1890’s German Cadet’s Navy Dirk by WKC – D1108
Unlike many other militaria and para-militaria groups seen making their appearance during the 3rd Reich, the history of the German navy goes back many year prior to this period in time. And as most certainly know, was a force to be reckoned with during that infamous era from 1933-45. The study of German navy daggers and dirks is a fascinating subject, because some of these early edged weapons were transformed through the years of service by professional sailors who own and wore them, as well as depot remanufactures too. In this offering we have an attractive model 1890 dirk straight forward, in the same condition it was purchased in before the turn of the century.
The grip to this edged weapon is a gorgeous chunk of animal bone which remains in fantastic condition. It is off white in color as shown in the photos, with the attractive striation lines common to similar grips that collectors often see on early navy hilts. You’ll notice the absence of the grip wire to this handle, which was actually an option when ordering these daggers at the time. The heavy brass crossguard with fluted ends defines this dirk as being manufactured by the famous WKC edged weapon firm. The same is true in reference to the open finial crown pommel. Once again a WKC textbook trait. Finally, beautifully wrapped around the hilt in the proper reef lacing is the knot which looks like it has been on this edged weapon for the last 135 years.
The scabbard to this dirk remains fairly straight considering the age of this edged weapon. The heavy brass shell is in very good condition, remaining uncleaned, and void of any splits, creases, bends, or major misshaping. There is some minor flattening to the tip area, very typical of these softer metal sheaths as most collectors know. The pattern on the exterior is the arrow motif variety, with guilloche rope bands. Both scabbard bands are soundly in place, and hold the hanger rings properly. The throat is secured by 2 matching factory flat head screws.
At 13” in length, the blade to this early naval dagger is a beauty! It remains straight, full length, void of any tipping, cut downs, buffing, cleaning, or cutting edge chips. Yes, the surface shows some surface age here and there. But like everything else on this dirk, nothing has been cleaned nor touched. That includes the attractive fouled anchor and sailing ship etch shown on both obverse and reverse sides. Where it appears that the blade lock tension spring is gone to time, it doesn’t affect the dagger from staying properly in the scabbard. On the reverse riccasso is the small stamped knight’s head logo, the early trademark of the WKC edged weapon firm.
A beautiful turn of the century German navy dirk, with a lot going for it, and not that much money for such a piece of history. SOLD