Hey Guys,

I hope this is relavant to the topic of German WW2 daggers, but I thought I`d just post this out of interest, for those that are interested
I`ve managed to get my hands on several South African Airforce daggers, of which I`v sold some, but today, I came across this one!
This one is kinda special, because, low and behold, the maker is WKC Solingen! Now, the other makers of this type of dagger were Eickhorn, and one or two others, which I`ve still gotta determine.
But, I`ve compared the WKC one, to the other makers, and have noticed that they have some unique trates.
Anyway, if this is in the wrong section, I apologise, and would then request the moderator to move it into the relavant one for me. Many thanks.

Cheers,
Dion

WKC logo

It is an interesting looking dagger. Although this section is more for ANL daggers of germany from the 33-45 period I would not have any other proper section on hand where to move it.
I remember having seen such a dagger before. Could it be that it is from Aegypt more than from South Africa? The eagle´s form let me tend so because it resembles somehow to pictures of the ancient aegypt. But I am in no way experienced in these daggers so just a question.
Regards,

Neat looking dagger I would guess by the style of the WKC mark this was made sometime after 1945.

Kurt Glemser, a moderator on GDC in the European edged weapons section, wrote a chapter in his volume 2 that gives a great history and makes note of the variations between Eickhorn and WKC.

The South African daggers(of which this is an original) were authorized in 1965. I do not see a serial number on your dagger. The Eickhorns are serial numbered.

These are very impressive dagger and, of course, are from the last racist government we acknowledge.

Nice dagger.

Jim

Hi Tom,
This is indeed a dagger made post 1945, and like Jim mentions, was aquired by the SAAF during the late 60`s to around the 80`s. These daggers replaced the conventional Wilkinson made sword that the South African armed forces were using up till then. As far as I can determine, they did not procure any more after that date.

However, to answer Jim`s statement about the serial numbers, I`ve handled and seen around 40 of these daggers, and not all, have serial numbers. The Eickhorn marked ones that I`ve seen, do have to a certain degree, but NOT all!
The non maker marked ones, of which I`ve sold several, do not.
The WKC one pictured, does have a serial number on the reverse tang.

I`m in the process now, of finding out how many were procured altogether, including the indvidual numbers between the different makers. I`m also trying to acertain which makers supplied the SAAF with daggers?
I`ve studied several daggers, as I already mentioned, and have noticed alot of differences between them, to include hilt fittings, scabbard materials and grip assemblies. So, if anybody has any questions, please feel free to ask

Cheers,
Dion

Do you know the current trading value of those daggers?

Current value is approx Euro350; and that is with Hangers.
On its own they are about Euro250;
Another factor to take into account is whether the dagger has the more rare Sharkskin covered grip or if its plastic?

Dion

Hey Guys/ Dion,

What do you say about this piece?
Nicely looking but a big more golden plating than in yours...

Priced 700 so a bit over the top according to your estimations.

MM Says WKC Solingen Germany - typical post war logo.

I have seen several sell in the $650 to $750 range. I have not seen the $450 price for some time, (other than unmarked examples). Whittman has sold several at that rate.

Yours is a mint example. I believe $700 to be a good price.

Of course, the Eickhorn numbered issue is more desireable in my view.

I would certainly take this into my collection.

Jim

It looks like Overlords example did sell for about $700. 5 offers and the dagger is no longer avilable.

Keep in mind that the South African regime that issued these daggers no longer exists.

Hopefully only the Spanish are making reproductions.

Jim, would you be able to post a picture of the spanish repro just as a warning to all who come across it?

BTW. The dagger landed in my collection;)

Hello Michal,

That is a beautiful example.

The Spanish reproduction. Looks exactly the same, has no maker mark, and is 1 and 1/2 inch shorter.

Not to be confused with the Fantasy Italian Air Force dagger tht people have been selling as a South
African AF dagger for years.

Again, nice catch.

And another Apartheid dagger to be considered. Eichorn numbered this time. Nice set overall but I have concerns over the scabbard. There is no state emblem and the skin looks brand new. What are your opinions??

Also the handle is way thicker than the WKC one - is that something standard or is it some latest repro that just poped up?

I spoke with the seller.

These are the new official daggers of South Africa. Made by Eickhorn, they did change the old state seal to recognize the new South Africa.


This is from the seller so we take it with a grain of salt, but it does make sence.

So,s this is a collectable but when?

What fine looking daggers!

Yes, it looked a bit diferent to the ones from the 60's. The only problem is the seller put it in the category:
Collectibles > Militaria > 1976-89 > Original Period Items
Which will make lots of the collectors confused. Well - he guarantees it is original + 7 day inspection refund so high chance for this to happen.

So, it sold for $800.00. I wonder if the buyer knows what it is?

Hi gents,

What do you think about this South African Air force dagger on ebay?

South African Air Force officers dagger

Is this Spanish repro dagger?

Thank you in advance,

Alex

I was going to post photos of this one yesterday. This is a brand new reproduction with an Eickhorn tm on the blade. However, this is not an original Eickhorn South African Dagger. I suspect it is similar to the Bulgarians you came upon. New fittings bein produced then a bogus blade.

Thanks Jim!

Another fake one just pop up on Ebay. This time is WKC.

South African Air Force officers dagger

While there are a handful of original WKC's. I am not sure this is one of them. Here is the correct link. WKC South African

Yours took me to the Eickhorn.

PLEASE -if somehow possible- show the certain pics here, when the auction is gone, when the link is dead the certain imputs in this thread are worth- and senseless and I would soon contact Dave to erase them.
Thank you in advance, regards,

I doubt if in the 'new' Suid Afrika, Airforce officers are wearing dress daggers these days. Currently the South African Defence Force is a shadow of its former self and the Airforce is particularly run down and non operational.

Also, I thought that Eickhorn went out of business years before the end of Apartheid. How could they be making daggers for the 'new' South Africa?

Arminus, no one here is talking about daggers for the "new" South Africa.

The daggers we are discussing are new made reproductions using the Eickhorn and WKC tm's.

As requested, pictures of new made reproduction:

@Alex_ , thank you, so the thread keeps it´s sense for upcoming collectors.
Regards,

When compared to an original, it is obvious this is a fake. Unfortunate that another dagger looses credibility to the criminals.

Hi Jim,
What is the price of just belt and hangers for this dagger? I've seen one have been sold on eBay for $280 a while ago.
Does that sound right?
Thanks
Alex

The price is what someone was willing to pay. I think it is high, but people that want the full rig will pay what they want.

Thanks Jim