Third Reich RAD Officers Dagger-WKC

Introduced in 1938 as an upgrade for officers who originally wore the heavier, stag gripped Hewer, this WKC example is in excellent condition having most of the finish remaining to the eagle head pommel, ferrule and crossguard. The base metal of these pieces is notorious for not retaining its silvered finish so finding an example so complete is quite unusual. A single countersunk bolt retains the ivory coloured grips which are in perfect undamaged condition. It’s likely that removing these grips would reveal an assembly number stamped into the blade tang, and a corresponding number written in pencil on the grip itself. Sometimes the assemblers initials can also be seen. An exciting exploration we will leave for the next owner should he feel so inclined! The bolo shaped blade has no damage a perfect tip and much crossgrain, and apart from some minor marks from where the runners have gripped the blade, is in near mint condition. As is the norm with these pieces there is no blade washer. The “work ennobles” motto is darkly etched into the obverse blade whilst the WKC knights head logo appears on the reverse ricasso. Scabbard is undamaged and has most of its silvered finish remaining, with a portion of the bluing on the centre panel on both obverse and reverse. Some original lacquer remains predominantly to the the lower chape area.
Overall an excellent example of a dagger type which is becoming very difficult to acquire in any condition.

Code: 53303