Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII Kriegsmarine 2nd Model Naval Dagger by W.K.C. Waffenfabrik of Solingen, complete with its original lightning bolt pattern brass scabbard and a Kriegsmarine portepee tied in the proper Naval style. It is a gently worn example with a very attractive etched nickel plated steel blade, well preserved ivory colored celluloid grip, later pattern pommel, and approximately 75% of the original gold wash remaining on the scabbard.

The pommel is the later pattern associated with post-1940 production, showing less pronounced vaulting around the wreath and a more streamlined treatment to the eagle wings than earlier examples. The eagle detail remains sharp and well defined.

The crossguard is the standard WKC type and retains crisp execution. The hilt fittings show an attractive aged patina with only light wear from use.

The grip is covered in ivory colored celluloid and remains in very good condition. It has avoided the heavy orange discoloration sometimes seen on surviving examples, though there is some light staining and minor cracking near the pommel. The twisted brass wire wrap remains complete with no missing sections and has developed a pleasing oxidized patina.

The scabbard locking button remains fully functional. It shows wear and age patination and requires a firm push to release the dagger from the scabbard.

The original style portepee is tied in the proper Kriegsmarine manner and has clearly remained on the dagger for an extended period, as indicated by the corresponding oxidation and wear patterns. While this long term association is consistent with it having been with the dagger for many years, it cannot independently establish that the portepee was purchased with the dagger when new.

The portepee remains in good condition overall, though there is noticeable loss to the bullion covering, particularly near the knot, with areas where the underlying internal threads are exposed.

The nickel plated steel blade is etched on both sides with the traditional Kriegsmarine fouled anchor motif. The etching remains exceptionally attractive, with nearly all of the frosted background still visible.

The blade shows scattered areas of oxidation and several linear tracks beneath or through the plating where corrosion has progressed along the surface. There is no evidence of sharpening or major edge damage. The ricasso shows only light staining, and the point remains straight and unbent. The original felt blade buffer is still present, though worn from age and use.

The reverse ricasso is stamped with the WKC "Knights-Head" (Ritter-helm) trademark logo of legendary maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen, over the firms initials:

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 brass lightning bolt scabbard remains in very good condition overall, though it shows several dents and a slight amount of bending. These are fully visible condition issues but do not detract significantly from the overall display.

Approximately 75% of the original gold wash remains, considerably more than is often encountered on heavily worn examples. The most protected areas around the fittings and within the recessed decoration retain the finish especially well. Areas where the gold wash has worn away have developed an attractive mustard colored brass patina.

The scabbard is decorated with well defined palmettes around the suspension bands, lightning bolt motifs, ermine feet, and acanthus leaves extending toward the chape. The suspension bands feature overlapping oak leaves and acorns. The ring ferrules are of the triple serrated type, and both suspension rings remain present.

The throat is retained by two dome headed screws positioned on the narrow sides. These do not appear to have been disturbed or removed. The scabbard finish overall remains very attractive, with a pleasing combination of surviving gold wash and matured brass patina.

With its WKC knight’s head trademark, double fouled anchor etched blade, later pattern pommel, complete ivory colored celluloid grip and wire wrap, original style Kriegsmarine portepee, and highly decorative lightning bolt scabbard retaining approximately 75% of its gold wash, this is a particularly appealing 2nd Model Naval Dagger. The minor grip cracking, oxidation tracks on the blade, portepee bullion loss, scabbard dents and bending, and scattered finish wear are all fully disclosed. It would display especially well in a Kriegsmarine officer dagger, WKC maker, naval edged weapon, lightning bolt scabbard, or advanced German WWII dagger collection.

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