Hello all.

I am looking for information on what I believe to be a German Navy officer's dagger.

Although I am a collector of WW2 militaria I do not collect German daggers. In the process of purchasing unrelated memorabilia from a Canadian Merchant Navy vet he offered me this dagger with the other items. He said he bought it in Gdansk just after the end of the war for a pound of coffee! I have no reason to believe it is not the real thing but I certainly am no expert.

I will describe it the best I can short of posting pictures of it. The scabbard is smooth with etchings of lightning bolts near the bottom and smaller ones near the top. The scabbard itself is in very good condition though it has a couple small dents but no other damage. It is engraved on one side near the top with the inscription "Stein Fuhrer". It is scripted diagonally across the scabbard.

The blade is very nice and sharp and is etched (frosted?) on both sides with an anchor and another anchor with two sea serpents(?) on the bottom of the anchor. There is also a sort of rising sun motif at the base of the blade. It has a makers mark engraved in it that reads "E.u. HORSTER - SOLINGEN and has the initials "HSH" in the centre. The grip looks like it is off-white in color and is in near perfect condition. It has an anchor motif in the centre of the handle the pommel has the eagle/swastika design. It also has a wire tassel.

Can anyone help me identify this dagger?

Thank you.

Exactly what you state in your topic

A German naval officer dagger. Many daggers have been extensively copied since the period & engravings added too. A conclusive opinion on whether everything is correct is only possible with good quality images.

You could also diligently compare what you have with the many listed on dealer sites. Some are listed in the advertising section here at GDC.

After posting the above thread I have studied the dagger a little more and have a couple of details/corrections to make.

The maker name is "E.u.F.HORSTER" and the makers mark is stamped into the steel not engraved. Also, the scabbard throat is attached with two screws on the side of the scabbard. The "felt" at the base of the blade appears to be a dark, reddish brown colour and is quite flattened. Also, the pommel is held on by a threaded rod.

If photos are needed I will try to get some up as soon as possible.

Everything sounds correct ,but photo's are needed