WKC Kriegsmarine dagger w/ strange marking N.421, original? Help!

[Discostu]

Hi all,

I was recently offered this Kriegsmarine dagger and was wondering if it was original and what the markings meant. The dagger is marked "N.421", with an "M" and small eagle, and the WKC knight marking without the lettering below it. The dagger appears to be original although I am unsure as I have never seen this variation before. Blade appears unetched.If anyone could point me in the right direction and give me an idea I would be grateful!

Cheers!

[Billy G]

Looks like an issue piece rather than private purchase, the "N" might be for Nordsee.

[Frogprince]

Looks like an issue piece rather than private purchase, the "N" might be for Nordsee.

Works well for me. FP

[Bulldog]

The dagger is a depot piece and as Billy says is marked with the letter N for the base at Nordsee, the stick eagle is the navy property marking as these were purchased by the navy and not privately by the officer wearing it, the letter M underneath the stick eagle is for marine. The maker mark is pre 32/33, most depot pieces have very early maker marks. The blade is a correct plain (without etch) one as the navy did not spend extra on etched blades. Early rope band scabbard and early style crossguard are WKC, the pommel is a Holler product which has updated the dagger from an M29 that would have originally had the ball pommel to an M38. The thick leather buffer pad that would have been on this dagger is missing but that is minor.

Best Russ.

[Jeff Nichols]

Agree, no issues here a nice issue piece

[Bulldog]

Just noticed scabbard screws are also missing, someone might know where to get some brass dome head screws.

Russ.

[AndyB]

Interesting, i would certainly compare a Marine proof of other samples with here stamp, is little strange that uniform dagger was added into Marine inventory, anyway some sabres are too similar serialed so Nordsee is real and late Reischwehr period.b.r.Andy

[Schlange]

Reischwehr and later Wehrmacht NCO has right to getting a parade uniform with all the extras at army cost. (visor caps, dress uniforms and parade edged weapons)


Schlange

http://www.mojalbum.com/schlange88/album

[Frogprince]

In agreement, as a general rule in many militaries (including Germany) commissioned officers were provided a clothing allowance and required to purchase their own uniforms and sidearms. Senior grade NCO's were not, although they could purchase their own personal Officer's model sidearms. That said, they could also be loaned one from goverment stores as needed to perform their duties with the serial numbers etc. providing accountability. FP

[compressore]

I have a KM Soldbuch in which a dagger is listed as "issued" amongst the other garment the soldier received.
Regards
Christian

[JohnZ]

Here is a link to Marine markings on Third Reich combat bayonets:

http://www.old-smithy.info/bayonets/...'s/km.html

John

[Ron Weinand]

When issued, this dagger would have had the onion ball sea weeds and waves type pommel and the Third Reich eagle and swastika would have been added in 1938 period. This is why this particular dagger has the pre Nazi naval marking and the neat early scabbard bands.

[Discostu]

Hi all, thank you very much for all the help! What would be a good price to buy this dagger at, and roughly what are they going for?

Thanks!