Original WWII German 2nd Model Naval Dagger by F.W. Höller with Lightning Bolt Scabbard, Lion Hangers, and Portepee

Original Item: Only One Available. We just received this lovely dagger out of a large private collection. It is a fine Solingen-Produced totally original WWII German Kriegsmarine 2nd Model Naval Dagger by the well-known firm F. W. Höller, complete with the original plated "lightning bolt" style brass scabbard. Additionally, it also has an original portepee tied around the crossguard, and fine velvet-backed hangers. This is certainly a very nice and complete 2nd Model Navy Dagger offering, the likes of which we seldom see!

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 type, and has the portepee wrapped around it. The grip is in excellent condition, with an unfaded ivory color celluloid covering, with just a bit of wear. The bullion-wrapped twisted wire wrapping is in excellent tight condition, with a lovely oxidized patina.

The portepee itself is in excellent condition, showing very little fraying or other wear. The bullion is almost completely retained, and has matured to a lovely orange 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 scabbard locking button is fully functional, and shows wear and patination.

The blade is an excellent 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, with an unbent tip. It shows some scuffing near the tip and in other areas from handling, but there are no signs of past oxidation or polishing, making this a really great example.

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 in very good condition, still straight with just a bit of a crush dent to the very bottom of the scabbard. Most of these we see are completely missing the original gilding, however this example still displays it near the carrying bands and in the recesses of the design. 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 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.

Accompanying this dagger is a set of Naval Hangers which are in very good condition. The obverse of these hangers is a black moire material, while the reverse is covered in fine, high-pile black velvet. The Lion's Head buckles and the upper belt clip with the chain are gilded aluminum, and still retain their color well, while the sliders and the other three snap clips are gild zinc, which have lost most of the original gilding. The upper snap is complete with a brass chain and regain hook. The velvet backed fabric of the hangers is in excellent condition, with no fading of the color, and only minor wear.

Overall a great example of a hard to find dagger by a very desirable Solingen maker, complete with a nice scabbard, hanger set, and wonderfully matured portepee. This is the full setup! A worthy addition to any knife collection. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 9 7/8"
Overall length: 15”
Crossguard: 3”
Scabbard Length: 11 1/4”