Germany, Kriegsmarine. An Officer’s Dress Dagger, with Hanger, by Alexander Coppel

(Kriegsmarine Dolch für Offiziere mit Gehänge). A well-preserved Kriegsmarine Officer’s dagger, measuring 42 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to the tip. Dual narrow fullers run the majority of the length of each side of the blade, which also bears double-sided acid-etched designs consisting of central fouled anchors and tall ships flanked by arabesque latticework. The reverse ricasso is maker marked with the classic scale logo of the firm of Alexander Coppel, Solingen, in a transitional form used during the period of the company’s state seizure during the Aryanization campaign. It sits securely within a gilded brass crossguard, bearing double-sided central fouled anchors, with an intact wool buffer pad covering the seam. Inset into the reverse of the crossguard is a functional push-button release connecting to a clip emanating from the ricasso to release the scabbard lock. A single piece of ribbed off-white celluloid composes the handle grip, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and rolled wire cord. It culminates in a gilded brass pommel consisting of a 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 pommel is a matching portepee, consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorn suspended from a cord of identical construction. Accompanying the dagger is its original scabbard, constructed of a gilded brass shaft which bears etched designs throughout the outer circumference. Dual integral oak leaf bands are situated just below the throat for the accommodation of a hanger. A functional catch situated within the throat locks onto the blade’s clip. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade and fine cracking throughout the handle grip. This early example remains in a better than very fine condition.

Also accompanying the dagger is a matching hanger, consisting of two black doeskin straps topped by layers of black rayon. Each strap is topped by a functional gilded brass spring clip, and completes with an additional functional gilded brass metal spring clip, to lock onto the wearer and scabbard loops, respectively. Gilded bronze buckles in the form of dual lion heads adjust lengths as desired. Unmarked, one strap measures 33 cm in length, and the other 16 cm in length. Demonstrating no notable damage or wear, the hanger remains in an overall extremely fine condition.