Oddball Dagger for Review

[Calvin Hall]

I recently acquired this 'dagger' from the grandson of the veteran that brought it back. I purchased this along with a k98 bayonet.

The 'dagger' came to me wrapped in a paper scabbard.

The one is obviously old. Fittings are brass. Blade is unmarked.

Any thoughts or opinions on this one would be appreciated.

[Calvin Hall]

More...

[Calvin Hall]

With the k98

[krikke1980]

What the hell is that........!? Looks like made by a student during schooldays in metal workshop...

[Billy G]

Looks like an RLB Leader, curiously missing the holes for attaching the grip emblem to the grip (and the grip emblem), also missing the scabbard. I suspect the paper scabbard was merely something fashioned by the GI to transport the dagger without stabbing himself.

I'm not sure what to make of the fittings being brass, perhaps they're just slightly gilted? I have two RLBs which have quite an unusual gilt hue which I'm told comes from the high level of copper in the alloy.


Is there a maker's mark on the blade? Are there any holes in the reverse of the grip?

[Calvin Hall]

Looks like an RLB Leader, curiously missing the holes for attaching the grip emblem to the grip (and the grip emblem), also missing the scabbard. I suspect the paper scabbard was merely something fashioned by the GI to transport the dagger without stabbing himself.

I'm not sure what to make of the fittings being brass, perhaps they're just slightly gilted? I have two RLBs which have quite an unusual gilt hue which I'm told comes from the high level of copper in the alloy.


Is there a maker's mark on the blade? Are there any holes in the reverse of the grip?

Yes, this does have the look of an RLB leader, minus a few features.

No maker mark. No holes for the grip emblem.

It cross guard shows a bit of light green corrosion. Perhaps this is from the finish as opposed to the base metal being brass.

I agree with your thoughts on the 'scabbard'.

[Victorman]

Strange item... Is there a wooden box or something (that fits around the blade) inside this old paper wrapping?

If not, why would the paper have been wrapped more than 2 times larger than the actual blade width?

Best regards,

Victorman

[Calvin Hall]

Strange item... Is there a wooden box or something (that fits around the blade) inside this old paper wrapping?

If not, why would the paper have been wrapped more than 2 times larger than the actual blade width?

Best regards,

Victorman

The 'scabbard' is folded-over cardboard that was wrapped in tape.

[Billy G]

Necessity is the mother of invention. Looks like something I've fashioned when mailing a blade without scabbard.

[Victorman]

Thank you, Calvin, for posting that additional picture, now it makes sence.

Best regards,

Victorman