Original WWII German 2nd Model Kriegsmarine Naval Dagger by WKC Waffenfabrik with Steel Lightning Bolt Scabbard and Portepee - Unplated Blade

Original Item: Only One Available. We just purchased this lovely dagger at a military trade show. It is a fine Solingen-Produced totally original WWII German 2nd Model Naval Dagger by legendary maker W.K.C. Waffenfabrik, complete with the original "lightning bolt" style scabbard, which in this case is made from plated steel. We cannot recall having an example that wasn't made from brass, so we assume it is late war, when brass may have been rationed. It looks to have seen moderate during the war, and features a great etched carbon steel blade, as well as a lovely original portepee knot tied around the crossguard,

This example was almost certainly purchased by an officer when the war was in full swing, as the pommel is the later post 1940 pattern, with less "vaulting" around the wreath. There is also not as much of an inset on the wings, giving it a more streamlined look than the earlier pattern. The details in the bird are still fully visible, and the cross guard is the crossguard is the standard WKC type, with very crisp execution. The grip is in very good condition, with the ivory color celluloid covering faded from an ivory color to a great light amber color. It shows a bit of staining, but no cracking, and the twisted brass wire wrapping is in good condition, showing a lovely oxidized patina with no missing sections. The scabbard locking button is fully functional, showing some wear and patination, and it does requires strong push to get it to release.

The portepee itself is in very good condition, showing light wear and some areas of fraying, particularly near the pommel. The bullion is almost completely retained, and has matured to a lovely gold color due to oxidation and age. We can see that the original color is preserved in the protected areas against the grip and the fittings. 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 tied in the correct Kriegsmarine style, which is much more complex than the style used by other branches, due to the association of knot tying with naval service.

The blade is a lovely example, with an excellent fouled anchor etch on both sides of the bright steel blade. It has the characteristic double fuller, and is still unsharpened, showing a small dent at the tip. There is only some light oxidation present, and no signs of major damage or pass excessive cleaning. Really a lovely blade that would be welcome in any display.

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 W K C. 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 Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie was formed, which continued into the Weimar Period. It then rebranded as W.K.C. Waffenfabrik GmbH, and produced many edged weapons during the NSDAP Period. The company is still in operation today. The original red felt blade buffer is still present at the base of the blade, however it is discolored due to age and exposure to the scabbard.

The lightning bolt scabbard is in very good condition, without any dents or bends that we can see, as would be expected due to the harder steel alloy. It still retains a good amount of the original gold / brass wash, showing wear throughout, so the steel base material can be seen. The scabbard is stamped with well-defined palmettes around the bands and lightning bolts, ermine feet and acanthus leaves down to the chape. The bands feature overlapping oak leaves and acorns. The ring ferrules are the triple serrated type, and the rings are still present. The brass throat is retained by two dome headed screws on the narrow sides, which do not appear to have been removed. The finish overall is still very nice, with a lovely patina.

Overall a lovely example of a hard to find German naval dagger by a legendary Solingen maker, complete with a rare steel scabbard and aged portepee knot. A worthy addition to any knife collection. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 9 3/4"
Overall length: 15 1/8”
Crossguard: 3”
Scabbard Length: 11 3/8”