Interesting Imperial Navy Dagger

German WWII > Edged Weapons > Navy Daggers > Imperial Navy Daggers

An interesting example here for the advanced collector. The double etched, plated 9.5" blade is the 1890 shortened type, (see Wittmann's reference pg 103) and is very clean. The undented, hammered scabbard is brass based with figure eight style scabbard bands. It has a press fit throat without screws. The release method on this ddirk is what we see on some of these late Imperial pieces being just a friction fit with a wee bit more pull to release the scabbard from the balde. It works perfect. The later style crossguard presents with wee hand enhanced hammer work in the form of random dots. With out the need for a release button, the button recess has been inserted with a ruby colored glass stone. The catch continues to work well and secures the scabbard to the hilt. The crossguard and pommel are brass based. The fouled anchors to the crossguard. The quillions are both straight. The celluloid over wood grip is wrapped in double twist brass wire. Above it all is a proudly perched closed heraldic crown. It has 8 vertically standing shields alternating between crosses and Prussian eagles. Ok so I wanted to be very clear on what I had here as this style crossguard was not introduced till the 1920's so this dagger is likely reworked in the period through the 20"s. which was quite common. It could have been that this officer owned one of these from his early cadet days, and when the 1902 models came out for officers, he had it put into these mounts. If this were the case, it is indicative of this officer being a little progressive in wanting to keep up with times. So after the Kaiser's defeat, adopted the cross guard of the 1921 model. I feel that the dirk is 100% original