coat. In the case of this example, all of the gilding appears to be in place. The scabbard bands are plain brass with eyelets and small rings. They also have traces of gilt. The blade of this example, oddly, has the edge at the upper portion of the knife instead of the lower. It has a short ricasso and also has a false edge which comes back about halfway. This blade is brightly plated and is easily in full mint condition. This example is the same as can be seen in the Berger book on Page 153.
AXIS #29190C ITALIAN M39 NCO PARADE DRESS DAGGER
This dress dagger looks identical to the example shown in the Berger book on Page 157, except the book piece has a fascist symbol on the scabbard and this one does not. The hilt of this example is of aluminum having a bird head-like pommel with no detail. The lower cross guard area combines a ferrule and quillon which goes outward to short, stubby ends which go downward slightly. The grip plates are made of black checkered Bakelite which are held by two steel rivets. The scabbard is a steel tube type which has a built-in throat vaulted outward slightly. The scabbard shell is decorated with twin lines, one at the upper area and one at the lower, and the tapered tip comes to a ball at the end. On the reverse of the scabbard, there is a metal belt loop which is tilted slightly to allow for the dagger to be carried on a slant. The blade of this example is a single edge type measuring 7” in length. It has a single cutting edge with short ricasso and false edge at the top which comes back to about the 2/3 point. This blade is bright and has all of its cross graining in the surfaces. It appears to be in mint condition. This is a nice Model 1939 here in choice condition.
AXIS #27594C SPANISH AIR FORCE DIRK
This Spanish Air Force dirk is quite long, being about 20½” in overall length. The hilt parts are made of a solid brass. This dagger looks very similar to the example shown in the Fedoran book on Page 216, except the book piece is an army, where as this one is an air force. The basic difference seems to be the center part of the cross guard. At any rate, the pommel of this example is a doorknob shape having nice raised decoration which goes around the thicker part of the center area. The top of the pommel has a round knob. The cross guard is quite hefty in the center and has quillon arms which become smaller and go outward for a short distance, ending in a pointed tip. The tip has a raised out design giving them the look of the tip of an air ship. The center portion of the cross guard has an open wing design with a crown over the center area. The reverse of the cross guard has the raised out seal of Spain which is a closed-wing eagle having a crest in its belly. The grip of this example is a tan color celluloid. It is wrapped with brass wire with no attempt to hide the ends. The wire is nice and tight and the grip is in perfect condition. This hilt shows some wear and patination. The scabbard shell is a matching brass. It is dent-free and has two mounts, both of which act as carrying bands. On the obverse, they have a 6-sided figure with floral designs and there is an eyelet that is built-in with a small carrying ring. The lower area of the scabbard has a floral design small panel ending a button shape. Other than these areas, the scabbard is plain. The original portepee is still attached to this scabbard. It is tied in a special knot positioned above the first band. It is a gold bullion cord ending in an acorn shape. The acorn shows quite a bit of fraying at the bottom. The blade is about 16” in length. It is of excellent quality, having a center segment with double edges and a ricasso. This blade is of quality nickel plate and it appears to be in near full mint condition, still with a good tip. The reverse of the blade is etched with a crown over initials which look to be “FTN”. There is also a leather washer which buffers the blade. A good Spanish Air Force here which is probably circa 1950s.
AXIS #27611C PORTUGUESE AIR FORCE DAGGER
This Portuguese Air Force example looks to have been produced in the 1950s or 1960s. It is overall 15” long. It has a pommel which is shaped like a doorknob having a tip at the top. The cross guard is a heavy type being about an inch and a half wide at the center area, tapering on both sides to quillons which are shaped like seeds. In the center of the obverse cross guard there is a bird which is flying to the viewer’s left. Beneath the bird is a Maltese style cross. On the opposite side of the cross guard, there is a raised out circle with a Maltese style cross in the center. This cross looks a lot like the ones that the pilot ships used to have on them. This mount is of brass construction. The grip appears to be a carved wood type covered with blue-black leather. It has 13 ribs which flow downward from right to left. The leather is tightly wrapped with twisted brass wire. The scabbard is a tube type which has been nickel plated. The throat is flared and built in. There are two carrying bands made of brass. They have squared mounts on the obverse which also have examples of the Portuguese cross. The chape area is a brass mount which has a button-like bottom. The second carrying band appears to be lower than it should be, but when the dagger is carried this positioning was done for balance. There are a couple of mild dings in the scabbard but nothing serious. The blade of this example is a fairly high quality type, being about 9½” in length. It has a ricasso with center ridge and it is double-etched. There is some mild age on the blade but, for the most part, it is bright and in near mint condition. A fairly rare dagger here.
AXIS #27640 POLISH MODEL 1954 AIR DEFENSE OFFICER
This Polish dagger is quite attractive, having nickel plated mounts. The pommel is a staged affair which has a small knob on the top and a cylindrical-like shape below. There is also a raised out ridge that runs around the area near the bottom of the pommel. On the obverse, there is a raised out Polish eagle. The ferrule below also has the raised out ridge and the rest of the area is smooth. The cross guards are plain, having a teardrop up-and-down quillon end. The “up” tear drop is drilled. The grip is an off-white plastic which is quite attractive, looking like ivory. The scabbard has a steel base and it is covered with black leather sewn up the rear. There are matching nickel plated scabbard mounts which have points in the center areas where they meet the leather. Other than this, they are basically plain except for the top mount which has an applied stylish eagle which appears to be dipping downward. The eyelets point outward and have small matching nickel rings. Attached to the rings is an original set of white Polish hangers. These hangers have white leather with smooth nickel plated ovaled buckles. There are snaps on the ends which attach to the eyelets and belt loops on the opposite end which are attached with “d” rings. The blade of this example operates with a lock button positioned on the reverse of the ferrule. The blade is a center ridged type double-edged and it is 9” in length. There is a number stamped into the ricasso “28085”. Overall, this is a nice looking dagger and should be starting to get desirable now that it is nearly 60 years old. This dagger and straps are the same as is shown in the Fedoran book on Page 270.
AXIS #27638C BULGARIAN MODEL 1936 ARMY OFFICER
This Bulgarian army officer is the same as the piece that is shown in color on Page 49 of the Fedoran book. The pommel is a open style with a cross on the top and fluer-de-lis that run around the outside base. There are finials which run out from the fluer-de-lis to the cross on top. The ferrule is very similar to a German army example, having overlapping oak leaves. The cross guard matches the pommel, having a good, nickel plated surface. This cross guard depicts a Bulgarian standing lion on a shield on the obverse and on the reverse, it has a Bulgarian medal of honor which looks similar to a war merit cross with swords. The cross guards of this example end in matching lion heads. The grip is an orange celluloid and it does have a chip up near the pommel and two chips at the ferrule area below. The grip is tightly wrapped with thin twisted brass wire. The scabbard is nearly identical to the German army officer counterpart, however, it is made slightly more prude. It has plating which is beginning to lift in a couple of areas but for the most part, it is still in place. The pebbled panels are not quite as crisp as the German counterpart. The carrying bands are equipped with overlapping oak leaves. The throat is very thin and is retained by two flat head side screws. Not a bad scabbard here, considering it is Bulgarian made. The blade is unmarked and is a double-etched type. The obverse has a center panel which depicts the Bulgarian crown over the “B” initial having the roman numeral “3” below. This stands for “King Boris III”. On the reverse side, there is some cyrrilic style writing which apparently means “God is with us”. This blade is in bright condition and is also fairly well made. A good Bulgarian Model 1936 officer dirk.
AXIS #27665C UNKNOWN NAVAL DIRK
This naval dirk does not seem to be in any of the books, so we are writing it up as unknown. It appears to be from the period of about 1960 – 1970. The hilt fittings are made of brass. The pommel is a simple round doorknob shape having an anchor at the very top. The cross guard has a built-in ferrule and has quillon arms that go outward and flare up at the end. There is no decoration to this cross guard. The grip appears to be a cylindrical wood being covered with leather. It is plain throughout, being slightly larger at the upper portion and tapering slightly at the bottom. This scabbard shell is some type of a composition material covered with blue-black leather. The leather has the scene in the center of the reverse. There are three brass mounts on this scabbard. They are fairly simple, the upper example having an anchor applied along with an eyelet and hanging ring and the center example being plain and having also an eyelet and hanging ring. The lower scabbard mount of this example is plain throughout. The blade measures about 10” in length. The blade has a short ricasso with center line and bevel edges. It is nickel plated but does look rather crude beneath and it is unmarked. There is a red felt buffer protecting this blade. If you know what this dirk is, perhaps it is a bargain.
AXIS #27633C RUSSIAN NAVAL MODEL 1940 WITH DRESS BELT AND HANGER
This naval officer dirk is the Model 1940 which makes it a WWII issued piece. It is the same as the example shown on Page 304 of the Fedoran book. The mounts on the dagger are of all brass and are of quality construction. The pommel is squared off on four sides and then has a rounded top which has a raised out, 5-pointed Russian star. The ferrule is also of the same configuration, having four straight edges. The cross guard is in the form of an up-and-down quillon having a rounded teardrop on each end. The grips are an orange celluloid which are bulbous slightly in the center and then tapered on each end. This grip is flat on all four sides. There is a blade release button built into the reverse ferrule. The scabbard is a wood base having blue-black leather covering. The leather is in fine condition. The brass mounts are plain, having points at the border where they meet the scabbard shell. These mounts are retained with brads centered on the reverse. The upper and center mount are equipped with eyelets and carrying rings. The blade is approximately 8” long having needlelike tip. It is a nicely polished example, having good nickel plated finish. This blade is in mint condition. It is serial numbered on the obverse ricasso “0047”. There is a black leather washer which is protecting the blade. Accompanying this naval dirk are the dress hangers and belt. These accouterments have yellow fabric with lines of colored boxes. They are fitted with anchor style double buckles and the belt buckle also has an anchor on it. The straps have a hook and regain set up as well as snap hooks. This rigging shows only modest age. A nice, complete example here.
AXIS #27639C ROMANIAN ARMY OFFICER MODEL 1968
This Romanian dirk has a slight resemblance to Russian types but it also has nice, unique designs. It is about 12½” in length. The mounts are all of gilded brass construction. The pommel is a four-sided example having a rounded top which is plain. The ferrule matches the four sides of the pommel. The reverse of the ferrule has a push-in blade lock. The grip appears to be a fancy plastic type having four sides and being bulbous in the center, tapering to both ends. The plastic tries to imitate mother of pearl. It is quite a nice looking grip, although it does appear a bit feminine. The cross guard is a brass style having quillon ends in the shapes of teardrops, the left side going down, the right side going up. The scabbard is of all brass. There is no chape at the end of the scabbard, however, there are two pressed out carrying bands at the upper and the lower. These bands feature overlapping oak leaves with acorns. They are equipped with eyelets and carrying rings. In the center between the two bands is a panel with raised backgrounds. In the center of the panel is the crest of Romania. There is a star on the top of a wheat wreath and inside appears to be some type of a building. This fine scabbard has a throat which is retained by two brass dome head side screws. The blade of this example is about 8” long. It is nice and bright, having outstanding polished surfaces. It has a ricasso which goes outward into a “v” design which extends into the center ridge of the blade. The obverse of the blade is serial number stamped “31398”. There is a blade locking device at the reverse ricasso. Accompanying the dagger is an original set of hangers and Romanian belt. The hanger straps do not seem to have hooks on the end, but this is also the way they are shown in the Fedoran book on Page 320. He also shows a dagger identical to this example.
AXIS #27630C HUNGARIAN OFFICER’S AWARD DIRK
This dirk was apparently adopted in 1992 and was given to Hungarian officers for long excellent service. The dagger measures about 16” overall. It has brass mounts. The pommel is in the shape of a snail shell having a curl design to the raised lines in the center. The cross guard has more of these curl designs which go around the extended quillon arms and come back again to form a “v” shape in the bottom of the cross guard. The same is true on the reverse. There is a Hungarian seal stamped into the center of the obverse cross guard. It appears as though there was an applied or glued seal here but it has gone to time. The grip is a bulbous style which narrows at the top and bottom area. It is of wood or plastic and is a black color. The scabbard is of wood base, having fine leather covering. The leather work is done quite well and in perfect condition. The carrying bands have the same style raised curls as the cross guard. There are lined eyelets with plain carrying rings. The lower chape fitting also repeats this raised curl design. The blade is a double-etched variety having a short ricasso that comes to a rhombic tip. This blade is in mint condition throughout and has a fine brown leather washer which is deep within the cross guard recesses. The cross guard is the type which goes over the scabbard throat and seals the blade. A good looking dagger here which is identical to the example shown on Page 98 of the Fedoran book.
AXIS #28460C CROATIAN AIR FORCE DAGGER - Braca Knaus, Zagreb
This Croatian Air Force dagger is in nice condition. These Croatian daggers have a great style to them, and I personally am a fan. This dagger has nickel plated white metal hilt fittings. The pommel is in the round circle design, and on the obverse it has the initials “NHD”. Around the initials is a twisted roped design. On the reverse, the center area is plain, but has the roped design. The crossguard depicts a narrow eagle with outstretched wings. The bird looks to the viewer’s left, and the detail is quite good on this bird. The same design appears on both sides. The grip is a white celluloid. It shows some age in the surfaces, giving it a creamy look. The obverse is in perfect condition, whereas the reverse has a couple of hairline cracks at the upper area, as well as one at the bottom area, but there are no fractures or problems. The scabbard is a matching silvered finish, and there is a pebbled panel in the center area. Above the pebbled area there is a design a called a “triplet”. Below are a number of circles with star-like devices in the center. The circles run downward, getting smaller as they descend. These patterns are called triplet and trefoil. The scabbard is the same on the obverse and the reverse. There are twin eyelets and carrying rings that are fitted to the right side of the scabbard. The blade of this example is the nicest one I have seen. Usually, these blades are quite crude and rusty. In this case, the blade is a beauty having a nickel plated finish. The finish is excellent and still mirror bright. The maker name and town are visible on the ricasso, “Bracca Knaus, Zabreg”. This is a good collectable example here.
AXIS #28459C MODEL 1939 SLOVAK PILOT DAGGER - Wlaszovits, Stos
The Slovak Pilot dagger is very similar to the Czechoslovakian type, except the crossguard is different. This difference means a lot as the Slovak piece is much, much, rarer than the standard Czech Air Force. This example is the same as the piece that appears in the Glemser III book, on pages 167 and 168. It also appears in the new Fedurin book, on page 323. The dagger is extremely well made and has a hilt formed of brass mounts. The pommel is a square type example, having indented center with beaded finish. The crossguard is fairly thick and slopes upward on both ends. It has a design on the front and reverse areas, and there are more pebbled patterns below. In the center of the crossguard is depicted the double cross symbol of Slovakia, which is positioned over mountains. This design is within a circle and appears on both sides. The grip has a bulbous center, which tapers at the top and the bottom. It has beaded borderlines, and in the center there is an insert of white celluloid material. This celluloid appears on both sides and is quite decorative. A fine looking hilt here! The scabbard is also a good looking example, tapering slightly from the throat area to the bottom chape. Although the scabbard is one piece, it gives the image of being three separate pieces connected to a shell. The top mount has raised rectangular designs with beaded borders. The center ramp is plain, and the chape fitting has a series of square designs placed next to each other with raised out figures. The two upper fittings have hanging rings in the design of backward “C” letters. The scabbard shell between the mounts is covered in a fine brown suede leather. The suede is still in excellent condition, showing only nominal wear. This entire dagger has a fine patination across its surfaces, and the raised areas are slightly brighter than the recessed areas, providing a fine visual affect. The blade of this example is a real “killer”. It is a double edge type, with short ricasso and a dolphin nose-type point. It has a prominent center ridge on both sides. The blade is in mirror condition, and still retains all of its original graining in the surfaces. This blade is high quality all the way, and is easily on a par with a German made example. The reverse ricasso has the name of the producer and the Slovakian town where it was made, “Wlaszovits, Stos”. As stated above, these Slovak pieces are quite rare, and this is a good one to save for the future, as the quality and condition are outstanding.
AXIS #28462C BULGARIAN LABOR CORP DAGGER
This Bulgarian Labor Corps dagger was made in Bulgaria, and is not a German made piece. Because of this, it is somewhat crude compared to the Solingen produced pieces that I have had in the past. It is on about the same par as the piece that is shown in the Berger book, on page 48. Also, there is a piece shown in the Russian Fedurin book, which also compares with this example, except the Fedurin piece is missing the leather on the scabbard. The fittings of this dagger are composed of brass metal. The pommel has the shape of a regal crown, and it is fairly well detailed, having fleur-de-lis that runs around its center area. The crossguard is in the shape of a lion’s head quillon at the left side, and a shovel at the right side. The shovel has a superimposed pick in the center of the shovel. At the crossguard center block, there is a Bulgarian Crest featuring two lions holding onto the edges of a shield, with a crown on top of it. The detail to this crest is not very good, but there is enough there to make out the depiction. The reverse center block is plain with a rectangular raised figure. There is a flared ferrule part above the crossguard that accepts the bottom grip area. The grip itself appears to be a painted wood base. It features seven ribs, which descend from right to left. The grip is wrapped with a twisted brass wire. Some of the original white paint is beginning to flake, and I would say this paint is about 80% to 85%. The scabbard shell is most likely a steel base. It is covered with a blue-black leather which is original. This leather is still in good condition, having no cuts or problems. The area between the two upper bands has an inverted heart shape device that depicts the sun over mountains, which is the Bulgarian Crest. The bands on either side are matching brass, and they roughly depict oak leaves. The eyelets are smooth, and the carrying rings have a roped design. The lower chape depicts sprigs of oak leaves and acorns, which run its length. The blade of this example is slightly more narrow than a German blade, but is has the same shape with center segment and double edge construction. The tip is still needle-like. This blade is nickel plated and is still quite bright, having a couple of minor age spots, but nothing bad. This blade grades in near mint condition. There is a leather blade buffer, which protects it. Overall, not a bad conditioned dagger, but being somewhat crude compared to those produced by Germany.
AXIS #27565C PROTECTORATE OF BOHEMIA AND MORAVIA GOVERNMENT SERVICE
This Protectorate
dagger is most beautiful, being of top quality and in first class
condition. The fittings are all gilded and they appear to be a
brass base. The hilt is most attractive with a rounded pommel
with the round part being in horizontal form. Going around the
outside perimeter, are overlapping lime leaves. At the top of
the pommel is a threaded device, which apparently retains the
tang. At the bottom of the grip is a ferrule that looks similar
to the pommel only thinner. There are two side straps that overlap
the grip and they are plain, having only notched edges for decoration.
The crossguard is a tapered downward dual quillon type. It is
also of plain surface. There is a small clamshell device that
has a raised-out sprig consisting of three lime leaves. Inserted
into the center area on both sides of the grip, is a most attractive,
deep orange, celluloid strip. This celluloid adds much to the
looks of the dagger and is in perfect condition. The scabbard
is a steel base and is fitted with three brass mounts. The areas
in between the mounts are covered with brown suede. The mounts
have lime leaves decorating the areas where they touch the scabbard
shell. The rest of the mounts have fluted style surface decoration.
The hanging rings are a “V” shape design and there is
one attached to the upper and the center scabbard mount. Attached
to the hanging rings is an outstanding set of original government
service, brown leather, hanging straps. The leather of these straps
is still quite supple and they are equipped with gilded brass
rectangular buckles and upper snap clip, which exactly match the
fine gilt surfaces of the dagger’s metal parts. The blade
of this example is a double-edged style with short ricasso and
center ridge. It is finished in the German manner and is an outstanding
example. All of the original graining is in the surfaces and this
blade grades in a mint state. The obverse ricasso is stamped with
the producer of this dagger, “A. Morzek Slany.” The
reverse ricasso is stamped with a small lion that is standing
on his back legs. There is a good picture of this dagger on Page
85 of the Berger book. A very beautiful example of a top-notch
piece.
Mint. $2995.00.AXIS #27563C CZECH AIR FORCE MODEL 1927 WITH HANGERS - Wlaszovits, Stos
The Model 1927
Czech Pilot’s Dagger is a good-looking item of fairly large
proportion. The hilt fittings are made of gilded brass. The pommel
is a squared-off design having pebble patterns running throughout
the center area. At the top of the pommel is a round device, which
acts as a tang nut. The crossguard flares upward on both sides
and has rectangular-like designs in each quillon arm. There are
three of these. In the center block, there is a rounded shape
that in turn, carries a diamond having a lion in the center standing
on its back feet flailing its upper arms. There is also a shield
at the lion’s breast. The side plates have designs that resemble
those of the crossguard edges and on the obverse there is a pebble
pattern that follows the grip hold. There is an insert at the
grip hold on both sides, which appears to be a slab of ivory.
The obverse piece has turned a golden color and shows some fine
graining. The same is true on the reverse except it is not quite
as gold. The scabbard shell is a steel base having brown leather
covering. The leather is original and appears in near perfect
condition. There are three mounts on this scabbard. The center
mount is plain with decorated edges; whereas, the upper mount
has rectangular designs with beading, similar to the grip. The
lower mount has more designs that are in squares, giving a pleasing
geometric look to the depiction. The hangers are attached to the
“V” shaped hanging rings. Attached are the original
hanging straps. They are brown leather, which is still supple
and in good condition. The buckles have a rectangular shape and
are beaded to match the hilt. There is a large, brass snap clip
at the end. The blade of this example is a double-edge type with
center ridge. It has a short ricasso with dolphin-style tip. The
ricasso is marked with the producer and the town, but a lot of
this has been ground off over a period of years. In fact, the
whole blade looks as though it had been cleaned up some years
ago. The maker of this piece is, “Walszovits, Stos.”
There is a leather blade buffer, which is still intact. This is
a good-looking dagger showing some age and some wear, but still
in very collectible condition.
Excellent. $1995.00AXIS #20186 MODEL 1939 ROYAL YUGOSLAVIAN ARMY OFFICER WITH ORIGINAL PORTEPEE AND HANGERS
This complete
example appears identical to the piece shown on page 263 of the
Berger Book. This Yugo dagger shows some wear and character, but
overall it is in good collectable condition. The fittings are
all of brass. The pommel is a stylized crown type, having beaded
surfaces and more or less resembling a doorknob. The crossguard
is a smooth brass affair with teardrop fittings, which go up and
down. The brown painted metal grip is ribbed and is wrapped with
brass wire. Attached to the crossguard quillons is the original
bullion portepee having red blue and white trim lines running
down the edges of the fabric length. The lower ball is a silver
bullion material having a flat crochet-like stem and bullion slide.
The stuffing is a silk red, blue and white material being the
national colors. This portepee shows some fraying from usage,
but it is all there. The scabbard is the standard copper-looking
type, having overlapping, raised oak leaves decorating the length.
The scabbard is fitted with three brass mounts, all of which have
scalloped edges where they meet the scabbard shell. These fittings
are also decorated with more oak leafing in the center area. The
upper mount has an applied silver depiction of a crowned double-headed
eagle with Yugo shield at its breast. These fittings are in excellent
condition and are retained by flush mount side screws. The blade
is a double-edged type, reflecting nickel-plated surfaces. It
also has a short ricasso. The nickeling is wearing slightly towards
the tip areas, but overall it is not too bad. Stamped into the
obverse ricasso is the Yugoslavian two-headed crowned eagle with
shield. This blade rates at about excellent. There is no maker
mark on this piece. The accompanying hangers are really terrific.
They consist of a set of long brown straps with oval buckles and
stubby-like snaps. The top clip is designed the same as the snaps,
only it is a bigger fitting. The upper portion of the hangers
though, is the most interesting as it has an applied two-headed
brass eagle which has a crown and the shield of Yugoslavia. These
straps are in good condition, and have a nice gray felt backing.
These straps would rate in a near mint state. Overall this is
a great complete package priced to sell.
Excellent Plus. $995.00
This example
shows overall carrying time, but no abuse. It appears identical
to the example shown in the Berger Book, Page 263. The stylized
brass pommel has beaded designs and gives the impression it is
an open finials design, but it is solid material throughout. The
matching crossguard is an up and down design with quillons ending
in ball designs. The grip is a wood based style, having eleven
ribbed sections running downward right to left. The surface is
painted a lighter brown color. Some of the paint is missing from
wear, but still rates about 85%. The grip is wrapped with single
twisted aluminum wire. The scabbard shell has a textured raised
look which represents overlapping oak leafing. The shell is fitted
with three brass mounts. They have scalloped edges where they
meet the shell. Both the upper and center examples have dual rows
of overlapping oak leafing. The leaves extend to the round eyelet
center areas. The upper mount also has a silvered Yugo two-headed
crowned eagle with crest in his stomach. This design is applied.
The lower mount is plain, ending in a ball chape. These fittings
are retained with headless, flush-mount brass screws. The blade
is removed with a push-button release positioned in the center
reverse of the guard. The blade is a fine quality nickel-plated
example, remaining in mirror bright condition. This near full
mint blade has a center ridge with double edges and short ricasso
design. The obverse ricasso portrays an etched Yugo eagle, while
the reverse is etched with a cross design containing cyrillic
writing of the producer name, and with a further Yugo eagle in
the center. The brown leather blade buffer is in place. A good
sound example.
This rather
diminutive example is only eleven inches in overall length. Although
it is called a dirk or dagger, it really is made more in the format
of a small bayonet. This example is German made, and, therefore,
is of high quality. The hilt fittings reflect a fine nickeled
finish, remaining at 100%. The pommel is in the shape of an eagle
head looking to the viewer's left. The bird has excellent feathered
detailing, appearing on both sides. Additionally the curved beak
and mouth details are striking. The eyes of the eagle are set
with faceted bright red glass. At the bird's obverse neck area,
there is a permanent "D" ring attached. Theoretically,
this could retain a portepee. The grip plates are black checkered
bakelite. These plates are in perfect condition being retained
with two steel rivets with dressed heads on the obverse. The obverse
plate has the applied cipher of King Carol II. It is a gilded
crown over a circle containing two "C" letters which
face each other. King Carol II ruled from 1930 to 1940. The scabbard
is a matching nickel plate. It is in perfect condition reflecting
100% plating. There is an unadorned lug positioned on the upper
obverse. The scabbard is made without a throat fitting. The scabbard
ends with a ball device. The blade is a double edged variety,
with high center ridge. It reflects fairly wide graining, but
appears in good shape. The word, "Solingen" is deeply
stamped into the reverse ricasso. This piece is very attractive,
and quite rarely seen. See Berger Book, Page 230.
AXIS #25634C ITALIAN MODEL 1940 ENGINEERS FOLDING KNIFE
This folding
pocket style Italian knife measures approximately 5.5 inches in
length. It is equipped with rounded wood grip plates. The wood
has some pleasing grain to it, but I do not know what type of
a tree it comes from. One side of the grip plates have been stamped,
“Genio Militare 1940". There is just one folding blade
with this knife. It is interesting in that it has a rounded tip
similar to a butter knife. The surfaces have been grained and
do show some mild age but, overall, are still in good polish and
good condition. The ricasso area of the obverse blade is stamped
with the letters “F.C.B.”. At the opposite end of the
knife, there is a ring to which there is a small chain attached.
This knife is a good collectible and for those specializing in
Italian gear, this should be a rare find.
AXIS #16859 ROYAL ROMANIAN NCO DIRK - Solingen
This high quality
example was produced in Germany. The hilt fittings reflect excellent
nickel plating which appears at 100%. The pommel is in the form
of an eaglehead, with the bird looking to the viewer's left. The
feathering, beak and mouth areas have excellent detail. The bird's
eyes are done in red faceted glass. There is a "D" ring
permanently attached at the obverse neck area. The grip plates
are a black checkered variety, retained by two steel rivets. Applied
to the obverse grip is the cipher of King Carol II, who ruled
Rumania from 1930 - 1940. The cipher is a gilded brass crown over
a circle. The circle contains two letter "C's" positioned
face to face. The scabbard is a nickel-plated variety, showing
some minor age in the surfaces. The lug fitting has gone to time.
The throat is retained by a single screw placed in the obverse
shell. The blade is the style with short ricasso and center ridge.
The surfaces show fairly wide graining, but the blade is in good
condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped, "Solingen".
See Berger Book, Page 230. Not a common item. Measures only eleven
inches overall.
AXIS #18052 MODEL 1941 CROATIAN ARMY - Braca Knaus, Zagreb
This example
reflects nickel plating over what is probably brass base metal.
The pommel is a circular shape, reflecting a roped border design
on both faces. The interior of the obverse pommel face has the
raised letters, "NHD", which stood for the Independent
State of Croatia. The crossguard features a center block design
of three connected roped interlocks. The crossguard quillons are
also decorated with raised roped designs on the upper and lower
edge borders. The quillon ends curl downward. The horizontally
placed, ribbed grip consists of eight sections. It appears to
be a celluloid type with a plaster fill. The obverse is totally
perfect. The reverse has a couple of minor hairliners at the upper
and lower area, and a very small surface chip at the second rib
from the top, but none of these are major in any way. The scabbard
is straight throughout. The seam extends down both sides where
the two scabbard shell halves were braised together. The upper
portion depicts interwoven roping matching that of the center
block. The center panel has a pebbled pattern design. The lower
scabbard portion depicts a series of ten descending sized roped
circles, each of which enclose a raised star design. The upper
carrying ring and eyelet are in place. The lower example is missing
- easy to make a new one, though, as they are just made from standard
metal rod stock. The blade shows quite a bit of age discoloration
in the surfaces, but no pitting. Rates at less than excellent,
though. It is a double-edged variety, having center ridge construction.
There is a short ricasso. The maker name and location is stamped
into the obverse ricasso, "Braca Knaus/Zagreb". The
original leather washer has gone to time, leaving a minor blade
shoulder gap - also easy to fix. A good starter piece or something
for the more budget-minded Axis collector.
AXIS #26468 FRENCH LONG BAYONET
This French
bayonet is rather unwieldy, as it is about 22 inches in length.
This, to me, is quite long and must have been difficult to use
on the battlefield. Nevertheless, it is a WWII item. The hilt
has an all-metal grip which appears to be a brushed aluminum or
magnesium metal. It is rounded with a handhold shape to it. There
is also a notch at the end where the bayonet fits over the rifle.
There is also a sleeve which runs at the top, and the barrel goes
through a circular device. The bottom area below the hilt is curved
downward and also has a serial number stamped on it. The bayonet’s
release button is gnarled for a good finger grip. The hilt of
this example is still quite clean. There is a minor piece of metal
which looks to perhaps have been broken off of the top area. The
scabbard is a long, thin, steel tubular affair which has a chape
button on the end. There is also a “u” style bracket
at the top where there must have been a strap or some way to retain
the bayonet from a belt. The blade is a four sided type which
is in excellent, mint condition. Each side is crisp and bright,
coming to a needlelike point at the end. The hilt and scabbard
are serial numbered; however, the two serial numbers do not match.
This is the first French bayonet I remember handling.
AXIS #1569 SLOVAKIAN ARMY OFFICER
These fairly
rare daggers are of all nickel construction. The untouched, good-conditioned
hilt is a one-piece unit, with the exception of the grip plates.
The pommel is a two-stage affair, having pebbled backgrounds.
The pebbling extends to the backgrounds of the ferrule. Raised
out of the ferrule is the coat-of-arms of the Slovak State, a
double-style cross. The crossguard arms flair upward. The tops
of the arms are also pebbled, while both edges are grooved. The
grip plates are an off-white, rather greenish material, retained
by two rivets. The obverse plate is perfect, while the reverse
has a minor crack. The scabbard reflects the same pebbled surface,
with dull nickel finish. There is an upper, lower and center fitting
of matching material. The upper and center fittings are equipped
with carrying rings. The blade is pressed into the hilt, and is
not as fine as a German example would be. It is nickel-plated,
and is still in excellent condition. It reflects a center ridge,
double edged design, having short ricasso. This piece is identical
to the one shown in Johnson, Volume 3, Page 323 and 324. Fine
example of a hard-to-find Axis dagger.
AXIS #22415 BULGARIAN COMMUNIST ERA DAGGER WITH CHAIN HANGER - No Maker
This dagger
consists of fine quality gilt fittings. The pommel is squared
off similar to a Russian dagger, as are the up-and-down quillons,
which end in teardrops. The grip appears to be a form of white
plastic or celluloid which has a brass design band running through
the center of both sides. This band is similar to a chain link
design which is traditional for Bulgarian weapons. The scabbard
is a steel shell to which are connected three brass mounts. The
top mount depicts the Bulgarian lion above a rising sun. These
depictions are raised out. On the reverse is a large state building
with a communist star at the top. The center ramp and bottom mount
are plain. Attached to the upper and center mount is a ringlet
style chain with clip in matching brass. This chain link has twelve
ringlets on each end. The brass snap clip is unmarked and has
the chain scabbard similar to a 1st model Luftwaffe snap clip.
The blade is a high quality nickel-plated doubled etched example.
It has a fuller which runs down the length of both sides. There
is also a short ricasso and the blade is protected by a red leather
washer. A good looking example.
AXIS #23874 BULGARIAN LABOR CORPS DIRK - Puma
This attractive Labor Corps dirk
is the same as is shown in the Glemser Volume IV Book, page 121.
It is also very similar to the example shown in the Berger Book
on page 48, except the insignia of Bulgaria is missing from the
center scabbard on this Berger Book piece, but is shown on the
Glemser piece. At any rate, the fittings of this hilt are cast
in fine gilded brass. The pommel is in the shape of a crown which
is thicker at the top and tapers down at the neck. There is also
a ball like device at the top of the crown. This example shows
some hand wear from the original bearer of this dagger, but it
is still possible to see most of the complicated detail that decorates
this pommel. The crossguard is also a most interesting unit. The
center block area depicts a Bulgarian royal crown having a shield-like
device with a lion in the center of the shield under a royal crown.
The shield is supported by additional crowned lions standing on
each side of the shield. This center block area is depicted in
silver contrasting nicely with the gilded brass of the quillon
arms. The left quillon arm extends outward in a tapered manner
having pebbling to its backgrounds. At the end, is a quillon detailing
a lion's head. The right crossguard arms extends outward in the
same manner, and at the quillon end, is depicted the shape of
a spade. Superimposed over the spade is also a pick. Most interesting
designs here having much eye appeal. This dagger was made in Germany
so the designs and craftsmanship are of the highest caliber. The
grip is a very pleasing pumpkin orange color. It is the same as
the type we would see on a German Naval dirk. The grip is in perfect
condition on the obverse, and has a small chip at the reverse
top as well as a couple of hairline cracks in the two center rib
sections. None of this is bad, however. The grip is tightly wrapped
with gilded single twisted brass wire. The scabbard is nice and
straight throughout and is a steel shell. The shell has a pebbled
background in the metal and is painted black. It deceives the
viewer into thinking the shell is covered with finely grained
leather, but it is only paint. The shell is fitted with two carrying
bands and eyelets which also resemble the German Naval type. These
bands are made showing overlapping oak leaves and acorns. The
upper eyelets are plain and the upper ring is plain. The lower
ring has a roped depiction similar to the way both book pieces
are depicted. (Assumedly the top ring could be a replacement.)
In between the two bands is a silvered crest. This crest is egg
shaped and depicts a mountain with sunrays coming up from it.
There are Cyrillic writings over the top of the mountain and below,
which are typical Bulgarian. The lower chape of this example is
a smooth smaller type which is not exactly like the ones which
are shown in both book pieces, but it does appear to be original.
The blade is identical to a German Navy type. It reflects double
fuller construction and has highest quality nickel-plated finish.
This blade is in mint condition and really looks great. The obverse
ricasso has the etching of a crown over a stylized "B"
letter. This is the cipher of King Boris. The reverse ricasso
has the familiar Puma cat with the firm name below the cat's head,
which is all depicted within a diamond. Below the diamond is the
place of manufacture, "Solingen". There is a leather
washer which seals this blade. This is a rarely seen dagger and
is in a highly collectible state.
AXIS #27567C BULGARIAN LABOR CORPS - Puma
These German
made Labor Corps daggers are very popular with 3rd Reich collectors,
as there was a relationship between King Boris of Bulgaria and
the Führer. The daggers are German made, and are of high
quality. This example can be seen on pages 47 and 48 of the Berger
book, with the exception the book piece does not show the scabbard
symbol of Bulgaria. This hilt has brass mounts. The pommel is
in the shape of a Bulgarian crown, being highly detailed, and
having a small ball on the top. The crossguard features a center
block, which has a silvered seal of Bulgaria on the obverse, and
the rectangular center block on the reverse is stippled. The quillon
arms are most interesting on this dagger. The left example ending
in a detailed lion head, and the right example ending in the shape
of a spade, and depicting a superimposed pick at the center. The
legs are stippled throughout the outward arms. The grip of this
example is most attractive, being a solid celluloid, and being
an orange pumpkin color. The grip is in perfect condition, with
the exception of one small hairliner at the lower obverse rib.
This grip has seven ribs, which run downward from right to left.
The ribs are wrapped with a twisted gilded brass wire. Fine looking
hilt here! The scabbard is a tapering steel base, having upper
rings consisting of overlapping oak leaves with acorns, similar
to those seen on German Naval daggers. The eyelets are plain finished,
and the carrying rings are a roped design. In between the two
carrying bands is a silvered crest, which portrays a mountain
with a ray of sunshine above it. The depiction is bordered with
wheat sheafs. Unfortunately, the lower brass fitting for this
example has gone to time. The blade is a high quality example,
being very similar to a German Naval blade, having dual fuller
construction. It is nickel plated, and the nickel surfaces are
high quality and mirror bright. This blade is in mint condition,
other than normal in-and-out marks. The obverse ricasso area portrays
the seal of King of Boris III, being a crown over the letter “B”,
with Roman numeral “III” at the lower portion of the
letter. On the reverse is the Puma trademark, consisting of a
diamond shape, showing a cat head and the name “Puma”
below. Below the diamond shape is the name of the city where this
dagger was produced, “Solingen”. There is a brown leather
buffer in place. A fine dagger here, which because of the missing
chape fitting, is priced accordingly.
AXIS #27554C ROYAL YUGOSLAVIAN NAVAL TYPE 3
This Yugoslavian
Naval is identical to the example shown on page 281 of the Berger
book. The hilt fittings are of all brass construction. The pommel
is in the Turkish head-knot variety, having good detail to the
roping. The crossguard and ferrule are one unit. The center block
area features a scallop shell, and the quillon arms are in the
forms of dolphins with their heads inward, and tails going outward,
to a curl at the end. There is a blade release button at the reverse.
The grip is a celluloid over wood, having ten ribs which go downward
from right to left. These ribs are decorated with twisted brass
wire. The scabbard is a metal shell base, with leather covering.
The leather is a fine grain, being a black color. The scabbard
has four separate brass mounts. The top mount consists of the
throat assembly, having dual oak leaf overlapping leaves running
around its circumference. The second band has the same oak leaf
designs and is fit with an eyelet and ring. The third example
is the same, also having an eyelet and ring. At the lower area
is a chape fitting, which has a Neptune head at the top, with
a 3-pronged trident pointing upward at the bottom. The reverse
of this fitting is plain. A nice looking scabbard here. The blade
of this example is a high quality nickel plated type. It is double
edged with a center ridge. The obverse has the cipher King Peter
II in the center area, which consists of a crown with long streamers
over the Roman number II. The rest of the blade is floral designed.
The reverse blade panel is totally of floral designs. This blade
is in near mint condition, having only in-and-out marks. It is
fitted with a blade release lock. It is protected by a leather
blade buffer. A fairly rare dagger here, and not a bad looking
piece.
AXIS #27551C FRENCH AIR FORCE OFFICER WITH HANGERS
This Model
1934 French Air Force Officer Dagger is complete with hangers.
These pieces were worn before the war and after the war, and it
is difficult to tell the vintage, as they were all made the same.
The regulations did not call for an orange grip, as this example
has, but rather a white grip or a black grip. It can be assumed
that possibly the white grip turned to this pleasing color orange,
as it does appear to be made of a celluloid material. The dagger
has all fittings that are squared in nature. The pommel and ferrule
are square style blocks of brass. The crossguard is a standard
straight type, having short quillons with squared off ends. The
orange grip is also rectangular shaped. The scabbard appears to
be of leather covered wood. This wood also has four squared corners.
The leather is in choice condition, being a very fine grain, and
a blue-black color. The center fitting is equipped with an eyelet,
as is the upper fitting, and the original set of black leather
hangers are still attached. This leather is still supple, and
is equipped with squared brass buckles. The lower chape of the
scabbard is a separate brass piece, also having squared corners,
with a square small tip at the bottom. The blade is a high quality
nickel plated example. The blade has a center ridge with double
edge construction. There is also a short ricasso. There are a
few minor age signs in the nickel fitting, but for the most part,
it is in good bright condition. The blade easily grades at excellent
plus. The braid ricasso is stamped with the producer, “Lafayette,
Paris/Depose”. A nice looking high quality dagger here.
AXIS #27550C FRENCH AIR FORCE OFFICERS DAGGER
This French
Air Force Dagger appears the same as the example shown on page
108 of the Berger book. All of the fittings are of a squared corner
nature, and the white celluloid grip indicates officer status.
These daggers were first introduced in 1934, but they were also
worn after the war. This one looks like it could come from the
1950’s or 60’s. The pommel and ferrule are squared corner
brass fittings. The white celluloid grip is also squared, and
is in perfect condition. The crossguard is a simple device, having
short quillons which have squared tips. The scabbard is made of
a wood base with squared corners. It is covered with a fine grained
dark blue leather, which remains in perfect condition. The wood
shell is fitted with three brass mounts. These mounts are all
of squared shape and they are of gilded brass. The two upper mounts
have plain eyelets and carrying rings. The gilding is nearly 100%
throughout these mounts. The reverse of the upper ferrule has
a small “U” fitting. I believe that this was for use
of a portepee. The blade appears to be a chrome plate type. It
has a center ridge with double edges, and short ricasso. It is
in mint condition. A nice looking example here in top rate shape.
AXIS #27570C SWEDISH OFFICERS CLAMSHELL BAYONET
This Swedish
Officer Clamshell Bayonet was worn by army officers during the
1940’s. It features a nickel plated bayonet style hilt, having
a Swedish Lion looking to the left as its pommel. This pommel
has a stippled surface throughout. The crossguard is the style
with up-and-down quillon ends. This crossguard also has a stippled
finish. There is a clamshell below, which has a smooth shield
in the center, with stippling around it. These nickeled parts
are in excellent condition. The grip plates are genuine stag horn.
The stag of fairly light tan color, having pleasing grain in the
center areas, and trimmed in the edges to fit. These grip plates
are retained by two small rivets. The bayonet blade has a single
fuller construction, with single edge. The reverse ricasso is
marked with the maker name, “FM Nattsson, Mora”. There
is a brown leather buffer protecting the blade. The scabbard is
a typical bayonet style, with lug and throat. It has a fine blued
finish, and is in near mint condition. Overall a nice bayonet,
resembling the German style and also having German style craftsmanship.
Near Mint. $595.00AXIS #27571C SWEDISH ARMY CLAMSHELL BAYONET
This Clamshell
Bayonet is of fine quality construction, and very much resembles
the German types. The pommel consists of a Swedish Lionhead, which
looks to the viewer’s left. The surfaces of the lion have
a small stippling throughout. The crossguard has a single quillon
which points upward, and the surfaces are stippled having a border.
There is a clamshell that has a shield device in the center, which
is of plain finish. The area around the shield is stippled. The
grip plates are made of genuine stag horn. The stag is of light
color, having pleasing shades of tan in the grains. The edges
have been trimmed to properly fit the hilt. These grip plates
are retained by two small rivets. The scabbard is a standard bayonet
shape, having a rounded lug and throat. This scabbard is in a
blued finish, and appears to have about 95% of the blue remaining.
The clamshell has some wear to the nickel plating, showing some
brass below. The standard bayonet style blade has single fuller,
and appears to have been nickel plated. It is starting to gray
slightly from age. The reverse is marked with the producer’s
name and town, “FM Mattsson/Mora”. There is a brown
colored leather washer. A fine quality constructed item, very
similar to the German style clamshell bayonets.
Excellent. $595.00AXIS #26942C SWISS DRESS BAYONET WITH KNOT - Elsener Schywz Victoria
This Swiss
dress bayonet is of highest quality construction. If you have
never had a chance to handle one of these, you will be impressed
the first time you do. The quality is every bit as good (if not
even better) than the Third Reich quality. This fine dagger has
a chromed hilt which consists of a pommel, ferrule and cross guard.
The pommel is a two-stage type which widest in the center and
then curves to rounded at the top. There is a spanner device which
acts as the tang retainer and is fit flush with the round pommel
top. The cross guard has a built in ferrule. It is a simple fitting,
having quillon arms which rise upward just slightly. The grip
plates are a fine oak wood which is rounded for a good hand hold.
These grip plates are retained by spanner and nut hardware which
are plated to match the chrome of the other fittings. Gracing
the hilt of this bayonet is a fine portepee. The portepee has
a purple textured cording which is decorated with three white
lines running the length. There is a weaved white slide. Below
is an ovaled knot with stem attached. This configuration is attached
to the portepee’s fabric via a wire fitting. The stem and
knot are of white yarnlike material and there is an insert of
red felt. The scabbard is a black painted steel type which is
in excellent condition with perfect original paint. The bottom
chape is a squared device. Other than one slight crease at the
obverse bottom, this scabbard is in full mint condition. The throat
is a chromed type, matching the dagger hilt. Attached to a “u”
fitting on the reverse is a leather hanger with nickel snap clip.
Below this hanger, the scabbard is stamped “S”. The
blade is a fine double etched type with high-ridge center. There
is a short ricasso. This blade has its original mirror finish
and all of its graining is still in its surfaces with needlelike
tip. It is marked with the maker mark “Elsener Schwyz Victoria”
on the reverse ricasso and on the obverse, the blade is serial
numbered “168793". Looking in the Volume IV of the Glemser
books on Page 109 it shows that this serial number would have
been issued for a Swiss bayonet produced in 1959. A fine example
here and a good collectible.
