Original Item: Only One Available. We just purchased this nice service worn condition dagger from a private collector. It is a Solingen-Produced totally original WWII German 2nd Model Naval Dagger by the well-known firm F. W. Höller, complete with the original "lightning bolt" style brass scabbard. This example looks to have seen moderate service, and has overall light wear, with some gilding still present on the brass. It has the standard double fullered blade, which is not plated, but does have the standard Kriegsmarine etched decoration.

This example was almost certainly purchased by a naval officer during the Pre WWII or Early War period, as indicated by the early period maker logo. It has very deeply inset wings and an impressive vaulted wreath. The details to this bird are also choice, with a striking eye, beak and breast.

The crossguard is the standard brass type, and retains all of the details well. The grip is in very good condition, with the ivory colored celluloid well retained over the wooden base. It has nicely matured in color, and there is just a small crack near the cross guard. The twisted brass wire wrapping around the grip is still fully present, and the scabbard locking button is present and functional.

The blade is in good condition, but does show some staining and light oxidation, which we have left in place to preserve the patination. The oxidation is mostly near the tip of the blade. As is correct, the blade has never been sharpened, and still retains the factory blunt edge. There is also still the correct leather blade buffer present.

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 mostly straight, but does have some dents and bends in the brass body. These do not interfere with the blade entering the scabbard. It is stamped with well-defined palmettes around the bands and lightning bolts, ermine feet and acanthus leaves down to the bottom chappe. 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 flush screws on the narrow sides, which do not appear to have been removed. The finish overall is mostly bright brass, with the gold plating worn away in many areas. It is only still visible very close to the hanger rings

Overall a nice example of a hard to find dagger by a well known Solingen maker! 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”