UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons Miscellaneous Dagger Forum SMF DLV

Hi Gents,

I've been offered a nice looking DLV dagger by SMF however I have scant few experiences with these pieces so I thought I'd ask for your sage opinions on whether this piece is worth picking up. Looks to have traces of lacquer on the pommel & crossguards which is a good thing.

I've been told the dagger is devoid of stampings, no crossguard "K" & no DLV/NSFK acceptance proofs on the scabbard throat. The seller is under the impression this is an "early" piece which predates such stampings. I don't know what to believe regarding this however I'm healthily skeptical. I have previously seen unstamped pieces but, according to memory, they were late production aluminum pieces with the crinkle finish by Helbig which this one clearly is not.

Is there anything observable that would be of concern? Does an unstamped piece have less value or constitute a "nontextbook" piece? Thanks in advance.

On the flipside.

Scabbard body

Flipside

Roundel #1

Other side

SMF maker mark

Full blade. Thanks for the thoughts.

Hi Bill. Nice dagger-looks fine to me. I have a D.L.V. by Carl Eickhorn
(small double oval-serrated tail)with no scabbard throat markings and no "K" on the crossguard. Trademark was used 1933-1935 and the D.L.V. was introduced in 1934 so it is surely early. Marked exactly like yours. Hope this helps-got it from Tom Whittman and he thought it was early.Hugh.

Funny, I asked the same question a week ago and greatfully got a response from Wotan. He stated he'd never seen one. Also I collect pretty much only those and havent seen one.I am very curious about the strange patina that comes from these daggers with no stamps. They also seem to be all SMF.The top crossguard wing section never seem quite as pointy as a typical SMF. I also know where to pick one up just like that but have been holding off as I think selling it down the road may be at a loss with no stamps. Needless to say I didnt pick it up. Those daggers have 2 things I look at that worry me.The patina, why is it getting plum-ish colored if its all nikle silver, with silver plate with laquer. And also the crossguard quillons are a tad different. Bottom line is , they look good enough but are they the real deal. What metal is used. I asked a respectable amount if inquiring questions and the guy said...I think you should look elsewhere. To me that is a signal that he was hiding something. As far a getting any help here from GD, its like- no one knows the answer to that question, like I said I was very happy Wotan PM and answered me on this EXACT SAME question. That was it. I dont really know how to steer you on it, but I passed on my experience with a DLV SMF w/ no stamps. My only guess would be it was another caster other than the famous K . And it may be a private purchase or possibly never given to anyone through the service. If it would be late war it would be NSFK not DLV on the throat. I'm pretty much looking for answers to that same question still. Good Luck on your answer quest!!Tiep

Billy:

I have two DLVs, both Eickhorn, of course, both with the double oval TM, one with serrated tail and one with smooth tail.

Both versions have the K stamped on the crossguard.

Since that is what everyone, including me, looks for when buying a DLV, buying one without it may prove problematic down the road, as Tiep says above.

I wouldn't buy the piece pictured and that is not just because it isn't an Eickhorn.

John

Guys,

Thanks for the thoughts, I appreciate the opinions as my experience with these pieces is limited to what I've read here on GD & elsewhere which is limited. I know some of your guys, particularly Tiep, have a lot of experience with DLV/NSFK pieces so I happily defer to your feelings & where they come from.

With regard to the unusual features on this DLV, I also thought the piece had a decent amount of wear on the leather hanger but that the scabbard leather looks almost new which was inconsistent to me.

The above piece was offered at a price I thought was on the low side of the market IMO but doesn't seem to be worth the coin considering the concerns. I also agree that selling something like this piece in the future might be problematic. Not that I buy daggers to intentionally sell down the road but it's always nice to know that if you're forced to sell a piece in the future that you won't have a lot of questions or issues of originality. With this one, I'm afraid I have a bunch.