Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII Kriegsmarine 2nd Model naval officer dagger manufactured by Paul Weyersberg & Co. of Solingen. It is accompanied by a plated steel lightning bolt pattern scabbard and a set of velvet backed naval hangers with lion head buckles. The dagger, scabbard, and hangers display compatible age and wear, forming an attractive late war naval dress ensemble.

The dagger appears to be a later wartime example assembled with a plated white metal alloy crossguard and a brass 1938 pattern eagle pommel. Most of the crossguard plating has worn away, while the pommel has lost the majority of its original gold wash and now displays a dark orange patina. The eagle retains deeply defined wings, a prominent wreath, and well rendered eye, beak, and breast details.

The grip is covered in ivory colored celluloid and remains in very good condition. It shows a few small stains and chips, together with areas of adhered paint. The twisted brass wire wrap remains tight and complete, with only light oxidation. The reverse scabbard release button is present and functions correctly, securing the scabbard, and there is still a worn blade buffer present.

The steel blade does not appear to have been nickel plated and shows no indication of having originally carried the fouled anchor etching commonly encountered on naval officer daggers. Its surfaces show extensive past cleaning, areas of old water staining, and light pitting. The blade has been heavily polished in an effort to reduce these blemishes, and the cutting edge appears to have been sharpened at some point.

This example was made by Paul Weyersberg & Co., Waffenfabrik (Weapons Factory) of Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in western Germany. The rear of the blade is stamped with the company address marking inside an oval:

PAUL WEYERSBERG
& Co
SOLINGEN

This company was one of many in Solingen owned by members of the Weyersberg family, and was founded in 1840, but not registered with Solingen until 1921. They made a large number of edged weapons during the interwar period, and then during the third reich era. The company survived the war, but ceased production in 1955. For more information please see the definitive work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter.

The plated steel scabbard remains straight and free from significant dents. Most of its original gilt finish or gold colored lacquer has worn away, with traces surviving primarily in recessed areas. The body is decorated with stamped palmettes around the bands, a lightning bolt pattern, ermine feet, and acanthus leaf ornamentation extending toward the chape. The suspension bands feature overlapping oak leaves and acorns.

The triple serrated ring ferrules and both suspension rings remain present. The throat is secured by brass side rivets. The steel construction gives the scabbard a notably sturdy character, while the remaining recessed finish and crisp decoration preserve much of its original visual appeal.

The accompanying naval hangers are faced in black moiré fabric and backed with high pile black velvet. The lion head buckles and upper belt clip with chain are constructed from gold washed aluminum. Much of the gold color remains, though the finish is worn from the raised portions of the lions’ faces.

The hanger sliders are brass and have lost most of their gilt finish, now showing oxidation and age toning. The lower clips are gilded aluminum attached to brass fittings. The upper clip retains its brass chain and regain hook. The velvet backed straps remain in very good condition, with no significant fading and only minor wear.

With its Paul Weyersberg maker mark, mixed late war hilt construction, distinctive steel lightning bolt scabbard, and complete lion head hanger set, this is an appealing representative example of German WWII naval dress equipment. The cleaned and possibly sharpened blade, finish loss, grip blemishes, and patinated fittings are fully visible, while the ensemble retains the strong display presence sought by collectors of Kriegsmarine edged weapons, Solingen makers, naval officer equipment, and German WWII dress daggers.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 9 3/4"
Overall length: 14 7/8”
Crossguard: 3”
Scabbard Length: 11 3/8”