Germany, Drk. A Leader’s Dagger, With Hanger

(Deutsches Rotes Kreuz Führerdolch). A well-preserved Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (German Red Cross/DRK) Leader’s Dagger, measuring 38 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges. Fully unmarked, the blade sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy crossguard which has double-sided oval medallions, with the obverse bearing a raised DRK insignia in the form of a German national eagle clutching a Geneva cross and overlaid by a mobile swastika. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of ribbed light brown celluloid, while the dagger completes with a flattened pommel with a screw that maintains the dagger’s structural integrity. Wrapped around the handle is a matching portepee consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorn suspended from a strap of identical construction. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a pebbled magnetic metal shaft. The upper third of the shaft has two integral bands with loops for the accommodation of a hanger. The throat retains a functional spring catch to firmly hold the dagger in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade and loosening of the hilt not mitigated by tightening the screw. The dagger remains in a near extremely fine condition.

It is accompanied by a matching hanger, consisting of a functional aluminum spring clip from which two loops emanate along the bottom edge. Descending from each loop is a beige doeskin strap topped by a wire tresses with machine-embroidered red borders. Each strap is adjusted with a functional aluminum buckle, and culminates in a functional spring clip to lock onto the scabbard’s loops. Demonstrating minor loss of finish and material fatigue to the metal fixtures and straps, respectively, the hanger remains in a near extremely fine condition.