German Navy Officer's Administrative Dagger - The Kriegsmarine was the name of the German Navy between 1935 and 1945, during the Nazi regime, superseding the Reichsmarine, and the Kaiserliche Marine of World War I. The Kriegsmarine was one of three official branches of the Wehrmacht. The officer corps of the German Navy has always been strong for tradition. Hitler's rise to power was no exception. This accounts for the reason why the Kriegsmarine was the last of the branches to adopt the Swastika on their daggers. The German Navy had worn daggers dating back to 1842. During that period to World War Two the basic design of the dagger changed very little.

The dagger featured here was issued to a higher ranking administrative officer. The scabbard is hand hammered to give it a very unique appearance. Manufactured by WKC. The scabbard is of Nickel Silver construction. It has two bands that are highly adorned with a leafy pattern. Each holds a ring which is where the hanger attaches. Two screws are placed near the neck. They are use to hold together the runners that reside inside with the intent of holding the blade in place.

The blade is of stilleto type with a double edge. both sides are very tastefully adorned with etchings that have a sea faring mottiff. The maker's logo is placed at the base of the blade on one side. The logo consists of the head of a knight facing left. The initials WKC are placed just below the logo.

The information provided here acts as an identification guide for the German Naval daggers of WWII. This section is packed with detailed photographs and descriptions to enhance the undersranding of the subject. A price guide which tracks the value of the dagger over time is included. Forming an illustration of the worth of the edge weapon in the collector's market. Who provides this information for free? MilitaryItems.com, a purveyor of high quality miliatry antiques and collectibles. With over 3,000 items available for sale, you are almost guaranteed to find something of your liking. WANT TO LEARN MORE? FAQ's Dagger and sword anatomy Edge weapon RZM numbers German Dagger hangers Edge weapon maker markings Hilt markings German edge weapon materials Perspective view purchasing a WWII dagger

The hanging straps used to suspend the Kriegsmarine dagger were basically the same for the first and second models. The hangers featured here are of exceptional quality. Two buckles are found. Each has two lion heads, one above and one below. An extra hook is provided to keep the dagger from swinging when the person moves. Like many other daggers, a silver aluminum cord portapee was wrapped around the pommel and handguard. The tie was fairly intricate as it is shown in these pictures.

The pommel is of high quality construction. It depicts an eagle perched atop a wreath with a swastika in the center. The eagle has the wings in the resting position. Nicel plumeage to the chest area. Larger feathering to the wings. The head is facing to the left.

This edge weapon is currently being reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of edge weapons. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the item.