Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very good early post-WWII Soviet naval officer’s dagger dated 1947 and complete with its black leather covered scabbard. The dagger retains its double edge spear point blade, yellow ochre colored grip, gilt brass alloy fittings, Soviet star pommel, USSR state emblem, leather blade buffer, and decorated scabbard mounts. The dagger was manufactured shortly after the end of WWII and represents the traditional Soviet naval officer’s sidearm worn with formal and service dress.

The complete dagger measures approximately 12 1/2 inches long. The double edge spear point blade measures approximately 8 1/2 inches long. The blade remains sharp and appears to have been sharpened during its period of use. Minor oxidation and surface wear are present. The original leather blade buffer remains retained at the base of the blade.

One side of the ricasso is marked:

3NK
1947

The marking transcribed as 3NK is most likely the Cyrillic factory abbreviation ЗиК, associated with the Zlatoust Tool Combine, a major Soviet manufacturer of military edged weapons.

The reverse of the ricasso is serial numbered:

NO 2705

The grip is constructed from a yellow ochre colored material that appears to be bone or a similar molded material. Its exact composition has not been confirmed. The gilt brass alloy crossguard has curved quillons and shows expected wear to the finish. The pommel bears a Soviet five pointed star on its upper surface. The side displays the state emblem of the Soviet Union.

The pommel cap can be unscrewed, allowing the hilt assembly to be disassembled. It should not be repeatedly removed, as unnecessary manipulation could damage the threads or loosen the grip components.

The dagger is complete with its black leather covered scabbard and gilt brass alloy mounts. One side of the scabbard throat is engraved with a fouled anchor. The reverse depicts a naval warship. These naval motifs identify the dagger with Soviet fleet service and form part of the decorative program associated with this officer’s pattern. The scabbard fittings show age and surface wear but remain substantially intact.

The Soviet naval dagger developed from earlier Russian officer’s dirk traditions and was standardized during WWII. It continued to be issued after the war as an important element of naval officer dress and ceremonial equipment.

The 1947 date places this example during the immediate postwar reorganization of the Soviet armed forces. The Soviet naval establishment was rebuilding after wartime losses while expanding its submarine and surface forces for the emerging Cold War.

The clearly dated 3NK / 1947 marking, serial number NO 2705, retained blade buffer, and early postwar manufacture make this a desirable example of the Soviet naval officer’s dagger. The period sharpening, minor blade oxidation, and wear to the gilt fittings are important condition factors, but the dagger remains substantially complete and retains a strong early postwar appearance.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 8 3/8"
Blade Style: Double Edged Spear Point Dagger
Overall length: 12¼“
Crossguard: 3 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 9¼"