Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. We just purchased this fine dagger from a private collector. It is a fine Solingen-Produced totally original WWII German 2nd Model Naval Dagger by the legendary firm F. W. Höller, complete with the original gold-plated "lightning bolt" style brass scabbard. This is a very nice gently worn example, with a very nice etched steel blade and an original portepee tied around the crossguard.
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 type, and has the portepee wrapped around it. The grip is faded ivory color and unfortunately has cracking present in multiple areas. The twisted brass wire wrapping is in excellent tight condition. The pommel is a bit loose, due to the grip shrinking.
The portepee itself is in worn condition with oxidation and fraying. 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 not tied in the correct Kriegsmarine style, which was 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 also in great shape.
The blade is a very good example, with an excellent fouled anchor etch on both sides of the carbon steel blade. The etching on both sides is beautiful, retaining almost all of the frosted backgrounds. There is some light wear and surface scratching, as well as some areas of oxidation in the etched portion of the blade surface. The tip of the blade is great, and the original leather blade buffer is in place.
The reverse ricasso is maker marked with a "losenge" style trademark logo that reads F. W. HÖLLER / SOLINGEN, surrounding the trademark Höller "Thermometer" emblem. This is a well-known maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany, which produced many fine edged weapons.
F.W. Höller, Waffenfabrik (Weapons Factory), located in Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in western Germany. During the WWII Period they manufactured many SA and NSKK daggers, both with their "thermometer" trademark and later with the RZM code M7/33. They also produced numerous 98K bayonets and other edged weapons. The firm was founded in 1866, and registered in Solingen in 1883. By 1900 ownership had passed to Emil Höller, and it continued manufacture after WWII, finally closing in 1974. For more information please see J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS.
The "lightning bolt" scabbard is straight, and just has a few small dents. It's stamped with well-defined palmettes around the bands and lightning bolts, ermine feet and acanthus leaves down to the bottom 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 mostly patinated brass, as the gold plating was the type that "evaporates" easily with cleaning and contact to air. There is still a bit left in some areas but it is mostly worn away.
Overall a great example of a hard to find dagger by a legendary maker, complete with an original portepee! A worthy addition to any knife collection. Ready to display!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 9 3/4"
Overall length: 14 3/4”
Crossguard: 3”
Scabbard Length: 11 1/4”
- This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
- Due to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
