TENO Leader Dagger for Review

[RobertE]

From what I can tell, this is an original TENO Leader dagger, but I'd appreciate a review by those that know.

Thanks in advance for any responses - regards, Robert

[RobertE]

Handle is from standard material like a Army dagger -

[RobertE]

Crossguard -

[RobertE]

Pommel -

[RobertE]

Eickhorn maker, as expected -

[RobertE]

Scabbard is straight, with no dents but broader than and Army or LW -

[RobertE]

No hangers but nice hanger loops!

[RobertE]

Serial number - where should the corresponding number be on the dagger itself?

[Skipper Greenwade]

The number should be up toward the crossguard on the blade itself

I hate to make a call based solely on photos, but this one certainly looks promising.

Most of the plating is gone from the pommel and crossguard; same with the black burnishing that was once on the scabbard and the blade is pretty sportty, so the condition could be better.

Now, up on my soapbox: The price would need to be right - TeNo Leader daggers are rare, but they are also notoriously slow movers when the time comes to sell unless they are in really good condition. Don't get caught up in the heat of the moment and buy this one if you are collecting daggers by type because, at some point you'll likely want a better one.

Best,
Skip

[PMan]

Teno Leader

A good one all around.

[Billy G]

These are very impressive daggers in hand, much more substantial than a Heer or Luft dagger both in size & design. Skip said it all in a nutshell, all very sage advice.

The blade looks correct but make sure it's numbered & the number matches the number stamped into the scabbard throat.

TeNos are prone to plate lifting/plate loss on the crossguards & pommels & their scabbard burnish disapates over time. I've also heard stories of some unschooled collectors polishing all that "tarnish" off the scabbard of a TeNo Leader's dagger. Sick stuff but it's happened.

I too believe this to be a period example of a TeNo Leader's dagger but unless you can get this at a VERY good price, you'll likley want an upgrade someday & be locked in with a less than stellar dagger that will be tough to sell.

[rajko84]

looks good

[Ron Weinand]

The reason these in this condition are so hard to sell is that MANY are in near mint/mint condition and, at the current market price, its just as easy to sell a nice one than one with condition problems.
So, in this condition, it had better be a bargain, or don't buy.
JMO,
Ron Weinand

[RobertE]

Ron, what is bargain priced? I see them from 7000.00 - 11000 on line: what's a good price in this condition? s/f Robert

[Ron Weinand]

The last one I had in this condition about 1 1/2 years ago I got $3250.00 from Russia.
Ron Weinand