Hello all,

It has been quite some time since I posted any contributions to the site, so I hope this makes up for the delay.

I have also been in the middle of a large international move, so I was not able to post these pictures until now.

I have been collecting for about 10 years and have always wanted an RAD officers dagger, always loved the design, but I had a tough time finding the "right one".
The common problems of flaking silver plate as well as the difficulty in finding a NICE one without too much wear-&-tear kept me from picking one up until recently.

I found this knife at the last SOS with the help of a fellow collector (thanks Serge!!) who ferret-ed it out from a "reluctant to sell" dealer.

What can I say, this is "IT".
I believe that this was a "special made" piece as the silver plate is very heavy and is free from the common bubbling troubles.

It is also fitted with genuine Ivory Grips, which is seem SO rarely on these daggers.

I cannot seem to get my photos as large as I used to be able too, but I hope these pics are sufficient.

Good hunting,
Johnny

2

3

Close up of Genuine Ivory Grip

Flawless head, these seem to always have a few dings...

Scabbard

Blade w/ Crossgrain

next

Crossgrain to tip...

MM

Johnny,

A beautiful thing indeed. You just don't find them looking like this, at least I don't. Good luck with the move.

Johnny,
WOWWWWW, it is the most beautiful RAD officer dagger I have ever seen. Exceptional condition AND ivory grip!!! Perfect combination.
Congratulation!
Janos

I don't think I've seen nicer! Congratulations!

Congratulations, Johnny.

That is one gorgeous dagger!

John

Janos, It's the most beautiful one I've ever seen also.

This dagger which was produced by Holler who was a scarce maker of RAD Leaders. I can't even recall the last time I had seen one by this company.

I see Johnny you had a hard time to photograph this dagger. It just gleams from ever angle.

I will take a stab here and say that it is my belief that this dagger was perhaps a Holler factory display sample of what they could do -on order-.
This rare dagger exbibits 'Gold' relief paint rather than the normal 'Black'.

Hope Johnny you don't mind if I post these two photos up for the boys to see.

-serge-

Way to go Johnny,

I'm happy that you've finally find that rare bird and it is indeed a beauty, one to keep for sure.

Never seen one with such heavy silvering, it must be a special dagger like you have mentioned.

You don't need any dealer when you have a friend like Serge.
Serge, can I also be your friend ? Just kidding, we're already good friend.

WOW Johnny what a dagger very well done

Thank you all for your comments, and thank you Serge for your input.
Yes the dagger seems to have gold in all "relief" areas rather than the standard "antiqued silver".
At first, I thought that this was simply the remains of the lacquer which had turned yellow, however the lacquer remains throughout the piece. So this gold does seem to have been specially applied.
I cannot explain it, but I am still smiling.

Thanks Serge, your the best!

Good hunting,
Johnny

As Serge�s photo shows (along with my greedy finger prints) this dagger has gold in all reliefs. Again, this appears to be (under a loop) a gold flake application rather then the yellowing of lacquer over time.

In any case, I am pleased.

Good hunting,
Johnny

A few more:

Next

Next.

Last...

GORGEOUS!

WOW...That is sure a Beautiful Dagger...it almost looks to good to be true...I really like the cross grain on the blade...Super Example...Great find for sure.

Regards
Sepp

GDC 0292 Gold

Best Ive ever seen for sure-is that a blade washer I see?

Paul

Yes, thick blade buffer is in place.
These were standard on RAD officer�s daggers, right?

Good hunting,
Johnny

They mostly were but never on an Eickhorn.

Thanks Pat!

Interesting detail to know.

Good hunting,
Johnny

Simply FANTASTIC. I don't collect RAD-daggers, but when I see this one, I might change my mind

Indeed very difficult to get one that looks good to a discriminating collector. That is the best RAD leader I have seen & quite probably the best preserved in existence. No compromises on that one Johnny!

Thanks Guys!
Always nice to hear input from fellow collectors who "understand".

All the best,
Johnny