POSTAL #31089 Postal Protection Dagger - Paul Weyersberg

It has been quite a while since I have had a Postal Protection Dagger to offer. It used to be I had 5 or 6 of these pieces on hand most of the time, but over the past couple of years the availability of these daggers has proven to be quite a challenge. This piece is a real beauty, and if you have been waiting for me to come up with one of these daggers, now is your chance. This Postal is an early example, having solid nickel fittings throughout and choice nickel plated surfaces. The pommel is a beauty showing only the most nominal signs of usage. The pommel is the same as those that we find on an RLB Enlisted Man. This pommel is shaped like a derby hat, having a center equator-like rim that runs around the pommel circumference. This rim has no hits on it and is as crisp as the day it was cast. The crossguard below is also an outstanding example. The crossguard features a totem-pole style eagle’s head, that has a scribed eye and accent line next to it. These impressions were done by hand. The beak of the eagle also is extremely sharp and probably could easily open up a nice cold bottle of Würsteiner beer! I don’t recommend this unless you are really in a bind! The crossguard arms go outward and they have a decorative line in the center. The left quillon arm is curved downward, whereas the right quillon arm is curved upward. This look gives a slight feeling of motion to the dagger. Beneath the crossguards are stamped the markings “DRP”, and “2179”. The grip of this example is a magnificent piece of ebony. It has been beautifully carved, having a bulbous center tapering outward on both sides, and then flaring slightly on both ends. Each nicely fits its respective part. The grip has an applied Postal Eagle in the center obverse. This bird has an open-winged position and he looks to the viewer’s left. He grasps a wreathed swastika in his talons and above the swastika there are three lightening bolt images coming out of either side. This postal insignia shows no wear. The scabbard shell is nice and straight throughout. This shell is produced of steel and has outstanding original black paint. This paint shows only the most nominal of spidering. The paint is easily 100% and still has its original factory sheen. It is very unusual to see original paint in this condition on a Postal dagger, as the chain normally took its toll. Not the case here! The scabbard mounts are also nickel plated nickel base metal. They are in absolute pristine condition throughout, to include the top center and lower mount. These mounts are retained with flush mount flathead screws. None of these screws have ever been turned. The accompanying chain hanger also still has its original nickel plating over the nickel base metal. Most Postal chains will have wear on this hanger, but like the other parts of this dagger, the finish is still all there. The chain consists of 9 upper and 12 lower ringlets. All of the connecting tabs also have their plating and there are no openings. The snap clip is also a real wonder. Most of these clips have long since flaked down to their white base metal. This example still has 100% of the original nickel plating. It is marked on the reverse, “DRGM”, which is cast in a rectangular form. The front of the clip has sprung from the retainer area in the back. It is recommended that this clip remain in this way, as forcing it closed could result in a “snap” sound that could be heard around the collecting world – you do not want to experience this sound, so if you have a Postal dagger yourself, never mess with this clip. To find a replacement would be nearly impossible, and why put yourself through that trouble or agony. The blade of this piece is just as nice as the outside. It is mirror bright, has a needle-like tip, and retains 100% of its original grain surfaces. This blade is as nice as you will see. The reverse ricasso is darkly etched with the double oval trademark of this producer. The ovals contain the firm’s name and location, “Paul Weyersberg & Co./Solingen”. Inside is a downward pointing Roman-like sword placed between two wheat sheafs. This beautiful blade has been protected by the in-place black grained leather washer. A very beautiful Postal here in about as nice a condition as you are apt to find. I hate to say it is the best, because no matter how good you think an example is, there always seems to be another one out there that is just a little bit better. I can assure you, though, you will not need to upgrade this piece. It is rather interesting in that I recently bought this example from a Pennsylvania resident, who ran over to see me after he purchased it from an antique shop. After paying him what I felt was a lot of money, I asked him out of interest how much did he pay the antique shop – he replied $40.00! Some guys have all the luck! This is a good investment example, though, and even though prices are rising, it’s the same as that piece of land everybody says that they wished they had bought 20 years ago. The fact is, buy it today and 20 years from now it will probably have the same value multiplier as the one you should have bought 20 years in the past. A good dagger!

Mint. $5,495.00