German, WW2, Third Reich Kriegsmarine Officer’s Dagger by Alcoso (Alexander Coppel), Sailing Ship Etched Blade, Hammered Scabbard, Complete with Original Hangers & Portepee, VGC

*German, WW2, Third Reich Kriegsmarine Officer’s Dagger by Alcoso (Alexander Coppel), Sailing Ship Etched Blade, Hammered Scabbard, Complete with Original Hangers & Portepee, VGC*

An exceptionally attractive and complete Kriegsmarine officer’s dagger, retaining its desirable hammered-finish scabbard, original double hanger set, and period portepee knot, with the blade bearing the maker’s mark of the renowned Solingen manufacturer Alexander Coppel (Alcoso).

The dagger displays the classic naval officer’s form with richly gilt brass fittings throughout, crowned by a finely detailed high-relief eagle head pommel grasping a wreath enclosing the swastika. The sculptural detailing to the eagle remains crisp and well defined. The grip is the traditional ivory-coloured ribbed celluloid spiral grip, tightly bound with twisted wire and displaying an attractive aged tone consistent with period examples. The crossguard is decorated with fouled anchor motifs, the traditional emblem of the German Navy and a defining feature of Kriegsmarine officer daggers.

The double-edged blade measures 25 cm and is of classic stiletto form with twin central fullers. Both sides are etched with Kriegsmarine naval decorative panels of scrolling oakleaf and foliate ornamentation within Solingen-style borders. Each panel prominently features a finely detailed three-masted sailing warship under full sail, complete with rigging and square sails, a motif reflecting the maritime heritage and traditions of the great sailing fleets. Toward the blade tip the decoration terminates in elegant spearhead-shaped foliate cartouches, a feature characteristic of higher-quality naval officer daggers. The ricasso bears the clear maker’s mark of Alcoso (Alexander Coppel), Solingen, comprising the distinctive ACS scales trademark above “SOLINGEN.”

A particularly appealing aspect of this example is the combination of the sailing ship etched blade and hammered scabbard, both representing upgraded decorative features often selected by officers when privately purchasing their daggers. Such more elaborate maritime etching paired with the textured hammered scabbard is less frequently encountered than the standard anchor blade and plain scabbard combination, and is therefore especially attractive.

The blade retains much of its original brightness and the etched decoration remains clearly visible and attractive. There are areas of age-related spotting and light surface oxidation, particularly toward the ricasso, consistent with long-term storage and not detracting from the overall presentation. The dagger also retains its original red felt blade buffer, a detail frequently absent on surviving examples.

The dagger is housed in a particularly desirable hammered brass scabbard, an officer-selected upgrade rather than the standard smooth pattern. The finely textured hammered finish provides strong visual appeal and is considerably less common, making it a particularly attractive feature for collectors.

Accompanying the dagger is its original double dagger hanger set, constructed of black ribbed rayon with gilt metal fittings and lion-head style buckles. The fittings retain much of their original gilded finish and the clips remain functional. Also present is the Kriegsmarine officer’s portepee knot, tied around the grip and crossguard. The silver aluminium wire strap and acorn knot remain intact and appear to have been in place for a very long time, displaying natural age and wear consistent with long-term association.

Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 25 cm. Overall length: 38.5 cm.

Historical Note:
The Kriegsmarine officer’s dagger pattern was introduced in 1937, replacing the earlier Weimar-era naval dagger and becoming the standard ceremonial sidearm worn by commissioned officers of the German Navy throughout the Third Reich.

Unlike many military edged weapons issued through government stores, naval officer daggers were generally privately purchased by officers, allowing for a degree of personal choice in fittings and quality. Officers could select upgraded scabbards, improved suspension systems, and enhanced decorative finishes. The hammered scabbard featured on this example represents one such upgrade, making it a particularly desirable variation among collectors.

The blade was produced by Alexander Coppel (Alcoso) of Solingen, one of the best-known manufacturers of German edged weapons during the period. Founded in 1865, the firm produced a wide range of military daggers during the Third Reich and developed a strong reputation for the quality of its blade etching and finishing. Examples featuring elaborate maritime scenes such as the sailing ship motif are much rarer and considered among the more decorative and visually striking variants of Kriegsmarine dagger blades.

The combination of the sailing ship etched blade and hammered scabbard may indicate an early production example from the transitional period following the introduction of the 1937 Kriegsmarine dagger pattern, when Solingen makers often retained earlier decorative styles.

Kriegsmarine daggers were worn primarily with the naval dress uniform for ceremonial occasions, inspections, and formal functions, symbolising rank, authority, and naval tradition. Today they remain among the most elegant and recognisable German military daggers of the Second World War period, particularly when preserved in complete sets with hangers and portepee such as this example.

*Condition*
The dagger remains in very good original condition overall. The blade is bright with clearly visible etched decoration and a crisp Alcoso Solingen maker’s mark, showing only light age spotting and minor marks consistent with storage. The celluloid grip remains intact, displaying attractive age toning and tight wire binding. The gilt fittings retain good colour and detail, including the eagle pommel and anchor crossguard. The hammered scabbard remains particularly attractive, with even texture and pleasing aged patina. The original hanger set is present with functional clips and fittings, the black rayon straps showing only minor wear. The portepee knot remains tied in place and displays natural age-related wear, suggesting long-term association with the dagger. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

RQMHOOXACOO_5892231079