Send some (better?) pictures to Tom Wittmann. You may have a winner there
Dave, Thanks for your input. Anyone else have an opinion?
Hi Bob,
Looks like a "grosser " version of the Imperial Marine dagger.
But, as you probably know, there exist excellent copies of this high end daggers, with this exact Eickhorn maker mark...
Is the blade real damast or artificial damast?
Is the pommel the "open" or the "closed crown" version?
Only very sharp pictures will allow correct authentication.
I must say however, that the grip's ivory does not look like it is +100 years old on the picture you posted...
Best regards,
Herman
Herman,
The blade is not Damascus, I wish it were.The crown is open. The ivory grip does have a couple of hairline cracks like you see in ivory.What would you think the value is on this dagger? Iam going to keep it, but just wondering
Thanks,
Bob
Hi Bob,
If it's an authentic piece, I believe it should be worth 3 to 5k US$. I have seen them being offered at even more.
Best regards,
Herman
Herman,
Thanks for the info. The scabbard really has great detail, never seen one like it before.. The blued and gold blade has a little wear, but not much. You are right it is a Grosser size dagger.
thanks,
Bob
Please contact me at 9364945753. I can help you with this item.Thank you.
Rick
Bob,
what you have is a so-called heavy dagger for naval officers.
The scabbard is very beautiful, but what we often see on these pieces
The blade is extraordinary. Most likely Damascus - hard to tell from the photos - with gold inlay and bluing is rare.
You ask for its value.
Tom Wittmann has offered a more plain bladed piece for 20k dollars on his website for some years now. Despite an offered discount, it hasn't been sold yet.
There is a problem here that many collectors are not aware off. For the export and import of antique ivory you need a Cites permit. Fish&Wildlife does not issue this anymore if a selling is involved - for reasons of nature conservation and to make the sale of ivory nearly impossible. This has reduced the value of all early German naval daggers because of their ivory handles. Therefore this dagger is now legally only to sell in the US, and collectors of such pieces are quite scarce there. Many prefer TR items. EU customs checks every parcels coming in.
An established dealer will most likely try to sell this piece on commission, this can take a very long time.
Personally, I would buy the dagger in the price range of the piece offered by Tom, if it were in the EU. Unfortunately this is not possible for the reasons mentioned above. I think an offer about 15 Grands should be taken into consideration, if one wants to sell.
If you?re having any further questions I?m glad to answer.
However it?s a great item you have. Congrats.
Best;
Hermann
Bob
I think the assessment made by Flyingdutchman is spot on. I would certainly be interested in it if it became available for sale. I live in the USA so CITIES permits are not required. Having dealt with Fish and Wildlife CITIES permitting for import/export , it is an experience that is mind numbing at best and it?s never granted even for antique ivory.
Best,
Rick
936-494-5753
Texas
As far as I know, CITIES won't issue a permit for an ivory item less than 100 years old. One could make that argument with this dagger but, as Rick stated above, working with that tone-deaf organization is exasperating at best. Selling within the US is definitely preferable since there's no risk of seizure. Incredible that something that's this old still has tree huggers up in arms.
On another note Bob, that's a superb dagger!
Late to this thread..
One of the best Grosser Eickhorn Navies to turn up in a long time...
I'm sure it is sold already and sorry I missed it. Nice to see things out there in collections yet...
James
