Original Item: Only One Available. We just received this very nice dagger out of a large private collection. It is a fine Solingen-Produced totally original WWII German 2nd Model Naval Dagger by legendary maker Carl Eickhorn, complete with the original plated "lightning bolt" style brass scabbard. Additionally, it also has an original portepee tied around the crossguard, and fine velvet-backed hangers. This is certainly a very nice and complete 2nd Model Navy Dagger offering.

This example was almost certainly purchased by a high ranking officer early in the wartime period, as the pommel is a 1938 changeover type. It has very deeply inset wings and an impressive vault wreath. The details to this bird are also choice, with a striking eye, beak and breast. The crossguard is the standard Eickhorn type, and has the portepee wrapped around it. The grip is in excellent condition, with an unfaded ivory color celluloid covering, with just a bit of wear. The twisted brass wire wrapping is in excellent tight condition.

The portepee itself is in good condition, though it does show light wear and a bit of oxidation. The bullion and string going to the end ball is relatively frayed and worn, but the internal fibers are still solid. It definitely has been tied on for some time, as indicated by the oxidation and wear pattern, and is most likely the original purchased with the dagger. It is tied in the correct Kriegsmarine style, which is much more complex than the style used by other branches, due to the association of knot tying with naval service. The scabbard locking button is fully functional, and shows wear and patination.

The blade is a very nice example, with an excellent fouled anchor etch on both sides of the bright steel blade. It has the characteristic double fuller, and is still unsharpened, with an unbent tip. The blade does have some areas of past oxidation and staining, and it looks like the entire surface has been polished and buffed in the past. This has unfortunately removed almost all of the darkened background for the etching.

The blade's ricasso is stamped with the post 1941 Eickhorn simplified trademark: a seated "regardent" squirrel looking backward over its shoulder, with the firm's name and location, ORIGINAL / EICKHORN / SOLINGEN below. Carl Eickhorn is a legendary maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany.

According to J. Anthony Carter's book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this company was founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn, and is arguably the most famous of all Solingen makers. Not only could the family trace their history back 500 years, but they could also demonstrate involvement in the hardening and grinding industries for the same period. Truly the nobility of Solingen Edged weapon dynasties. Eickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers.

The lightning bolt scabbard is in good condition, with just a slight bend to it, and some small crush dents. It still has much of the original plating, and is very well executed. The scabbard is stamped with well-defined palmettes around the bands and lightning bolts, ermine feet and acanthus leaves down to the chape. The bands feature overlapping oak leaves and acorns. The ring ferrules are the triple serrated type, and the rings are still present. The throat is retained by two dome headed screws on the narrow sides, which do not appear to have been removed. The finish overall is still very nice, with a lovely patina.

Accompanying this dagger is a set of Naval Hangers which are in very good condition. The obverse of these hangers is a black moire material, while the reverse is covered in fine, high-pile black velvet. The snaps, Lion's Head buckles, and slides are of gilded aluminum, which show only minor wear on the protruding features. The upper snap is complete with a brass chain and regain hook. The velvet backed fabric of the hangers is in excellent condition, with no fading of the color, and only minor wear. The fittings do show some oxidation and minor plating loss, typical of naval service.

Overall a great example of a hard to find dagger, with a nice scabbard and excellent hanger set. A worthy addition to any knife collection. Ready to display!

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