2nd Model Navy Dagger – WKC

Product Description: This 2nd Model Navy Dagger by WKC is a truly lovely piece that has “the look” that many collectors find most appealing. The blade on this one is virtually pristine, with great original luster and all of the original frosting on the factory applied double etching. The blade ricasso is neatly stamped with the knight’s helmet maker mark of WKC. The leather blade buffer pad is intact. The handle is gorgeous, with only slight toning to the brass-based metal fittings. The excellent cream-white grip is free of chips or cracks, and the grip wire is nice and tight. The push button is functional. The grip is complete with the original Portepee, which shows only slight age toning and very little wear to the braided wire. The brass based scabbard is the deluxe hammered style. It’s in superior condition, with no dents and intact gold gilding. The two side screws on the scabbard are intact. This 2nd Model Navy Dagger displays extremely well, with exceptional visual appeal, and would rates an outstanding excellent plus plus, bordering on near mint. It would be tough to upgrade.

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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