Germany, Imperial & Kriegsmarine. A Rare Set Of Naval Daggers

(Marine-Dolcher). A rare set of Imperial and Third Reich-era naval daggers from the estate of a single recipient, including:

1. An Imperial German Navy cadet applicant’s dagger, measuring 640 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 480 mm-long gilded magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and semi-sharpened lower edge. The blade bears a striking double-sided, acid-etched and patinated design. Set onto the obverse is a central fouled anchor topped by a German State Crown, flanked by an inscription of “MIT GOTT FÜR KAISER U. REICH” (“WITH GOD FOR KAISER AND EMPIRE”) in Fraktur script, in turn flanked by a ship and arabesque designs. The reverse bears an analogous design, absent the obverse inscription. Also acid-etched onto the reverse ricasso is a maker’s mark consisting of dual squirrels above initials “CE”, indicating manufacture by the firm of Carl Eickhorn, Solingen, reflecting pre-1921 manufacture. The blade sits securely within a one-piece polished bronze hilt, which features a ribbed handle grip. A rounded crossguard bears a central raised German State Crown, while a swivel hinge connects to a clamshell medallion bearing a raised fouled anchor. The dagger is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a boiled blackened leather shaft. Bronze fixtures are riveted to both the tip and throat, with a downward-pointing hook emanating from the latter for frog attachment. It is accompanied by a frog, constructed of multiple pieces of blackened leather, and is securely stitched into a belt loop. While well-preserved, the dagger demonstrates some issues consistent with age and use, including the loss of much of the blade’s gilt, some oxidation to the bronze features, friction of the scabbard which renders insertion and extraction difficult, and the severance of the frog’s dagger channel. This uncommon blade is in an overall near extremely fine condition.

2. A Kriegsmarine Officer’s dagger, measuring 420 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 250 mm-long magnetic Damascus steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges. Dual fullers run the length of each side of the blade. It is unmarked with the exception of a maker’s mark near the reverse ricasso of “F.W. HÖLLER, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic thermometer logo. The blade sits securely within a gilded bronze upper crossguard which features central raised fouled anchors on both sides. Emanating from the reverse of the crossguard is a functional push-button spring release connecting to a clip set into the blade, securely locking the dagger onto the scabbard. The handle grip consists of a single piece of ribbed white celluloid, wrapped with an original magnetic metal wire cord. Completing the dagger is a bronze pommel consisting of a stylized German national eagle perched on top of a wreathed mobile swastika, screwing in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. Wrapped around the crossguard and handle is a period original portepee, consisting of an acorn constructed of twisted and rolled silver aluminum wire, in turn suspended from a cord of identical construction. It is also accompanied by its original cupboard, constructed of a bronze shaft with a dimpled exterior texture. Set around the upper third of the shaft are dual integral oak leaf bands completing in loops for suspension from a hanger. The throat is held together by dual side rivets and retains a functional catch meeting the dagger’s aforementioned locking clip. Extensive oxidation is evident throughout the entirety of the blade, and there is minor tarnishing visible to the bronze features. The dagger is in an overall poor condition.