Minty RAD EM by Wüsthof

German WWII > Edged Weapons > RAD Daggers > RAD EM Daggers

Beauty RAD dagger here. This one has a deep matte black etching that these guys are so famous for. The whole thing has it's original matte finish that these were all issued with. You know, I see so many of these things all buffed up to a mirror finish that guys think that is how these are supposed to look!! WRONG! These were never shiny. They all were issued with a matte finish... including the blade! BTW, just while I'm ranting, look at the cross grain. See how it runs down the length of the blade, NOT across? That's how they are supposed to look. When you see the grain running across the blade -run the other way, cause someone has messed with it. Sorry guys, I do get carried away some days but it really frustrates me when I see people misrepresenting how these really did look! Ok, enough ranting. Nice blade with factory matt finish. Look at that etch, awesome! Unlike some later pieces this etch is perfectly placed and does not run into the fuller. The small double oval logo is the only one these guys used on RAD's. No sharpening or damage of any sort just normal runner marks and the odd bit of age. Overall NM. Dent-free scabbard body retains 100% of the original heavy black factory lacquer with the odd scratch and evidence of wear but really remarkably well preserved. The fittings have great burnish to the backgrounds. Later period aluminum screws to include the hilt. All screws are intact and unturned, an yes this is exactyly how this was made. The handle is a beauty without any damage of any kind. The horn has beautiful aged to a nice yellow/orange that only time can create. The crossguard retains all it's original burnish and of course all the matching finish. Expensive? Find another in this condition! These pieces disappear into collections never to see the light of day again.