2nd Model Navy Dagger – Eickhorn

Product Description:  A fine example of the 2nd Model Navy Dagger – Carl Eickhorn, distinguished by its beautifully acid-etched “fouled anchor” blade exhibiting a deep, dark etch and a crisp “Carl Eickhorn” maker’s mark. The blade remains in Excellent condition, retaining its sharp point.  The original leather buffer pad has been replaced by a red felt pad, but pad has tear.

The brass-based lightning bolt scabbard displays finely hand-enhanced details to the tip and oak-leaf-and-acorn suspension bands, with both throat screws intact and the release button functioning smoothly. The original gilding has dulled, and the scabbard shows corrosion in multiple spots as shown.

The gilt brass crossguard and pommel, the latter featuring the proud Kriegsmarine eagle, retain sharp detailing but have corrosion as shown. The wood-based, celluloid-covered grip has cracking in multiple spots, with its double-twisted brass wire wrap still tightly bound. .

Historical Description: The German Navy adopted the use of a dress dagger for its officers in the 19th century. In 1935, the Nazi leadership reintroduced universal conscription for German men as part of a plan to greatly expand German military power. The German Navy became part of the new Wehrmacht and was renamed the “Kriegsmarine.” The leadership of the Kriegsmarine was largely very traditional and initially retained many pre-Nazi traditions including the traditional dress dagger which was unchanged since WWI. But in 1938, a new dagger was introduced for the Kriegsmarine, that bore the Nazi swastika emblem. This pattern of dress dagger is known today as the Second Model Navy Dagger. The earlier “flaming ball” device used on the first model pommel was replaced with a German national eagle emblem clutching a wreathed swastika. The crossguard on the second model Navy dagger was longer than that found on the first pattern. The standard blade was acid etched with a fouled anchor and ornate foliage pattern. Because it was expected that these daggers would be worn at sea, all parts with the exception of the blade were initially made from brass. The Second Model Navy Dagger was made by more than a dozen manufacturers in a number of variants until the end of WWII. As with all officer dress daggers, they were not issued, but were private purchase items. Officers could customize these to suit their own tastes by upgrading them and customizing them in various ways.

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