{"product_id":"original-german-cold-war-era-unissued-east-german-nva-honor-dagger-with-original-hanger-box-and-warranty-card-german-democratic-republic-1","title":"Original German Cold War Era Unissued East German NVA Honor Dagger With Original Hanger, Box and Warranty Card - German Democratic Republic","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is an excellent near-mint and apparently unissued East German National People’s Army, or NVA, officer’s honor dagger complete with its original fitted box, suspension hanger, auxiliary hanger piece, and matching warranty card. The dagger, box label, and warranty card all bear the same serial number, \u003cb\u003e84329\u003c\/b\u003e, making this a particularly complete matching set from the German Democratic Republic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe generals\/admiral daggers of the DDR were adopted for wear in 1960. They made their first public appearance in the May Day Parade of 1961. The majority of these daggers are identical in appearance, being of lacquer-coated polished brass. However, some presentation daggers were gold-plated. This gold plating was discontinued after 1983. This example is nickel plated steel and is in near perfect condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pommels of the admirals \/ generals daggers differed from those of lower ranking officers. They featured a DDR national logo rather than the “\u003cb\u003ehammered\u003c\/b\u003e” design used on those for the lower ranking officers like this example here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example was never presented and still has a bare blade. The serial number is the only marking that can be found on the ricasso and it reads as \u003cb\u003e84329\u003c\/b\u003e. The overall condition is really good with the only real wear present being some minor water damage on the box from storage, and tarnishing to the silver finish of the buckles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lid of the box has a label on one side with the same serial number, \u003cb\u003e84329\u003c\/b\u003e, making this an excellent fully matching set. The box also includes the original hanger with the small extra hanger piece that is often missing in these sets. The box itself measures \u003cb\u003e17¼ x 5¾ x 1”\u003c\/b\u003e. The warranty card is also included and has the same serial number, \u003cb\u003e84329\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe heaviest wear is to the silver finish on the hanger buckles. The repetition of the same serial number on the dagger, box, and warranty card strongly supports the set remaining together in its original matching configuration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEast German officer daggers were worn as part of the formal and ceremonial uniform of officers of the National People’s Army and related services. The German Democratic Republic introduced distinctive edged weapons for officers and senior ranks during the Cold War, with separate patterns and finishes for ordinary officers, generals, and admirals. Generals’ and admirals’ daggers entered ceremonial use during the early 1960s and differed from standard officer examples in their fittings and decorative details.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Friedrich Engels Military Academy in Dresden was founded on January 5th, 1959 and became the highest military teaching and research institution in East Germany. It provided advanced education to serving officers of the NVA, Border Troops, and other state security organizations, as well as selected foreign officers. The academy was therefore an advanced staff and military-science institution rather than the normal commissioning school at which new officers first received their rank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis matching 84329 dagger set is particularly desirable for its exceptional preservation and completeness. The bright undecorated blade, matching numbered box and warranty card, complete hanger assembly, and minimal handling wear preserve the appearance of an NVA officer dagger that appears never to have entered regular service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 9 3\/4\"\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 14 1\/4\"\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard: 4 1\/4”\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 11”\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45525598666821,"sku":"ONJR26JYHG042","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR26JYHG042__01.jpg?v=1786381986","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-cold-war-era-unissued-east-german-nva-honor-dagger-with-original-hanger-box-and-warranty-card-german-democratic-republic-1","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}