Original Item: Only One Available. We just received this very nice dagger out of a private auction. It is a fine Solingen-Produced totally original WWII German 2nd Model Naval Dagger by W.K.C. Waffenfabrik, complete with the rare original plated hammered brass scabbard. This is a very nice gently worn example, with a very nice etched carbon steel blade. Additionally, it also has an original portepee tied in the correct Naval style, which are hard to find, especially properly tied.

This example was almost certainly purchased by a high ranking officer early in the wartime period, as the pommel is a pre 1941 type. 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 gilt brass WKC type. The grip is in excellent condition, with a lovely pumpkin orange color celluloid covering, with just a bit of wear. This is very common due to exposure to light and air, which also can make the material brittle, and it is a bit lighter on one side than the other. The twisted brass wire wrapping is in excellent tight condition. There is little wear to the grip overall, so it does not appear to have been worn often. The scabbard locking button is fully functional.

The portepee itself is in good condition, and tied in the proper Kriegsmarine Navy style. It does show light wear and some oxidation, which has given it a lovely golden hue. It may be that the Kriegsmarine portepees are always this color, as we have seen several like this. It definitely has been tied on for some time, as indicated by the oxidation and wear pattern, and is most likely the original purchased with the dagger. There is some loss of the bullion exterior, especially by the "knot", showing some tear through of the interior threads.

The blade is a very nice example, with an excellent fouled anchor etch on both sides of the bright steel blade. The etching on both sides is beautiful, retaining almost all of the frosted backgrounds. There is no sharpening or other damage to the edge, and only some light staining on the ricasso area. The tip of the blade is straight and unbent, and the original felt blade buffer is in place. Really a choice example here!

The reverse ricasso is etched with the trademark "Knights-Head" (Ritter-helm) logo of legendary maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen, over the firms initials of WKC. This company is a famous manufacturer of military swords and cutlery in Solingen, Germany - a city famous since the middle ages for its metal-working and craftsmanship in sword making. Per J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS, the traditional manufacturing of swords at WKC dates back to the year 1774 when the Weyersberg first registered the ''Kings head'' as their trademark. Later in 1883 the company merged with the Kirschbaums and the company Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie was formed, which continued into the Weimar Period. It then rebranded as W.K.C. Waffenfabrik GmbH, and produced many edged weapons during the NSDAP Period. The company is still in operation today.

The hammered-brass scabbard is in very good used condition, with a lovely patina of age. There is fading to the gold plating, which is the type that evaporates over time, though in the hammer marks are still present and look great. We cannot see any major dents or bends in the scabbard, and the blade sheathes easily. The bands feature overlapping oak leaves and acorns, and are quite a bit more ornate than usually seen. The ring ferrules are the rarely seen oak leaf type, and the rings are still present. The throat is retained by two dome head screws, which show no signs of turning.

Overall a great example of a hard to find dagger by a famous Solingen maker, complete with a great scabbard and original portepee. A worthy addition to any knife collection. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 9 3/4"
Overall length: 15 1/8”
Crossguard: 3”
Scabbard Length: 11 1/4”