Imperial Transitional Kriegsmarine Dagger by WKC – D1221
It is commonly known that many officers who served in the Imperial German navy after and before WWI extended their careers to include the 3rd Reich era also. While the Reichsmarine officially was renamed the Kriegsmarine in 1935, it wasn’t until 1938 that an official change over in regard Kriegs daggers being redesigned took place. Though instead of purchasing very similar edged weapons to be worn by veteran seamen, the Kriegsmarine procured replacement pommels and issued those as a substitute for the flaming ball component on their early dirks. Here is such an example in this listing.
The off-white Trolon over wood core grip on the hilt of this dagger remains in fine condition, void of any chips, cracks, or breakage. Tightly wrapped around this handle and all in place is shown a double strand of decorative twisted copper wire. Holding this entire assembly all tight and firm is the “replacement” pommel spoke about at the beginning of this description.
The officer who owed this dagger must have made a career in the German navy early on and through the 3rd Reich era, as the scabbard is of the 1921 pattern. The shell is in fine shape, nicely matching the condition of this overall dagger. For such an early component, this scabbard remains straight, void of any hits, dings, or bends. As expected, the period gilded surface displays wear and age where its owner steadied the edged weapon while being worn. The early square knot scabbard bands are in place, and a reflection of the transition years that this dirk went through being worn by its owner. Lastly, 2 side screws secure the throat.
And finally, we finish up with a gorgeous blade on this transitional navy dagger. It remains straight, full length, void of any sharpening, tipping, or cutting-edge chips. There is a tiny bit of surface age to the plating, but I’m telling you that is totally overshadowed by the stunning black fouled anchor etch. Typical for WKC when it came to their navies, the stamped knight’s head trademark is shown on the obverse of the blade ricasso.
A neat dagger that shows the span of years of from the time when its owner first served in the Imperial navy, moving next to the Reichsmarine, and finally finishing up in the Nazi era Kriegsmarine years. $1295.00