Personalized Kriegsmarine Dirk by Eickhorn – D800
While personalized Army daggers are fairly common to the collecting community, rarely do we encounter 3rd Reich navy daggers with a name on them. This offering is for not only a gorgeous 2nd model Kriegsmarine dagger, but one that is also named too. Have a look.
An off white Trolon over wood core grip starts out this dagger in fine order. From the exposed surfaces not covered by the portapee, it looks to be in near perfect condition. Void of any cracks, splits, or missing material, the decorative grooved segments are tightly wrapped with the customary double strand twist of brass wire. The wire is all snug, and securely in place. The hardware consisting of the anchor crossguard and eagle pommel, are just the best. The detail of each is exquisite, and exemplified by the period fire gilt which has been beautifully preserved on each component. Wrapped around this hilt is a fantastic toned Kriegs portapee, correctly tied in a reef hitch laced pattern, frozen in time and place. An absolutely gorgeous grip and hilt assembly on this edged weapon!
The scabbard to this Eickhorn Kriegs dagger is in very good condition. Typical for these soft brass sheaths, it does have a slight bow to it’s shape. That aside, the period fire gilt surfaces of this scabbard is truly a sight to behold. That beautiful process on this shell remains very strong at 98%. Something that is rarely encountered on these edged weapons, as most collectors are aware of. Both oak leaf design scabbard bands are sold to the shell, and hold the hanger rings properly. I’m assuming that for 3/4 of a century gone by, the upper ring retains the short section of once was a set of hangers for this dagger. We have respected that as part of this daggers history, and left it exactly as we received this dagger. And actually a nice little bonus with this scabbard.
Finally the blade and it’s a honey! You want to talk about a dark etch on a 3rd Reich navy blade, take a look at those photos. As it doesn’t get any better than what is shown on both sides of this blade. Full length, straight, beautiful plating, the blade to this edged weapon has it all. The only sign of age is a little bit on the obverse riccasso, typical of where the wood scabbard runners will trap a little moisture. On that section scratched in is presumed to be the owners name. Near as I can make out it reads: Willi Hammerich. Underneath it looks to be perhaps a city name and date. Though a bit obscure to actually make out. While I did find that name to a Knight’s Cross recipient in the Heer files to a Willi Hammerich, I didn’t find anything in the Kriegs listing. In any event, a super nice blade on this 2nd model. On the reverse is stamped the squirrel logo trademark which the Carl Eickhorn firm used from 1935-41.
Truly a very nice 2nd model navy dagger, by the most famous premier blade firm of Solingen, Carl Eickhorn. SOLD