The German Navy or Kriegsmarine officially carried daggers as early as the 1840's and continued to wear edged weapons throughout the Third Reich Period. Most collectors are concerned with 3rd Reich Naval Dirks which are referred to as 1st and 2nd Model Naval Patterns.
Naval dirks were normally produced of gilded brass fittings and scabbard, with white grip and bright blade often having nautical theme etchings. The scabbard was produced with a engraved lighting bolt pattern or had a hammered finish. The so-called 1st Model, actually a Model 1929, was equipped with a round pommel top. After 1938, Naval Dirks received a pommel change which depicted a closed-winged eagle which clutched a wreathed swastika. These dirks are often found with a portepee, i.e. a decorative tassel wrapped about the grip.
NVL12 #48525C U-9 NAVAL DIRK - Robt Klaas
I am happy to be able to offer this fine and very rare dirk to the collecting community, as these are very desirable and do not come up for sale very often.
This example has a fine brass, well-detailed pommel and cross guard. The mounts show only modest wear. The eagle pommel head is well-detailed as is the breast feathering, wreath and swastika. The cross guard presents larger-style center blocks containing the raised fouled anchor motif. The quillion arms have fine acanthus leaf decoration with good button ends and nipples in the center. The grip is a fine off-white color. The obverse grip is perfect, however, the reverse of the grip has a slight hairline crack that runs through four rib sections, but it appears to be stable. The grip is tightly wrapped with fine double-brass twisted wire. Decorating the grip still in the Naval double-reef tie is a very fine-toned silver bullion portepee. It remains in perfect condition throughout and has the "cat's anus" style stuffing at the lower ball insert.
The scabbard is a lightning bolt variety in fine condition. It features the palmettes over and under the two carrying bands. At the bottom are the lightning bolts, ermine feet, and acanthus leaves. The bands remain in nice condition with their overlapping oak leaves and acorns. The scabbard is straight throughout, showing only nominal wearing signs.
The blade is a real beauty, remaining in mint condition. The obverse features a fouled anchor with floral designs, and at the beginning area there is portrayed a battleship making its way through the waves of a rough sea. The background frosting is perfect, and really sets-off the designs. The obverse ricasso is deeply stamped, with the "kissing cranes" and the firm's name and location below, "Robt. Klaas / Solingen". The reverse blade is where the fun is at! It also portrays floral designs at the end of the etch pattern, but centered is the famous Imperial submarine, "U-9", making its way through a wavy sea. All of the details of the U-boat are meticulously displayed with its conning tower, deck gun and cable deck fencing. The bow has the number, "U-9" prominently etched into its surface. Three seagulls follow above the sub. Really great stuff here!
This submarine was a history-maker, as under Kaptlt. Otto Weddigen, it proceeded to summarily destroy three British cruisers at the beginning of World War One, demonstrating beyond a doubt the deadly significance that such a weapon would bring to this war. Weddigen was awarded the Pour le Mérite for his efforts and became one of Germany's well-published heroes of this war.
This dagger appears to be identical to the example that I show in my Naval reference on Page 355. In fact, it may be the same example. This is a great opportunity to add a prime piece to an advanced Naval collection. A very rare original example here, and in my mind, definitely an investment-quality artifact.
Near Mint. $7,495.00
NVL12 #48526C Extra-Cost Paymaster/Applicants Naval Bayonet with "Small Roses" Damascus Blade & Hanging Straps - W. K. & C
This remarkable Paymaster's piece is most-likely one-of-a-kind, and custom-ordered by its original owner. It is probably circa 1902-1905. Pieces of this caliber could be purchased if the owner had the pocketbook, regardless of rank. This artifact is easily one of the finest Paymaster examples that I have had the pleasure of offering.
The overall length of the Bayonet is just about 20 inches. Its outstanding brass hilt is capped with a small small-proportion Imperial crown pommel. It is highly detailed with its dome-shaped panels running around the crown's edge portraying alternating crosses and eagles. The upper area has four serrated finials which rise upward and carry a blunted-style cross at the top. (The crosses were purposely blunted so as not to tear the soft blue doeskin uniform of the wearer.) The hilt is a gild brass having hand-hold section ribs cut into the left front side. The backstrap and pommel area features quite beautiful raised oak leaves and acorns. The cross guard below is the first of its nature that I have seen. The center area presents the image of a detailed fouled anchor on both sides. Behind the anchors on both sides is hand-peening. The quillon arms are the four-sided type, however, instead of the usual capstans, these quillions each display beautiful, highly-detailed acorn-shaped ends. The acorn caps are all hand-accented. Below this custom crossguard is a fixed, rounded clamshell displaying hand-pebbling behind a highly raised fouled anchor display. A tremendous hilt here.
The scabbard is produced of black leather, having the usual accent lines that run along the edges of both sides. The leather only shows mild age, and is still in nice condition. The brass scabbard mounts, both have scalloped ends where they meet the leather shell. The upper mount has two side rings, made to accommodate a hanging strap at each ring. The mounts are retained by staples in the usual manner. Attached to the two rings are the original separate matching black leather straps. The straps have brass belt loops at the top, and the lower portions are equipped with substantial matching brass snap clips. These straps are the first set that I have seen to survive, and both are still in fine condition, easily capable of still carrying the heft of this bayonet.
And now, as to the blade. The blade measures about 14 inches in length. It is composed of hand-forged Damascus in the very rarely-seen pattern of "small roses". The blade is simply beautiful and in my opinion an absolute work of art. The blade is single-edged with a short ricasso. The reverse of the blade remains in mint condition, while the obverse has only a few very tiny age markes in the surfaces. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the single knighthead logo, being the style used about the turn of the last century. The original brown leather washer remains in place. A fantastic rarely-seen damast blade.
So, if you are an avid and advanced Naval connoisseur, this spectacular Paymaster's Bayonet would be a showpiece for your collection. It is something that you could admire for a lifetime. There are none better!
Mint Minus. $12,500.00
NVL12 #48524C Model 1921 Naval Officer with Imperial Portepee - F.W. Höller
The Model 1921 Officer's dirk is a fairly rare find these days. In 1919, after the tragedy of the German Navy after WWI, the 1919 Bayonet was introduced for Naval cadets having the black grip and bayonet-style scabbard. It was also the first Naval dirk to eliminate the Imperial capstan cross guard and adapt the new button end cross guard used to the end of WWII. The black grip has been thought to have been used to signify the sadness of the war's loss and the resultant degrade of the German Reichsmarine size reduction, due to the rigid dictates of the Treaty of Versailles. By 1921, the German Navy decided to once again introduce an officer's dirk. The comparative rareness of these dirks is attributable to the far few officers now in the German Navy.
This fine dirk is equipped with the old ball top, resurrected from the old 1848 Prussian dirk. The pommel is hand-accented with engraved cattails and reeds seated over waves. The pommel remains in fine condition. The new cross guard features front and reverse panels having fouled anchor motif. The release button is the older style, being drilled into the center of the guard and being composed of two parts, threaded together. The black grip is a celluloid example, being in fine condition. It is tightly-wired with springy-style copper wire, the style preferred by the Höller firm. The hilt is equipped with the Imperial silver bullion portepee, mixed with red and black specks. This portepee was worn until about 1924, after which the standard Naval bullion type was adapted. The portepee is also still tied in the Imperial knot method.
The scabbard is the older type, being of fine brass and incorporating the still-used figure o' eight knots. It is the style with the knots appearing only on the obverse with roping on the reverse. The scabbard design is stamped in the lightning bolt variety. It has fine palmettes over and under the carrying bands, Below are the standard lightning bolts, ermine feet and the older style pointed acanthus leaves. The throat is retained by two brass dome head side screws.
The fine mint blade is the style with sailing ship panels. The obverse blade frosting remains perfect in the backgrounds, highlighting the fouled anchor-over-rigged sailing ship design. The reverse features floral designs and a sailing ship flying ensigns making its way through waves toward the viewer. The reverse ricasso features the familiar trademark of the double ovals which contain the name and location of the firm, "F.W. Höller / Solingen". Inside, is the familiar thermometer logo having too many digits to count. The blade is buffered with a brown leather example in good condition.
A very fine piece here and difficult to obtain in this choice condition.
Near Mint. $3,495.00
NVL12 #48480 Model 1902 Naval Officer's Dirk with Damascus Blade - No Maker
This very beautiful '02 Officer's dirk measures 15 inches overall. It is a classic example, having everything going for it. The pommel is in the form of the Imperial crown, having the dome head panels running around its lower edge featuring alternating eagles and crosses. Atop the crown are fine serrated finials extending upward and topped with a blunted cross. Fine work here. The cross guard features the obverse and reverse center blocks portraying a fouled anchor on each side with pebbling in the backgrounds. The four-sided qullion arms finish in the capstan shape. The grip is a very fine genuine ivory with only a couple of age cracks running at one side and with no chips. The ivory has an appealing golden tone, and is tightly wrapped with twisted brass wire. An outstanding hilt here.
The scabbard is completely dentfree, featuring hand-engraved oak leaves on either side of the bands, with a cluster of oak leaves with acorns running upward from the button-end chape. The bands are quite attractive featuring raised over-lapping oak leaves and acorns in the center area, leaving plain outer surfaces which terminate with straight edges. The eyelets are also oak leaf engraved, as are the rings, although the surfaces of the rings show some wear to the design. A most attractive scabbard.
The unmarked 8 3/4 inch Damascus blade is hand-forged in the "maiden hair" pattern and remains in full mint condition. The blade has the traditional Navy double fullers on each side. The blade pattern is extremely beautiful in this new-like condition. The original red felt buffer is in place.
The next owner will enjoy this choice original piece for a lifetime - None finer.
Near Mint. $5,995.00
NVL12 #48222 2nd Model Naval With Hammered Scabbard No Maker
This 2nd model naval is in very nice condition throughout having fine hilt parts and scabbard. The pommel is a beauty having much of the original gilding still spread throughout. It depicts a fine eagle with checkered breast. The recess is also good in the half open wings. The crossguard also has much of the original gilding with the typical fouled anchors on both the center blocks with good raised out acanthus leaves on the quillon arms and the button ends have the nipples in the center. The wood carved grip has a fine celluloid covering which is toned attractively and is in perfect condition. It is tightly wrapped what twisted brass wire.
This dagger has an extremely fine hammered scabbard. The scabbard is completely straight throughout and also has quite about of the original gild on the upper areas and also around the recesses of the carrying bands. The carrying bands have fine overlapping oak leaves with acorns and the eyelets are smooth. The throat is retained by two dome head side screws. The blade of this example is a unmarked type but still remains in bright mint condition. The blade has high quality nickel plated surfaces with the usual double fullers and needlelike tip. The original red felt buffer is in place.
If you’re looking for a good conditioned naval piece with plain blade and having the plus of a hammered scabbard this would be a good example to add to your collection being proceed reasonably.
Near Mint. $1,195.00
NAVAL #48221 2nd Model Naval With Plain Blade No Maker
This naval example has very fine brass hilt mounts. There are still good remains of the gilding in the recesses of the pommel and crossguard.
The carved wooden grip is covered with toned celluloid, in fine condition and tightly wrapped with twisted brass wire.
The scabbard of this example is a really piece. It is the lightning bolt style and it is completely straight throughout. The bands on this scabbard are larger than we see most of the time, having extremely fine detail to the oak leaves and acorns. The throat is retained by two larger sized dome head side screws. I don’t know the maker of this scabbard but it an absolute period example and is quite different from most.
The blade is in stone mint condition, with high quality nickel plating and a needlelike tip. The original buffer is a little worn but is in place being made of red felt.
A fine unmarked plain blade example here.
Excellent Plus. $995.00
NVL12 #48016 Personalized 2nd Model Naval Dirk No Maker
This naval dirk appears to be an Eickhorn piece but it does not reflect a maker mark on the blade. The dagger has had a special personalized etched blade ordered separately which I will get into shortly.
The pommel is a changeover style which would indicate that this dagger is a fairly early example which originally must have had a ball style pommel. The changeover pommel were the replacements ordered in 1938. The pommel detail remains excellent.
The crossguard is a typical Eickhorn fouled anchor example, in good condition throughout. The scabbard is straight throughout. It is a lightning bolt variety and retains good detailing throughout. There is some wear overall to this scabbard. The original gilding remains in the areas protected by the carrying bands. The eyelets show some wear as well, and the throat is retained by a pair of dome head brass screws.
The unmarked blade is quite interesting. It is still in nearly mint condition having the standard fouled anchor etch on the reverse. On the obverse side however the original owner apparently made a special order to have his name etched into the blade center instead of the nautical etch. The etching still includes the leaves that normally surround the nautical scene but in the center is the man;s name, “Kurt Hohmann”. There is also a little bit of pitting in the initial areas of the blade which someone had removed in the past.
The original felt buffer is worn but about 60 percent of it still remains.
An interesting naval dagger here, with research potential.
Excellent. $2,295.00
NVL12 #37673C 1902 Naval Officer's Dirk with Deluxe Grip, Damascus Blade and Chased Scabbard
The simple act of holding this 1902 Naval Officer's Dirk is stimulating; one cannot help appreciate the beauty of this piece. It is a short style dirk, measuring about 14½ inches overall. It is in outstanding condition throughout, with literally no flaws.
The dirk is constructed of finest quality brass. The pommel is the extra-cost type, with the raised, serrated edge finials. These finials gather at the top, supporting an orb which is in turn topped with a simulated cross. The open area beneath these finials is hand checkered and has little dots in each square. The eight panels that run around the pommel are all beautifully rendered, having raised, pebbled borders that contain alternating crosses and Prussian eagles.
The crossguard is also a matching beauty, having fouled anchors on the center blocks of both sides. The anchors are raised and nicely detailed, with hand applied pebbling in the backgrounds. The quillon arms are the four sided types that end in stylized, bell-shaped capstans at the end.
The grip is a tremendous Elfenbein example. This grip has toned to a golden color and is in nearly perfect condition throughout. There are a few small hairliners that run down the edges of both sides giving the grip the kind of character we like to see.
The scabbard is completely dent-free and shows little evidence of usage, if any. This scabbard has a hand chased design which features a bow motif above the upper band. Below the upper band and on both sides of the lower band are hand engraved oak leaves which are positioned side by side and run around the entire scabbard. These oak leaves have also received hand enhancement on their veins. At the bottom of the scabbard the oak leaf motif is continued with the addition of three beautifully rendered acorns with hand checkered caps. The lower chape has an additional oak leaf. Even the button below has the oak leaf bottom extended to it. Some terrific work here! The scabbard bands have fluted surfaces which run north to south with a raised border on both edges. In the center are raised, overlapping oak leaves which run throughout the band. The eyelets also have hand carved oak leaves, as do the carrying rings.
Drawing the blade is a real pleasure. This blade is a very fine Damascus example, with double fuller construction and a ricasso in the shape of a “V”. The Damascus is in the Maiden Hair pattern and is quite beautiful, being slightly different than we normally see. The blade is completely free of age and remains in Mint condition. The original red felt buffer is in place below the crossguard.
I haven't taken this dagger apart as it is very tight and it would be a shame to loosen the mounts. There is no point in looking inside as this dagger; is what it is.
Fish & Wildlife Certification included.
Near Mint. $4,525.00
NVL12 #46246 Transitional Weimar Period Depot Naval Dirk No Maker
This naval dirk is a fairly difficult item to acquire and is quite interesting. I feel that it comes from the Weimar period probably originating in the mid to later 20's.
The dagger is equipped with a Third Reich pommel which most likely was a replacement for the original ball top which would have come with this dirk. The pommel is in nice condition with good detail to the eagle;s head wing feathers wreath and swastika.
The crossguard is the narrower type that we see on early naval daggers. It has the twin fouled anchors on each of the center blocks. It is interesting to note that on the reverse center block the fouled anchor is quite worn which is an indication of lots of usage over the years.
The grip is a celluloid off-white example still being in fine condition. It is tightly wrapped with twisted brass wire.
The scabbard is basically straight throughout showing a little bit of carrying signs but no dents. It is a lightning bolt variety except that it is equipped with the earlier figure 8 knots on the obverse of the bands. The pattern is good stamped into the brass not having palmettes like the usual would be in Third Reich time but rather having a series of curls above and below each of the carrying bands. At the lower portion are the lightning bolts ermine feet and pointed style acanthus leaves. The acanthus leaves show quite a bit of wear commensurate with the wear on the crossguard. The reverse of the scabbard bands also show good wear. This dagger certainly saw a lot of history during its time.
It is also interesting to note that the reverse of the upper scabbard is property marked "338". The blade reverse ricasso is also stamped "338" and additionally has above this a large "M" for marine positioned over an anchor.
The blade is a plain type which is usual for depot pieces as the navy was not spending a lot of money on daggers that were issued to NCO's. This blade however is a high quality nickel plated example still having its original bright luster double fullers on both sides needlelike tip and the blade still rates in mint condition. It is also interesting that since there is no blade release button on the crossguard the retention method used on this example is one of the spring types that latch below the throat area. A much cheaper method of retaining the dagger than the pushbutton blade release method. The original leather blade buffer is still in place.
A really nice example here of a depot piece still being in its natural state and being also in nice condition.
Excellent Plus. $1,595.00
NVL12 #37953C Imperial Model 1902 Naval Dirk with Shortened Scabbard
We often see with Imperial Naval dirks shortened scabbards, as the original examples from 1890 where made with a standard length long scabbard. Rather than discard a long scabbard they were simply cut down. This identical piece can be seen in my Navy Book on page 103. In the scabbard this piece measures about 14 inches long.
The pommel is the style with high finials that have serrated edges. These finials support an orb and a cross at the top. The six domed shields that surround the pommel are all pebbled, alternating between designs of Prussian eagles and crosses. The pommel shows minor traces of wear. This pommel was pinned to the tang by the manufacturer and as such this dirk cannot betaken down.
The crossguard below features fouled anchor center blocks, and the four-sided quillons have panels filled with fine pebbling. The quillons terminate in stylized capstans.
The grip is a very pretty genuine Elfenbein, still being in perfect condition. There are some very attractive striations on both sides, with tones and gold and graining throughout the entire grip. This grip is wrapped with twisted brass wire.
The scabbard has been shortened to about 10 ¾ inches. It is interesting to note that the scabbard, at one time, was a lightning bolt variety. The bolts, however, have all been peened over. Further, the bands were once the guilloche style but they too have been peened over to match the shell. Even the eyelets and carrying rings have been peened. A very interesting scabbard here; it really speaks to you of the history of this dirk. The throat is retained by two dome head brass screws.
The fine Damascus blade is about 9 ½ inches long. It has a very nice, subtle Maiden Hair pattern that gently flows the length of both sides. The blade has double fullers and a ricasso. I see no age on this blade and it looks to be nearly mint to me. It is buffered by a red felt pad.
A very nice, historical piece here!
Excellent Plus. $4,850.00
NVL12 #44583C Gilded Aluminum Naval Pommel
We know that there a few naval daggers that were made by the Carl Eickhorn firm that were made of all gilded aluminum. Eickhorn was experimenting with using aluminum for production and we have seen other daggers in the past such as RAD leaders which were also produced of aluminum by Eickhorn.
The pommel that we are listing here is of all aluminum construction with beautiful gilt plating. The pommel does not appear to be an Eickhorn and quite honestly I looked through many pommel types and I can't identify the maker of the pommel. It is extremely beautifully designed and it is also possible it may be some type of prototype.
The wings and vaulted wreath with swastika have a close look to the pommels used to replace the ball tops in 1938 but again not the exact look.
This pommel is 100 percent original and perhaps the next owner of this piece will be able to identify its producer. In the meantime it is a very beautiful thing and would make a nice addition to an advanced naval collection.
Mint. $350.00
NVL12 #43854 2nd Model Naval Dagger - E. & F. Hörster
This 2nd Model Naval Dagger is down to the brass surfaces throughout, without any trace of the original gilding remaining. Presumably it was well used during the period.
The pommel eagle is excellent, with fine detailing and a nicely vaulted wreath and swastika. The crossguard is also nice, with the standard fouled anchors on each side of the center block, good acanthus leaves, button ends, and crisp nipples.
The grip is one of the later, molded types. It has a very small crack on the reverse, visible on the second rib from the bottom. There are also traces of the mold lines on both edges. This grip is tightly wrapped with thin gage brass wire.
The scabbard is a lightning bolt type. Even though the gilding is totally gone it remains straight. The palmettes, lightning bolts, and ermine feet remain crisp, and the bands have a fine patter of overlapping oak leaves. The eyelets are the usual serrated type. The throat is retained by a pair of brass screws.
The blade is double etched in the Sailing Ship pattern. Although this blade remains bright there is some pitting on the center ridge on both sides. The etch itself remain quite nice all things considered, with all of the original frosting in the backgrounds. The obverse depicts an anchor and a sailing ship on a bed of sea plants. The reverse has an even larger sailing ship but omits the anchor. This example is stamped with the familiar Hörster H trademark, and the original brown felt blade buffer is in place, showing wear to the edges.
A good 2nd Model Naval Dagger here, with some period wear and tear. It is priced accordingly.
Excellent. $895.00
NVL12 #39690C Imperial Heavy Naval Dirk
This immense and most beautiful Heavy Naval Dirk is extremely desirable and missing from most Naval collections, as Heavy Dirks are very rarely seen. In their day they were much more expensive than a standard Naval dirk, and, times being what they were, they were often passed over by frugal mariners for a more reasonably priced example. If you are not familiar with these dirks I show a number of them in my Imperial book on pages 68 through 84.
This outstanding piece measures nearly 17 inches long and all of the mounts are of large (almost oversized) proportions. The hilt is equipped with a large and beautiful pommel that has extended finials. These four finials act to support a royal orb and cross at the top. The upper portion of the pommel is finished with diamond shaped engravings. Running around the pommel are eight panels which alternate between depictions of crosses and Prussian eagles. The panels with the crosses are slightly larger than the eagle panels. The detailing throughout this pommel is superb.
The crossguard is also quite oversized. It features large center blocks that have highly detailed fouled anchor designs. The area around the anchors has been finely pebbled. These guards are four-sided and liberally embellished with fine floral patterns. The quillon ends are in the shape of capstans.
Attached below the guard is a hinged flap which acts to lock the dirk into the scabbard. The scabbard is equipped with a male prong which exactly fits the hole that is drilled into the flap.
The grip of this dirk is an extremely impressive, deluxe example. It has nine ribs, all of which are in perfect condition with no chips or splits. These ribs are tightly wrapped which a skein of three silver wires, the center strand being twisted.
The very long scabbard is not as elaborate as some of the others I’ve seen in the past, but it is still quite impressive. Instead of palmettes it has long floral patterns which I have never seen before; these flowers almost look like morning glories. There are also little accent dots in the brass, almost imparting a look of motion to these fine floral designs. At the lower portion of the scabbard are a series of lighting bolts, floral designs, and a set of ermine feet. The lower chape ends in an elaborate stepped design. The scabbard shows some traces of wear but has no dents or dings and it remains in very good condition. The bands are the guilloche style that simulate naval hawsers tied around pilings, while the eyelets have smooth edges and a serrated center. The throat is retained by a pair of dome head screws.
The large large blade of this dirk is just shy of 12 inches long. It is interesting to note that this blade is a fine, artificial Damascus example in the Large Roses pattern. The blade remains in mint condition, having the usual dual fullers traditionally seen on Naval blades. Presumably the original owner of this dirk opted for the less expensive artificial Damascus blade as a cost cutting measure after spending a princely sum on the heavy style dirk! The blade is buffered by a wide leather washer which is original to the piece.
If you are a serious Naval collector this piece is represents an opportunity to acquire an ultra-rare, original example at a reasonable price. It is a very beautiful dagger that is sure to bring a smile to your face with its immense size and historical importance.
Excellent Plus. $10,000.00
NVL12 #42264C Imperial / Weimar Short Naval Dirk with Damascus Blade
This delicate Naval Dirk is a real eye catcher, and missing from most advanced Naval collections.
The ball top pommel has outstanding detail to the engraved reeds and cattails. These are positioned over cresting waves, which form a collar at the bottom of the pommel. Most of the original gilded finish remains.
The crossguard also has most of the original gilding. It is an Imperial "capstan" type, with raised fouled anchor center blocks and randomly pebbled backgrounds. The guard arms are four sided, ending in stylized capstans.
The grip of the dirk is a constructed of carved wood with a celluloid coating. It has toned to a very pleasing off-white color. There is a very small hairline crack running through two or three of the obverse ribs, but it is barely noticeable. The rest of the grip is in perfect condition, tightly wrapped with twisted brass wire.
The scabbard is quite interesting as it only measures 6 ½ inches long. It does not appear to have been cut down, but looks to have been made this way. It is decorated with palmettes on either side of the bands. There is a short area that is plain, changing to lightning bolts and vague ermine feet towards the bottom. The band is has very straight edges on the overlapping oak leaves. The serrated eyelet retains a gilded carrying ring. I believe that this dirk was made more as a desk example than one to be worn as it does not balance proper when held by the ring.
The blade is a gorgeous thing, being fine Damascus in the Small Roses pattern. There is no doubt that this blade was long when it was forged, having been cut down to accommodate the short scabbard. The Small Roses pattern is very pronounced and as good as you will ever see. The blade has double fullers which run to the tip, a clue that it was once longer. This blade is unmarked and I did not remove the grip to check for stampings, but I suspect it was made by one of the Imperial masters. I did not want to risk a further crack in the grip by taking it apart. The blade remains in mint condition, with a needle-like tip. The original red felt buffer is in place, with a little edge wear but still sound.
A very beautiful little dirk here, and a perfect additional to an advanced Naval collection... or perhaps a very expensive letter opener!
Excellent Plus. $3,795.00
NVL12 #39819 GI Market 1946 "Naval Dirk"
This "Naval Dirk" is a great find, being made postwar for sale to our GI's as a souvenir. More than once have I been offered them by GI's who swore they were war vintage... but now we know the truth, as you will see.
This dagger is constructed of what appears to be pot metal, although it might be brass; it's hard to say. The pommel has a standard eagle and swastika design and looks to be a changeover example from 1938, most likely used up by the factories at the end of the war. It has nice detailing and is deeply toned.
The crossguard is interesting example as it has no blade release button slot. The detailing throughout the center blocks, acanthus leaves, and nipple tips is terrific as it was never actually used.
The grip is wood covered with off-white celluloid, tightly wrapped with twisted brass wire.
The scabbard is straight throughout, with a great finish and most of the original lacquer. It is constructed of gilded steel, in the lightning bolt motif. The fact that there are no eyelets and the carrying rings are welded directly to the bands betray this piece as a post-war creation. The bands are high off the surface and the throat is retained a screw in the reverse center. It is interesting to see the original side holes are present, although they are empty. Apparently they were part of the manufacturing process and simply left in place.
The blade is a fine, mint example, with a double fuller and no etching. The tip remains needle-like. It is nicely produced, although the blade lock slot was left in place despite there being no blade lock! The original leather blade buffer in place.
What makes this dagger remarkable and interesting to the Naval collector is the fact that this piece comes with the original certificate issued to the GI, one Corporal Anthony J Kessler, Jr, dated 22 May 1946. This certificate clearly states Kessler was in possession of the dagger and that it was in fact purchased in a Germany factory specifically making souvenirs for the Allies! This certificate is signed by an Air Corp captain has has an official rubber-stamped seal.
So now we know the true history of these mysterious, oft-questioned daggers beyond a shadow of a doubt. A great item here, perfect for the die-hard Naval collector.
Excellent Plus. $895.00
NVL12 #37481 2nd Model Naval Dagger – Carl Eickhorn
This Carl Eickhorn Naval Dagger is a fine, textbook example. The dagger itself is very nice as is the blade.
The pommel and crossguard are the same as those I show in my Navy Book pages 263 and 266. The pommel has excellent detail throughout, with maybe 50 to 60% of the original gilded surface remaining. The eagle retained excellent detail to his head, breast and wing feathering, talons wreath and vaulted swastika.
The crossguard has about the same about of gilding and features the usual fouled anchor design fore and aft. The quillon are decorated with acanthus leaves and end in nippled buttons.
The grip is of carved wood covered in celluloid. This celluloid has acquired a pleasing age tone and remains in perfect condition. The twisted brass grip wire is nice and tight and does a good job setting off the grip.
The scabbard has some dings along the edges either made by someone hammering something or perhaps from rough wear by the original owner; perhaps he was running up and down the length of a U-boat! It is what it is, however, and this dagger is priced accordingly. It is the lightning bolt type. It has good stampings to the palmettes, lightning bolts, ermine feet and acanthus leaves. It also has about 70% of the original gilding on the obverse and perhaps about 50% still intact on the reverse. The carrying bands are beautiful, having a design of overlapping oak leaves, while the eyelets have good serrated surfaces. The throat is retained by two dome head side screws.
The blade is a very fine double-etched type with a needle-like tip. It features the fouled anchor motif and the nickel-plated surface is of highest quality, easily in Mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the post-1941 Eickhorn trademark with the “Over the Shoulder” squirrel. The original tan felt blade buffer is in place, showing some wear around the edges but nothing too bad.
A nice Eickhorn Naval Dagger here, priced to reflect to the scabbard dings.
Excellent. $1,095.00
NVL12 #31717 2nd Model Naval Dagger – Carl Eickhorn
This Eickhorn 2nd Model Naval Dagger is in excellent condition, showing signs of wear during the period but still being in very collectible condition. The pommel and cross guard are textbook Eickhorn types, being identical to the examples I show on pages 263 and 266 of my Navy Book. The brass based mounts have fairly good gilding throughout.
The pommel has approximately 50% - 60% of the gilding and the cross guard has slightly more gilding. The pommel has excellent detail to the eagle’s head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and swastika. The crossguard has the usual fouled anchor center blocks with good acanthus leaves throughout the quillon arms. The end buttons are well done.
The grip is an off-white celluloid over wood base. It is in perfect condition throughout and it is tightly wrapped with twisted brass wire. The scabbard that is with this example appears to be possibly a Hörster. It is identical to the example that I show on page 285. This dagger was purchased from a Vet family so that the dagger has always been this way since it came back from the war.
This scabbard is an all brass example having fine hammering to the surfaces. The scabbard is nice and straight and the lower chape button has been left plain. The bands are the higher off-the-surface type and they show some wear to the oak leaves and acorn mix but the detail is still there. The eyelets are the smooth type, exactly like the piece shown on page 285. The throat is the thicker type having a fairly good cantilever over all sides. This throat is retained by two brass dome head screws. The scabbard still has about 20% - 25% of the original gilding. It is still clinging in the areas protected by the bands and the throat and there are also smatterings of gilding here and there on the surfaces. A fine scabbard here.
The blade is a choice double-etched example having good, bright nickel plating. There are some very small age spots in some of the frosting but they are only in the form of minor discoloration, not pits. The fouled anchor etches are still bright and very prominent on the blade. The blade easily rates at excellent plus to near mint. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the over-the-shoulder trademark. The blade is protected by the original tan felt washer. This washer shows some breakdown on one side and the other side shows minor age but it is still basically all there.
A nice hammered scabbard with double etch blade here for a reasonable price. If you are looking for one that has seen wartime experience but still will look nice in your collection, this one should fit the bill.
Excellent Plus. $1,595.00