German, WW2, Third Reich Kriegsmarine Officer’s Dagger and Lightning-Bolt Scabbard by WKC, Solingen

*German, WW2, Third Reich Kriegsmarine Officer’s Dagger and Lightning-Bolt Scabbard by WKC, Solingen*

An original Second World War German Kriegsmarine Officer’s dagger retaining its etched double-edged blade, brass-mounted fittings, and matching lightning-bolt patterned scabbard, manufactured by Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co. (WKC), Solingen.

The dagger features the characteristic gilt brass pommel in the form of the Kriegsmarine eagle clutching a swastika above a cream-coloured spiral grip bound with twisted brass wire. The crossguard displays fouled anchor devices to both sides with the original red felt buffer washer still present at the ricasso. The blade is double-edged with central ridge and decorated with the standard Kriegsmarine etched motif of fouled anchors, scrolling foliage, and stylised panels to both sides.

The ricasso is maker marked with the WKC knight’s helmet trademark above the initials “WKC”, identifying manufacture by Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co., Solingen, one of the principal Third Reich edged weapon producers. The dagger is housed in its original brass lightning-bolt engraved scabbard fitted with two suspension bands and carrying rings decorated with oakleaf motifs.

WKC (Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co.) was among the largest and most respected edged weapon manufacturers in Solingen and produced a broad range of military daggers, swords, and dress bayonets throughout the Third Reich period. Kriegsmarine daggers by WKC remain among the most recognisable and sought-after German naval dress weapons of the era due to their elegant etched blades and distinctive maritime fittings.

Approx. Measurements – Overall: 37.5 cm. Blade: 24.6 cm.

History Note:
The Kriegsmarine Officer’s dagger was introduced in 1938 as the formal naval dress sidearm of officers and senior officials of the German Navy. Its design drew inspiration from earlier Imperial German naval daggers, incorporating maritime fouled-anchor motifs and the distinctive lightning-pattern scabbard associated with naval issue examples. WKC-produced daggers are particularly desirable due to the firm’s long Solingen manufacturing tradition and high-quality blade etching.

*Condition*
Blade retains visible original etched decoration to both sides with areas of age-related surface staining, spotting, and light corrosion, particularly near the ricasso and edges. Maker’s mark remains visible. Grip is structurally sound with minor age marks and slight surface scratches. Wire binding remains intact. Brass fittings and scabbard retain an aged mellow patina with handling wear, rubbing, and small areas of surface oxidation. Scabbard suspension rings remain intact. Red felt washer present. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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