*German, WW2, Kriegsmarine Officer’s Dress Dagger & Scabbard (2nd Model), by E. & F. Hörster, Solingen*
An original German Kriegsmarine officer’s dress dagger, Second Model (introduced 1938), manufactured by the well-known Solingen firm E. & F. Hörster. This example retains its correct gilt brass fittings throughout, including the classic naval crossguard with fouled anchor cartouches, oak-leaf decorated quillons, and the eagle pommel surmounting the grip.
The grip is the correct ivory-coloured (celluloid) type, spirally fluted and bound with twisted wire, fitted tightly between pommel and crossguard. The blade is double-edged with a central fuller and retains its Hörster maker’s mark to the ricasso, though now softened by age and surface oxidation.
The dagger is housed in its correct lightning-bolt patterned gilt brass scabbard, the defining feature of the 2nd Model Kriegsmarine dagger, with oak-leaf panels and twin suspension rings.
Approx. Measurements: Blade length: 23.9 cm. Overall length: 37.4 cm
Historical Note:
The Second Model Kriegsmarine dagger was introduced in 1938, replacing the earlier First Model with its plain hammered scabbard. Issued exclusively to commissioned officers of the German Navy, the dagger was a ceremonial sidearm symbolising rank and authority rather than a combat weapon.
The lightning-bolt scabbard design quickly became synonymous with Kriegsmarine officers during the war years and remained standard issue until 1945. E. & F. Hörster, based in Solingen, was one of the principal Third Reich manufacturers of edged weapons and possessed the industrial capacity to manufacture complete daggers in-house, rather than relying heavily on subcontracted components.
*Condition*
The dagger is in good, honest wartime condition. The blade shows heavy age-related oxidation, pitting and surface corrosion consistent with long-term storage, with the maker’s mark still visible. The grip remains intact with correct wire binding present; several age cracks and stress lines are visible in the celluloid, typical of period grips. The gilt brass fittings show wear to the finish, softening of detail, and areas of verdigris, particularly around the guard and grip junctions. The scabbard retains its correct lightning-bolt decoration with surface wear, patina and small dents and marks commensurate with age. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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