Wehrmacht Officer's dagger...
 

A female friend of mine has asked me to find a buyer for this dagger. It is an Eickhorn, and in really good condition. The question I have is there is some rust on the blade. Would it be a good idea to have the rust removed, or would the risk of further scratching the blade make it not worth it? The rust is not terrible, and the only other problem I see is that the handle is somewhat loose. Other wise it is in really good condition. Also is there anything else I can do to increase its value. My gut feeling is to leave it the way it is. Here are some pics.

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/k.../1-9-11009.jpg
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/k.../1-9-11008.jpg
http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/k.../1-9-11010.jpg

What's the history on it?

All I know is that the lady's grandfather brought it back from WWII. She's had it in her "sock drawer" for 40 years. Personally I would keep it, because of the sentimental value alone. However, she doesn't think the same way. And she isn't interested in the historical value either. If I could afford it, I would, but I since I can't, I'll help her find someone that can.

PM sent claemore, gonna point you in the right direction where to sell it.

The fastest way to ruin the value of any old knife is to start working on it.

Do not touch it.

Thanks guys. I thought so about working on it, just needed the professional advice I knew I could find here.

Basic Luftwaffe dagger
 

Looks like a basic Luftwaffe dagger in fair condition, no idea of the worth. Without some family history I can imagine it means nothing to the woman and the sentimental is probably pretty thin. In tough times may be better to sell it.

MVP

MVP is right. Looks like the basic Luftwaffe dagger. Some have the swastika in gold, with the portepee (hanger) they go for around US$1000 over here.

It's a basic Heer Officer's dagger.

http://www.germandressdaggers.com/Army%20Dagger.htm

According to the marking (squirrel hidden by the wreath containing the swastika) your friend's dagger is a 1935-1941 manufactured model (scroll down to M7/66).

http://www.germandressdaggers.com/Maker%20marks.htm

LW Officers' dagger (1st and 2nd models).

http://www.germandressdaggers.com/Luft%201htm.htm

http://www.germandressdaggers.com/Luft2%20Dagger.htm

Original condition is better.

This is a good web-site for such militaria.

http://www.germandressdaggers.com/

Richard :munchin

Thanks Richard. That site does have a lot of good info on it.:lifter

my $0.02
 

Ask your friend if she would donate the dagger to a miltary museum?

Maybe in trade she could take a tax deduction for a price equal to market value without having to wait for a buyer.

Good Catch
 

Good Catch Richard,

I honestly never had any interest in the "thin blades", just the SS and SA models :<)

Don't see many here (CONUS) but Boker is offering a "Swiss Dagger" for those that think they need one of that pattern.

http://www.irawoods.com/Boker-121550-Boker-Swiss-Dagger

M.

That's a good idea Wet Dog. I'll talk to her about it.

MVP,

the dagger is cheaper in the US than it is over here...

http://www.boker.de/fahrtenmesser/bo...er/121550.html

Nice blade, but not my taste either.

Mike

Another original pattern
 

I have always liked these and the WWII pattern. Someday when I have some money that simply must be spent I will buy one.

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/st...tml?s=BO121918

MVP