I'm looking at a Klass SS dagger but am a little hesitant. It is my understanding that the placement of the motto should be such that the distance A is greater than the distance B in the attached photo. In other words, the distance of the motto from the guard should be less than the width of the blade. This is evident on most SS daggers I have seen. In this case however, the opposite is true, i.e., the motto appears too far down the blade. I know there can be exceptions such as on Rohm daggers, etc. I also know there are many fakes out there with just this issue (the motto being too far down the blade) and thus a red flag.

My question: Is this a known variation for Klass daggers made in 1939 or is this a fake?

Opinions appreciated. Thanks.

Bob

Bob,

That ratio is news to me. What are the actual dimensions in mm ?

That RZM mark was used.

You'd get a better read on authenticity posting more pictures

Dave

You should always look at a dagger as a whole, in all of its characteristics; not focus on just one, in this case the distance of the motto from the guards: this varies by maker and even for blades by the same maker.

if you want opinions on this dagger post pictures from each side, blade, grip and scabbard.

Best regards,

Herman

More pictures as requested. I appreciate the input guys. This is the extent of the photos available, they are from the site selling the dagger.
Thanks for the input.

Bob

Dave,
The ratio is just from my observations with the very few daggers I have seen. I have not handled enough to actual say this is a rule, just something I have observed so far. The ones I have seen, the distance of the width of the blade from the guard falls roughly around the letter "u" in Treue. There are exceptions as I said, I am just wondering if this is another one.

Being an engineer, I can't help but to see ratios everywhere.

Bob

I'm an Engineer too, Bob.

I don't see anything bad, but the photos are not the best

Dave

I appreciate the help Dave. Sorry about the photos, they are what was available. If I do end up getting it, I'll post better ones.
Thanks,

Bob

Dave, I just remembered where I developed my ratios from. It was from your sticky posts on Anatomy of a Fake SS Dagger. The width is supposed to be 34mm and the distance to the motto is 25mm but on a Klass is supposed to be 35mm. The distance from guard to motto on the one in question is much longer than the width of the blade. So, are the measurements in your (extremely helpful) sticky posts a hard and fast rule? If yes, then that would make this one a fake and I'll need to pass on it.

Your thoughts?

Bob

Photos of original RZM Klaas SS dagger.....

Thanks Vern.
The distance from the guard to motto on your example is shorter than the one that I posted. While everything else on the one I posted looks acceptable, this one discrepancy is enough to make me pause. Unless I can see an original example of a Klaas with the etching that far down the blade, I am going to have to pass.

BTW, the scabbard tip I sent you is on it's way. You should get it any day now.

Thanks,

Bob

Bob
The wood to guard fit on your Klass is not that good. Really bad on the lower guard.
Vern's grip fit is really good.
If that makes a different outlook on originality.
Something to consider, at least on price.
Ed

Good point Ed. Thanks

According to the tracking info, it's due Friday

I certainly would not recommend buying any dagger based on these limited and lower quality pictures: there always is something wrong if they don't show it all...

Herman

Bob, Looking again at the pics, I agree