Personalized 1901 Navy Officer’s Damascus Blade Dirk by WKC – D1226
The grip to this short German navy officer’s dirk is genuine ivory, most definitely a very desirable feature to edged weapon collectors. The surface exhibits the typical striation as a result of age and drying over the years. There is one superficial flake shown on the obverse where the decorative top grip wire cross’ in the turned groove. Other than that, the handle is in very nice condition considering the age of this edged weapon. The entire hilt remains solid throughout, and firm in the heavy detailed brass fittings.
The soft brass scabbard to this dagger has a couple of bumps and bruises to the surface of this shell, as usually seen with almost all navy daggers no matter the vintage. Though not all that detracting considering the 125 years old, this edged weapon is. At the top reverse of this shell is the jeweler scripted name “Pfutzner” The associated paperwork which came with this dagger has a reprint of the Marine German Imperial navy rank list from 1899 to 1914/1918. There is only one Pfutzner shown, that is to a Hermann Pfutzner. This is very nice documentation to have which nails down the owner of this fine dirk. Pfutzner served 22 years in the German navy, finally retiring in 1920 with the rank of Korvettenkapitan. This officer had an illustrious career to include being the navigation officer on the ship Thuringen in 1918, and as 1st officer until the end of the war. Finally, the decorative scabbard bands are in place, which hold the hanger rings properly. 2 side mounted screws secure the throat.
We finish up with this rare dagger with the blade, which is truly special to say the least. It is genuine Damascus featuring a maidenhair pattern which is prominently displayed on both sides, from hilt to tip. As common for the era and though full length, this dirk is equipped with a shorter blade measuring 8″ inches. The reverse of the ricasso is simply stamped with the knight’s head logo, that of the renown WK&C edged weapon firm.
There you have it, a rare Imperial naval dagger that has it all ! $4195.00 RESERVED