Here are some pics of three Royal Bulgarian Army daggers that I have in my collection. The center dagger is unique as it carries the monogram of King Simeon where as the other 2 daggers are of King Boris III. I attempted a close up shot to show the difference in these monograms. One dagger was made by Robert Klaas and the other two are unmarked. There are many other minor differences to observe between these daggers when you compare them in hand. Please feel free to give your opinions or ask questions about these pieces.
Hi Gary, On behalf of all collectors I want to thanks for your kindness to share with us your amazing collection of Bulgarian edged weapons and to support your initiative. Just to provoke an attention to this subject I’ll post two pictures from my modest collection.
Pesho, your Army daggers look to be in mint condition and are without question, stunning examples! Also, congratulations on finding one with the scarce vertical hanger. I have 2 sets of cloth Army hangers however, an excellent condition vertical hanger has always eluded me.
Are either of your daggers maker marked and are they the 1st or 2nd models?
Do you have any information regarding what companies in Bulgaria were manufacturing edge weapons? It would seem that Eickhorn, Robert Klaas and to a lesser degree, Holler were the main Solingen producers of these edge weapons. However, I can not substantiate any information regarding what firms were producing them in Bulgaria. Any information you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
What is this one. This is what I call the 1947 Army. This has only the insigia on the front and it has the metal grip. This is the worst blade I have ever seen but it is a non standard blade so it came with this.
Gary, The daggers with vertical hangers is 1st model and is marked Robert Klaas. As far as I know all Bulgarian Army dagger 1st model were manufacturing by Robert Klaas only.
Gary, I don’t know where are made 2nd model but I can show the differences between 1st and 2nd model.: – the blade are same but 2nd model is without marker mark. – 1st model has silver plated crossguard
Jim, those are among best looking examples of Army daggers that I've see. Thank you for showing them to us.
Those red colored hangers with your first dagger are most unusual. I love the way they look along side of the Army dagger. I have not seen them in that color. Do you have any additional information about them?
Any makers marks on these pieces?
The unusual looking dagger is what I have always known to be called "ersatz". It basically means that it was a replacement or substitute for the original design. As you stated, these are post WWII (communist period)and that is why only the Bulgarian Lion is on the cross guard. Again, this is just my understanding so maybe Pesho can give us his opinion.
Please feel free to email me about the vertical hangers that you have.
Pesho, great side by side comparisons of these daggers. Am I correct that the reverse side of the cross guard between the 1st and 2nd models has a slight difference in the swords?
Pesho, I agree that Robert Klaas must have been the only producer of these Army daggers. Every example known to me has either been marked "Robert Klaas" or unmarked. However, I have noticed some slight variations in them that makes me wonder if they had some other suppliers providing them some of the parts. It's just speculation on my part.
Pesho, for clarification, are you saying that you do not know who produced Bulgarian daggers that were made in Bulgaria?
Jim Thank you for showing your daggers to us. For a first time I see those red colored hangers .Except of Bulgarian Red cross and Brannik leader daggers I have seen all other hangers . Gary I know that you have Bulgarian red cross dagger, do you have and hangers please ? Regarding the unusual looking dagger – until end of 1947 Royals uniforms were in used so,maybe and the daggers too.Who knows ?
Pesho, I found this old (and poor quality) picture of my Medical officers dagger hangers. If need be, I will get them out of storage and take some better shots. Just let me know.
On the red hangers. They came with the dagger. I purchased this from a person in Belgium that is known as an honest man. He told me the hangers came with the dqgger from the original owner.
I do not know more. The fittings seem to be correct, so I was uncertain as to the hangers being for a specific unit. The material seems correct for older felt backed material. Also, there is some wear to the silver brocade where the fittings meat. All fittings are silver plated.
Also, congratulations on finding one with the scarce vertical hanger. I have 2 sets of cloth Army hangers however, an excellent condition vertical hanger has always eluded me.
