{"product_id":"original-rare-german-wwii-postal-protection-leaders-dagger-no-338-by-paul-weyersberg-with-scabbard-hanger-chain","title":"Original Rare German WWII Postal Protection Leader's Dagger No. 338 by Paul Weyersberg with Scabbard \u0026 Hanger Chain","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. The \u003cem\u003ePostschutz\u003c\/em\u003e (Postal Protection) organization was established in March 1933 as a uniformed organization tasked with the security and protection of the national postal and telecommunications systems. These installations included the telephone and telegraph facilities since they were, initially, under the supervision of the Postmaster-General, Dr. Ohnesorge (\u003cem\u003eNSKK Obergruppenfuhrer\u003c\/em\u003e). Personnel were mainly recruited from the Polizei, the SA, and the SS. By 1942 the Postschutz had a total of 4,500 men in service and was made up of older men or men who were not fit enough for front line service. In March 1942, the organization became subordinate to the Allgemeine SS.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn February 1939, Postmaster-General Dr, Ohnesorge authorized a dagger for wear by Postschutz officers of the rank of \u003cem\u003eZugführer\u003c\/em\u003e and above. After a number of designs were considered from various companies, one by \u003cem\u003ePaul Weyersberg \u0026amp; Co. of Solingen\u003c\/em\u003e was chosen. The dagger was based upon the RLB dagger (Air Raid protection) and utilized a number of RLB components, as only a small number of daggers were required by the Postschutz initially.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis very rare Postal Protection Leader's dagger is in excellent condition throughout. All the fittings are solid nickel with fine silver plating, which shows just a bit of light oxidation. The pommel is an RLB EM\/NCO grade style, derby shaped with an equatorial band, however the crossguard is very unique to a postal dagger. Its solid nickel base with an eagle head made into the area where the grip inserts, and has insert style swas's (hook crosses) on either side. The underside of the crossguard is marked with \u003cstrong\u003eDRP\u003c\/strong\u003e for Deutsches Reichspost and \u003cstrong\u003e338\u003c\/strong\u003e for the issue number of the dagger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grip is a fine ebony example. It retains much of the original sheen finish and is in excellent condition. It is fitted with the Postschutz insignia, a \u003cem\u003eReichsadler\u003c\/em\u003e looking to the left, which has three lightning bolts coming out from each side, to indicate that they protected not just the postal system, but also the telecommunication system. It is in very good condition, with the details still present, and has a lovely lightly worn look.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade of this dagger is in excellent condition, retaining the original factory crossgrain throughout the blade surface. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. There is a bit of runner wear and scuffing, as well as some very faint staining, but this is definitely one of the best examples we have sever seen. The tip of the blade remains needle-like, with no sign of denting or wear, and the maker logo on the back is completely legible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis great example was made by \u003cem\u003ePaul Weyersberg of Solingen\u003c\/em\u003e, the legendary \"City of Blades\" in western Germany. The reverse ricasso is etched with \u003cstrong\u003ePAUL WEYERSBERG \u0026amp; Co. \/ SOLINGEN\u003c\/strong\u003e in double ovals around the firms trademark \"Sword-and-Wreath\" logo, which was the only marking they used during the Third Reich era. This company was one of many in Solingen owned by members of the Weyersberg family. The company survived the war, but ceased production in 1955. For more information please see \u003cem\u003eGERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS\u003c\/em\u003e by J. Anthony Carter. The original leather blade washer is in place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scabbard is in very good shape, straight with no denting or major damage to the steel body or nickel fittings. The black enamel pain on the steel is retained about 90% showing some light checking and crazing from age, as well as some small areas where the paint scratched off. The plated alloy fittings show light wear and denting, with a lovely patina. The fittings are retained by 4 flush mount screws, all of which are present and do not show any turning or damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe attached nickel chain has nine ringlets making up the upper chain and twelve on the lower, not counting the rings attached to the scabbard fittings. These two chains are attached to a plated zinc alloy snap clip, which is marked on the back with \u003cstrong\u003eD.R.G.M.\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating that it is registered with the German trademark office. Unfortunately the end of the \"hook\" on the clip broke off at some point long ago, and is missing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excellent  Weyersberg example of the very rare Postal Protection Leader's RLB dagger, issue marked and complete with the scabbard and hanger. These are hard to find in any condition, but especially so when they are a nice as this! Ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 9 5\/8\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Spear Point Dagger\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 14 3\/4“\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard: 3 1\/4”\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 10 3\/8\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42064993386565,"sku":"ONSV24MDS083","price":3495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV24MDS083__01.jpg?v=1728523348","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-rare-german-wwii-postal-protection-leaders-dagger-no-338-by-paul-weyersberg-with-scabbard-hanger-chain","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}