WW2 Nazi German Kriegsmarine Officer's Dirk / Dagger, Horster, Sold

In very good condition, a WW2 Nazi German Kriegsmarine Senior Officer's Dirk / Dagger by E u F Horster of Solingen.

The quality scabbard bearing acorns rather than lightening bolts shows this dirk was once owned by a senior officer, such as a commander of a U-Boat.

The 9 3/8 inch finely etched blade is in good condition but with some age and rust spots. The blade is firm in the hilt. The grip has a little wear and some spots on the obverse side (where it was once worn and rubbed on the officer's tunic), but nothing too serious. Twisted grip wire present and correct. The hilt is all good, very little wear. The superb quality sheath is in very good condition, some age / wear but not much. The dirk sheathes and draws well.

A well known expert has said they can not comment on the fittings as they are bespoke, but does not know of any others / has not seen them before (which quality thereof rules out mass production and therefore a fake), that the blade appears original (it is correctly acid etched, not laser cut). There is so much nonsense regarding WW2 German daggers (see article here), but this one looks 100% period / authentic and we have failed to find any known fake / reproductions anywhere. Given the UK had pick of German Kriegsmarine daggers as WW2 went against Germany, this has to be a piece that will be the envy of any collector. If only this dirk could talk, not least of the original owner.

Regular deluxe WW2 Kriegsmarine dirks sell for over $10,000 in the USA; this flag officer's dirk is in a league above them due to the rank of the original officer owner. We bought this dirk at a provincial UK auction which was not well advertised below what we would normally expect to pay / see such a dagger fetch, and so can pass on our good fortune by offering it at just £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference V48 (0999). Further / full sized images available upon request.