Original Item: Only One Available. The Postschutz (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 (NSKK Obergruppenfuhrer). 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.

In February 1939, Postmaster-General Dr, Ohnesorge authorized a dagger for wear by Postschutz officers of the rank of Zugführer and above. After a number of designs were considered from various companies, one by Paul Weyersberg & Co. of Solingen 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.

This very rare Postal Protection Leader's dagger is in very good condition throughout. All the fittings are solid nickel with fine silver plating, which shows some wear through and oxideation. 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 DRP for Deutsches Reichspost and 999 for the issue number of the dagger.

The 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 Reichsadler 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.

The blade of this dagger is in very good condition, with a mostly bright finish and retaining the original factory crossgrain throughout the blade. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. There are areas of light staining on both sides, but no signs of major polishing or sharpening. There are some runner lines but nothing unexpected. The tip of the blade remains needle-like, though the very tip may have been slightly dented.

This great example was made by Paul Weyersberg of Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in western Germany. The reverse ricasso is etched with PAUL WEYERSBERG & Co. / SOLINGEN 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 GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter. The original leather blade washer is in place.

The 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 50% showing checking and crazing from age, which has caused it to flake off in many areas. This has led to some oxidation and staining of the steel body, but no major rust. The plated nickel 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.

The 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 D.R.G.M., indicating that it is registered with the German trademark office.

A very nice 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!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 9 5/8"
Blade Style: Spear Point Dagger
Overall length: 14 3/4“
Crossguard: 3 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 10 3/8"