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.

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1. AXIS #34946 Austrian Air Defense Daggers - Zeitler, Wien

   These Austrian Air Defense Daggers are very similar to the Austrian pilot. The differences are there is a bow and arrow image on the enamel inset of the crossguard, as opposed to the triangular style image we see on the pilot's dagger. Also, the scabbard has a set of wings that act as a band, whereas there are propellers on the pilot's version. The dagger is quite heavy, being of solid nickel construction to the hilt. The pommel is a round affair with a pointed top. Below is a device which acts as a loop to hold the portopee. The neck area of the pommel has four sections which point downward to grab the grip. The ferrel below is opposite, having four upward pointing sections to grab the lower grip. The crossguard is basically shaped in a "V" design, having descending platform type segments, which become more rounded at the base. On the reverse side there is no insignia, and on the obverse side it has the round, enamel insert, which is red on the top, white in the center, and red on the bottom. In the center area is a bow and arrow instrument, being an indication that the branch of service was anti-aircraft. The surfaces throughout this hilt are in perfect condition, with no age problems.

   The grip itself appears to be a wood type, which is painted white. The grip is bulbous in the center, and tapers at the upper and lower areas. The paint remains perfect on this grip. Below the left crossguard quillon, there is a small catch, which also acts to keep the portopee in place. The scabbard is a nickel plated, steel based type, slanting thinward throughout its length, into a round ball at the bottom. There are two small eyelets with hanger rings. In the center is a simulated band, which is beaded, having four round objects which run around the surfaces, probably representing airplane engines. The blade is a high center ridge type, having dual edges. The tip is still needle-like, and there is a short ricasso. The blade appears to be a matte surface type, and it is in excellent condition. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the maker name and the city of Vienna, "ZEITLER/WIEN B1". A nice looking example here, and for some reason, the air defense examples seem to be much rarer than the pilot pieces.

   Excellent Plus, Plus. $2,995.00

2. AXIS #34970 MODEL 1937 MSVN Dagger

   This Model 1937 MSVN Dagger is the same as shown in the Burger book on page 53. The hilt consists of all aluminum construction. It portrays a reptilian style bird head, looking to the viewer's right. The quillon is curved upward. The edges at the top and bottom are also of aluminum construction, and are cut out to receive a black, smooth, bakelite grip panel on each side. On the obverse, there is a fascist brass insignia inset into the plate. The insignia consists of wrapped sticks that have an axehead coming out of the center. The screw which retains the plates is on the reverse side, and is mounted flush.

   The scabbard shell is a steel tapered type, which descends to a chape, being of copper, and having a lower copper ball. The other portions of the scabbard are painted black. The original paint is still in excellent condition, and has a good, bright finish to the surfaces. There are two bands within the steel scabbard. These bands are of a brass construction, and have carrying rings attached. Attached to the carrying rings is a matching brass hanger. This hanger has four ringlets at the top, and seven ringlets at the bottom. The ringlets are attached to the letter "M", and attached to the letter at the top, is a snapclip, which is decorated with an eagle on a block, with the letters, "SPQR". The snapclip works well. The blade of this example is completely bright, having very fine chrome plated surfaces. This blade is single edged, with a false edge at the top, which runs back about half of the length. There is a short ricasso also. A good conditioned Model 1937, showing modest age and usage, but still in extremely collectible condition.

   Excellent Plus, Plus. $1,495.00

3. AXIS #34661C Italian MVSN Model 1939 Dagger with Portepee and Leather Straps

   This Italian MVSN Model 1939 is a choice conditioned example. It is the same as the piece that is shown in the Berger book on page 153. The hilt of this fine dagger is produced of cast aluminum. The pommel is in the shape of an eagle’s head which looks somewhat reptilian. The areas beneath the pommel and the side plates and quillon are also in smooth aluminum. The grip plates are countersunk into the handle area of both sides of the hilt. These grip plates are of a black celluloid and they are retained by a screw in the reverse plate. The obverse plate has the fascist insignia in gilded brass being flush mounted in the celluloid. It features a bundle of sticks which are tied up with tope having a hatched sticking out the right side. The detail throughout this insignia is excellent. Wrapped around the lower portion of the grip is an original portepee. The portepee is the service dress type being a black cord of wool having a stem shaped device which retains an acorn ball at the bottom. The scabbard is straight throughout and tapers to a bottom copper fitting having a ball at the chape. All of the copper is in place here and looks outstanding. The scabbard shell has original black paint which is still 100% and other than a couple of extremely nominal carrying signs, is still in mint condition. The carrying bands contrast nicely with the black paint as they are a gilded brass smooth fitting having an eyelet with small carrying rings. A very fine scabbard here.

   The blade of this example is a single edged type having a short ricasso and a false edge at the top which runs back over half the length of the blade. This blade has a mirror chromed finish and is in mint condition. Accompanying the dagger is the original set of brown leather straps. This set of hangers measures about 10 inches overall. There are two sets of narrow black leather straps each having a brass snap clip at the bottom. At the top there is a fold-over leather tongue which has a brass facsimile of Mussolini’s monogram, “M”. The clip at the top is a brass example having gilded finish with an Italian eagle applied to the obverse of the snap clip. The reverse of these leather hangers is maker marked however I can’t read the stamping. A very nice collectible example here. These MVSN daggers are getting quite scarce anymore and prices have been rising. If you were thinking of adding one of these pieces to your collection it is a good time to acquire a good sound example.

   Near Mint. $2,295.00 (#021413)

4. AXIS #34420 Swiss Army Bayonet - Elsener, Schwyz

   This beautiful, high quality Swiss Army Bayonet is complete with its hanger and portopee and is identical to the example shown on page 110 and 111 of the Kurt Glemser Volume 4 book. The pommel is a flared example, having smooth top. It has a nickel plated surface, and at the upper center, has a spanner type device with three holes which retains the tang. The nickel plated crossguard below is a simple variety with tipped up crossguard arms, having flat surfaces on four sides. The grip plates are very fine walnut, having nice, rich, vertically running grains. The grips show only modest usage, and are retained by three matching nickel plated rivets, having spanner style nuts on the reverse. Attached around the crossguard is the original Unteroffizier portopee which has a double cord of red with white flecks. The stem and built in slide is decorated with red and white "V" shape weaving, and the acorn ball below has a red and white matching cap and lower area. The portopee shows only minor age, but no fray.

   The scabbard is a straight, tapered example which forms a square shaped ball at the chape. The throat is a nickel plated type. There is a leather hanger attached to a "U" piece of hardware, attached at the upper reverse area. The leather hanger is of black colored material, and has a spring loaded snap clip. The clip is also nickel plated. The mint conditioned blade is a beauty, having all factory crossgraining as well as a needle like tip. It is easily on par as a German made example. The ricasso forms a "V" where it goes into a center ridge on both sides of the double edged blade. One side of the blade is marked with the maker name and city "Elsener Schwyz". The reverse side is accountability numbered "33198". Looking at the Glemser reference on page 108, this numerical series was issued in 1945. A very fine Swiss Army bayonet here, with great looks.

   Mint. $695.00

5. AXIS #33903 Model 1935 Austrian Pilot's Dirk - Zeitler

   This Austrian Pilot's Dagger is composed of all nickel parts, with a fine painted wood or celluloid grip. The dagger is identical to the example shown in the Berger book on pages 17 and 18. The pommel is a staged affair that almost looks like a stubby witch's hat. It has fluted areas along each stage, and it ends in a set of beads which run around the circumference. In between the pommel and the lower ferrel there is a "U" bracket, which was used to hang a portopee. The ferrel area has matching beading running around its top circumference, and then it extends into five points, which go around the upper portion of the grip. The lower ferrel also has the same five point design, and it ends in beaded work. The crossguard is an interesting example, in that it has three segments, each extending further outward than the other, going upward. Below the segments is an arch shaped mount which resembles a spider web. The reverse of the mount has lines which indeed look like a spider web. On the obverse, the lines continue to the rounded center area which encloses a red and white round enamel insignia. The insignia has red dots with black highlights around the outside, and on the inside of the insignia is a triangle pointing downward. The enamel on this triangle has some breakage in the surfaces, where something may have been dropped on it, or vice versa, however none of the enamel is missing. The left side of the crossguard also has a small knob which would have been used to retain the lower section of the portopee. The grip is an off-white color, and I'm not sure if it is painted wood, or celluloid. It remains in perfect condition throughout.

   The scabbard is tapered downward to a small ball at the bottom. The nickel plated scabbard exactly matches that of the hilt, and it has vaulted designs, which show an engine with propeller at the top example and the bottom example, with repeats of the same on the reverse. The edges of the dagger each have just a motor-like presentation sans the propeller. These designs at first appear to be carrying bands, but they are not. There are no bands on this dagger, rather there are eyelets soldered directly to the right edge. These two eyelets are beaded in the center, and are equipped with small nickeled rings. The blade is released by a push button mounted on the reverse of the crossguard, having a blade mounted release lock.

   The blade has a short rounded ricasso, with a center ridge design, having double edges. This blade measures eight inches in length. It still has extremely bright, mint nickel plated surfaces, and a fine, needle-like tip. This blade is in mint condition. The obverse ricasso is deeply stamped with the producer's name and Vienna location "Zeitler/Wien VIII". There was no washer worn with this weapon. The Austrian pilot's dagger is a difficult weapon to find, as after the Anschluss in 1938, Austrian pilots were issued second model German Luftwaffe daggers and apparently the old model was returned for recycling. A fine example here, and in very collectible condition.

   Excellent Plus. $2,895.00

6. AXIS #33660 Italian GIL Youth Knife sans Scabbard

   This GIL Youth Knife is missing the leather sheath but perhaps someone out there has an extra. The knife is in overall fairly good condition. The pommel features the gilded open-beaked eagle. The bird is fit with red faceted eyes. The back strap features feathering which runs the length. The ferrule below has a curl design to its surfaces and the cross guard is a plain brass style having rounded quillon ends. The grip appears to be a painted carved wood and it is wrapped with triple brass wire, the center being twisted. The blade of this example measures about six and a half inches. It is single edged type with ricasso. The blade features a false edge which runs about half the length of the spine. The original plated finish is still fairly good, showing only nominal age. This blade overall grades at about excellent plus. A good example if you have the sheath.

   Excellent. $125.00 (#032212)

7. AXIS #27655C GDR Army/Air Force Dirk

   This dirk comes from the German Democratic Republic which of course was run by the Soviet Union. The mounts are all fine steel having a chrome plate. The pommel is a circular style having a peened top. The ferule below is plain, having a blade release button in the reverse. The cross guards are a straight form having acorn like quillon ends. The grip is a plastic or celluloid which has four ribs for a handhold. The obverse portion of the grip has toned to a deep tan color while the reverse is still mostly off-white. The scabbard is of all steel having upper and lower matching chrome mounts. The mounts have a “V”shape design where they meet the scabbard shell. The shell is either painted black or has a blued finish. The obverse of the upper mount is decorated with a shield shape with pebbled finish having a raised oak leaf and acorn in the center. Above this is a double circle with wheat shafts in between and a symbol resembling the Mason’s Compass. The two eyelets are positioned in the upper mount being round and having plain surfaces. The carrying rings are more of a “V” shape but rounded at the bottom. The fine blade is similar to a Third Reich Naval type having dual fuller construction with ricasso. The blade is a fine chrome plated type being in perfect mint condition. The obverse ricasso is stamped with a shield having a building like representation. I don’t know the maker’s name who holds this logo. On the reverse there are some lines that were put through to erase the original serial number. The blade lock is situated on the reverse ricasso. The new-like brown leather washer is in place. A nice high-quality dirk here.

   Mint Minus. $595.00

8. AXIS #30962 Model 1934 French Pilot’s Dagger

   This French Pilot’s Dagger is a period piece and not one of the ones from the 1950’s. The hilt has squared mounts that are made of brass construction. The upper pommel has a nut-like device retaining the tang. The lower portion of the grip ferrule has a “U” bracket, which is installed to aide with the use of a portepee. The grip appears to be white celluloid, exactly meeting the squared proportions of the two grip mounts. The crossguard below consists of a matching brass straight type, having tapered quillon arms that also end in squared off depiction. The scabbard is also squared on the edges and is probably a wood base. This scabbard shell is covered with blue-black leather, having a decorative edge on both sides. The leather has good grain and is still in perfect condition. The scabbard mounts match the square design of the hilt type. There is an upper, center and lower example that taper to a chape end tip. The upper and center brass examples are fitted with plain eyelets and carrying rings. The blade is a double-edge type with center ridge and ricasso. The blade appears to have a chrome-plated finish. There are some nicks to the center ridge of one side of the blade. The other side looks fairly clean and in near mint condition. A good, original, French Pilot’s example.

   Excellent. $895.00

9. AXIS #27549C French Air Force NCO Dirk

   This French Air Force NCO Dirk is similar to the example shown in the Berger book on page 108, except it is the NCO version, having a blue grip instead of a white grip. Otherwise, it is the same. As is the case with the French Officer dagger, all fittings have squared corners. The pommel and ferrule are of brass construction, being square pieces, and having small signs of gilt remaining. The grip is a blue color, which could be a celluloid material or painted wood. The crossguard below is very simple with two short quillons, having squared ends. The scabbard shell has squared corners, and appears to be made of wood, covered with blue-black fine grained leather. This leather is still in fine condition. The scabbard is fitted with squared brass mounts. The upper and center mounts have eyelets and carrying rings. The reverse of the ferrule has a “U” fitting, which would have steadied a portepee. The blade is a nickel plates example, having double edged construction with center ridge. The ricasso is short and has the name of the producer, “Ets Sabatier Jeune/Bellevue-Thiers”. There is a small spring assembly installed on the left edge of the blade, which keeps the dagger within the scabbard. These pieces were first produced in 1934, but they were worn through the 1950’s. It is impossible to tell the vintage of this piece, but it does have some age.

   Excellent, Plus, Plus $995.00

10. AXIS #23874 Bulgarian Labor Corps Dirk - Puma

    This attractive Bulgarian 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.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $2,195.00

11. AXIS #27635C Model 1945 Russian Naval Officer's 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.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $395.00 (#020812)

12. AXIS #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. $595.00

13. AXIS #27551C French Air Force Officer's Dagger 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.

    Near Mint. $1,495.00

14. AXIS #27567C Bulgarian Labor Corps Dagger - 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.

    Excellent, Plus. $1,995.00

15. AXIS #22415 Communist Era Bulgarian Dagger with Chain Hanger

    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.

    Excellent Plus. $595.00

16. AXIS #27550C French Air Force Officer's 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.

    Near Mint. $995.00

17. AXIS #32078C Model 1935 Austrian Air Force with Portepee and Hangers

    This Austrian Air Force Dagger is quite an attractive piece and is the same as shown on Page 18 of the Berger book, as well as in color on Page 43 of the Fiduran book. The dagger has a bright chrome-like finish. The pommel is shaped in a doorknob figure, having beaded circles and also fitted with a metal loop to accommodate the Austrian portepee. The pommel also has “V” shaped devices going downward to support the grip. The ferrule has similar “V” shaped devices to support the grip and is beaded around the bottom area. The crossguard is also shaped in a “V” design. The crossguards themselves are somewhat rectangular with decorative centerlines on the edges, but the guards are placed on a center area that is rounded, giving the “V” look to the design. In the center of the obverse is a round enamel device, which has a red-pebbled background and a “V” or triangular shaped center. The enameling is still perfect throughout this crossguard area. The grip itself appears to be celluloid. It is an attractive orange color and is almost perfect except for a couple of small chips -- one to the right upper edge and the other to the reverse upper edge where the grip meets the “V” formations. Attached at the upper loop of the pommel is an original Austrian portepee. This portepee appears to be made of a nylon-like, textured material, having decorative lines running the length. At the stem, there is a flat area that has the double-headed eagle embossed with the red, white & red colors of Austria on the bird’s breast. The lower knot is made of yarn-like nylon with a smooth yellow-colored stuffing. This portepee is still in perfect condition and appears to be the same type worn by the Air Force Pilot shown in the Berger book on Page 19. The scabbard is a matching chromed, tubular style, having bands that resemble propellers. This resemblance is on both sides. There are round eyelets with carrying rings. Attached to the rings is an outstanding Austrian Air Force set of hanging straps. These straps have brown leather base and sewn to them is aluminum bullion decorative strapping, having red edges. The buckles are an oval shape, being in brass and plain on the surfaces. The plain surfaced upper snap clip is quite large and has a clip on its reverse. If it had a spring, this has gone to time. The blade of this example is released through a lock button on the reverse crossguard. The blade is a stiletto shape, having a slightly rounded ricasso with a high center ridge forming double edge construction. This blade is still bright, showing only nominal age and easily grading near mint. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the maker name and city, “Zeitler-wien, VIII.” A very fine example here and a difficult dagger to acquire. When the Germans merged with the Austrians in 1938, this Austrian Pilot’s dagger was recalled and the 2nd Model Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger was its replacement.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $4,495.00

18. AXIS #31819C Gurkha Kukri

    This Gurkha Knife was carried by the elite troops coming from Napal to help the British as well as other allies during World War II. This Gurkha knife measures overall about 18 ½ inches. The hilt of the dagger is composed of a steel base with flared pommel and grip plates of hard wood. The grip plates appear to be retained by rivet style hardware. The metal from the hilt continues to form the curved Gurkha blade. This blade has a fuller and a couple of notched teeth towards the ricasso. The blade measures about 13 inches and has the distinctive curve going outward and downward, typical of Gurkha knives. The scabbard appears to be made of a hard, leather-covered, wood base. There are two layers of reinforced leather held together with rawhide at the upper portion of the scabbard. This leather retains the two carrying straps, which are also equipped with buckles. Inserted into the rear throat section of the scabbard are two smaller knives of similar shape and construction. Overall, this piece shows some age and usage, but it appears to be quite old and most likely of WWII vintage.

    Excellent. $495.00

19. AXIS #30886 Slovak Army Officer Dagger

    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.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $995.00

20. AXIS #30473C Silvered Naval Dirk

    This Naval Dirk looks very much like the Russian types except that there is no leather in the scabbard as it is all metal and the parts are silver plated instead of being in gilded brass as the Russian pieces normally are. This dagger overall measures about 15-inches in length. It has a pommel which is rectangular in shape with a doorknob shaped finial at the top. The ferrule repeats the design of the pommel. The crossguard has an upward quillon with teardrop shape at the left and a downwood teardrop shape at the right. The grip is either a bone or ivory showing a fine golden tone and some graining in its surfaces. The all metal scabbard is four-sided in order to fit the blade. It tapers slightly and has designs which tend to give an impression of mounts but there are no mounts on this scabbard. These lines simulate a lower mount as well as a center ramp and upper mount. There are eyelets at the top and the center along with carrying rings. The throat is retained by a flathead screw in the reverse. The scabbard and the hilt mounts have patinated nicely. The four-sided blade is about 10-inches in length. It has nautical themed etched having a crown over an anchor on one side along with a sailing ship theme. On the other side there is also a crown. This crown looks very much like the Bulgarian type. If one studies the Bulgarian crown etched on the little air force dagger it really does look a lot like the one etched in to this blade. The blade is in good condition still being bright with needlelike tip. The original leather buffer is in place. It is interesting to note that in the Glemser IV book on pages 74 and 75 members of the Bulgarian family are seen wearing dirks very similar to this. If nothing else the pictures prove that the Bulgarians did wear daggers with Russian style. A very interesting piece here and could be a key to a serious Russian / Bulgarian naval collector. A very rare item here!

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $1995.00 (#070811)

21. AXIS #27653C Bulgarian Model 1951 Army Dagger

    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.

    Near Mint. $495.00

22. AXIS #27642C Polish Model '54 Air Force Dagger

    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.

    Excellent Plus. $495.00

23. 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.

    Excellent Plus. $550.00

24. AXIS #27630C Hungarian Officer's Award Dirk

    This Hungarian Officer's Award 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.

    Near Mint. $550.00

25. 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.

    Excellent. $995.00

26. AXIS #19280 Royal Yugoslavian Dagger

    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.

    Excellent Plus. $695.00

27. AXIS #18052 Model 1941 Croation Army Dagger - 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.

    Excellent Minus. $850.00(#122112)