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 Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Co. (WKC), complete with the original gold-plated "lightning bolt" style brass scabbard. Additionally, it also has an original portepee tied in the correct Naval style, and fine velvet-backed hangers. This is certainly one of the best 2nd Model Navy Dagger offering that we have ever had.

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 WKC type, and has the portepee wrapped around it. The grip is in very good condition with a bit of age, and a few small surface cracks and staining, but still has a great caramel color color, faded from the original ivory. The twisted brass wire wrapping is in excellent tight condition. Overall the grip shows wear on the plating, so this was a dagger that was worn in service.

The portepee itself is in good condition, though it does show light wear and a bit of oxidation. 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. Scabbard locking button is fully functional, and also in great shape.

The blade is an excellent example, with a high quality nickel-plated finish and an excellent fouled anchor etch. The etching on both sides is beautiful, retaining almost all of the frosted backgrounds. The plating is also great, with just a bit of runner wear and light oxidation. The tip of the blade is perfect, and the original felt blade buffer is in place.

The reverse ricasso is stamped with the trademark "Knights-Head" (Ritter-helm) logo of legendary maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen, over the firms initials of WKC. This company is a famous manufacturer of military swords and cutlery in Solingen, Germany - a city famous since the middle ages for its metal-working and craftsmanship in sword making. Per J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS, the traditional manufacturing of swords at WKC dates back to the year 1774 when the Weyersberg first registered the ''Kings head'' as their trademark. Later in 1883 the company merged with the Kirschbaums and the company WKC was formed as it exists today.

The lightning bolt scabbard is completely straight, and does not really have any major dents we can see. The scabbard is stamped with well-defined palmettes around the bands and lightning bolts, ermine feet and acanthus leaves down to the 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 dome headed screws on the narrow sides, which do not appear to have been removed. The finish overall is mostly faded aged brass, as the gold plating was the type that "evaporates" easily with cleaning and contact to air. There is still a bit left around the fittings but most is a lovely aged brass patina.

Accompanying this dagger is a set of Naval Hangers which are still stiff and in excellent condition. The obverse of these hangers is a black moire material, while the reverse is covered in fine, high-pile black velvet. The snaps, 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 attached hangers are very nice, with brass clips and Lion's Head buckles. 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 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!