Original Item: Only One Available. We just received this very nice dagger out of a large private collection. It is a fine Solingen-Produced totally original WWII German 2nd Model Naval Dagger by legendary maker Carl Eickhorn, complete with the original plated "lightning bolt" style brass scabbard. Additionally, it also has the correct original velvet-backed hangers with "lion" buckles. This is certainly a very nice 2nd Model Navy Dagger offering.

This example was almost certainly purchased by a high ranking officer during the pre-war period, as the pommel is the early pre-1938 pattern. It has very deeply inset wings and an impressive vault wreath. The details to this bird are also choice, with a striking eye, beak and breast. The crossguard is the standard Eickhorn type, with excellent execution and finishing. The grip is in lovely condition, with an unfaded ivory color celluloid covering, with just a bit of wear and staining. The twisted brass wire wrapping is in excellent tight condition. There is just a bit of wobble in the cross guard, and the scabbard locking button is fully functional, and shows wear and patination.

The blade is a very nice example, with an excellent fouled anchor etch on both sides of the bright steel blade. It has the characteristic double fuller, and is still unsharpened with an unbent tip. The edges are correctly unsharpened, however there are some small nicks and dents on both sides, probably from after it was captured. There are a few areas of light staining, but no major oxidation.

The rear ricasso of the blade is stamped with the Carl Eickhorn 1933-35 style double oval trademark logo. It features the trademark squirrel looking to the viewer's left, surrounded by the first oval. Inside the second oval is CARL EICKHORN above and SOLINGEN below, with stars in between. This is one of several similar but not identical Trademark logos Eickhorn used during this period. According to J. Anthony Carter's book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this company was founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn, and is arguably the most famous of all Solingen makers. Not only could the family trace their history back 500 years, but they could also demonstrate involvement in the hardening and grinding industries for the same period. Truly the nobility of Solingen Edged weapon dynasties. Eickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers.

The lightning bolt scabbard is in good condition, with just a slight bend to it, and some small dents in that area. It still has much of the original gilding, and is very well executed. The scabbard is stamped with well-defined palmettes around the bands and lightning bolts, ermine feet and acanthus leaves down to the chape. The bands feature overlapping oak leaves and acorns. The ring ferrules are the triple serrated type, and the rings are still present. The throat is retained by two dome headed screws on the narrow sides, which do not appear to have been removed. The finish overall is still very nice, with a lovely patina.

Accompanying this dagger is a set of Naval Hangers which are in very good condition. The obverse of these hangers is a black moire material, while the reverse is covered in fine, high-pile black velvet plush material. The Lion's Head buckles are made from brass, while the snaps and slides are of gilded aluminum, which show only minor wear on the protruding features. The upper snap is complete with a brass chain and regain hook. The velvet backed fabric of the hangers is in excellent condition, with no fading of the color, and only minor wear. The fittings do show some oxidation and minor plating loss, typical of naval service.

Overall a great example of a hard to find dagger, with a nice scabbard and excellent hanger set. A worthy addition to any knife collection. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 10"
Overall length: 15”
Crossguard: 3”
Scabbard Length: 11 1/2”