*German, WW2, Named Kriegsmarine Dagger and Scabbard, Made by E & F. Horster Solingen, Owned by Oberleutnant Kurt Baburg, Scabbard engraved with Olympic Rings 1936, U827, KB, U30, U618*
Approximate measurements: 42cm overall, 25cm blade
Double-edged spear point blade with the E & F. Horster Solingen maker’s mark on the ricasso. The blade is decorated on both sides with a furled anchor above foliage that ends in two open-mouthed fish. The cross guard features an anchor motif at its center with a press release button, and both arms are adorned with fine acanthus leaves and button-lined ends. The pommel is made of gilt brass, topped with an eagle holding a wreathed swastika. The grip is made of white celluloid with its original wire binding.
The lightning bolt brass scabbard, has two hanging rings and is engraved with the Olympic Rings, “1936,” “U827,” and on the obverse side, the initials “KB,” “U30”, and “U618.”
Oberleutnant Kurt Baberg
Kurt Baberg was a German U-Boat commander credited with sinking three ships. He was born on February 23, 1917, and died on March 31, 2003, at the age of 86. His decorations include the Iron Cross 2nd Class, U-Boat War Badge 1939, Iron Cross 1st Class, and the German Cross in Gold.
He commanded the following U-Boats:
U-30 (Type VIIA) from April 23, 1941, to March 9, 1942: No war patrols, assigned to training flotillas in the Baltic.
U-618 (Type VIIC) from April 16, 1942, to April 15, 1944: Completed six patrols, sinking three merchant ships—British Empire Mersey on October 14, 1942, US Angelina on October 18, 1942, and British Empire Kohinoor on July 2, 1943.
U-827 (Type VIIC) from April 26, 1945, to May 5, 1945: No war patrols; scuttled on May 5, 1945, in the Flensburg Fjord.
Baberg was a member of the Kriegsmarine’s famous “Olympic Crew,” which adopted the Olympic rings as their symbol, commemorating the 1936 Olympic Games held in Berlin. This crew was the largest in size and produced more U-boat commanders than any other; of the 164 who ‘graduated,’ 140 went on to command during the war.
E & F. Hörster, Solingen
Hörster’s origins date back to 1850 when it traded as “Friedrich Hörster,” later rebranded as “E. & F. Hörster” in 1870. The company registered in Solingen in 1872 and focused on producing swords, sabers, bayonets, and fencing foils. Under the ownership of Fritz Hörster and his daughters, the firm expanded until the early 20th century. By the Third Reich era, Hörster became a prominent supplier of edged weapons, assigned the RZM code M7/36 in 1935 and producing K98 bayonets marked “asw” and “sgx” by 1944. Post-WWII, Hörster continued manufacturing ceremonial swords and other items until it was declared insolvent in 1996.
*Condition*
This Kriegsmarine dagger is in excellent condition. The blade is clean and the engraving clear. The grip is very good condition with a few tiny marks commensurate with age and service. The locking button works well. The scabbard fits securely and is in good condition with a few minor dents again commensurate with age and service. There is a small split to the ball filial. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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