UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons Army, Navy, and Luftwaffe Forum My first dagger..

Opinions please? I'm trying to figure if it is an nickel fitted dagger?? I believe white grips may indicate an early dagger?? Still learning thank you,Lenny

Hi Lenny,

Congratulations on a fine looking Army dagger by a desireable maker.
It looks to be a mid period piece in decent condition.
Take the dagger out of the scabbard and turn it round so that the scabbard loops are on the right hand side as you look at the front of the it.This is normally how they were worn hanging on the left side of their waist.

Best wishes,
Ian

Indeed a very nice dagger with a nice patina. The colour of the grip does not indicate the period the dagger was made. Your dagger has the socalled 'generic' fittings wich is correct for this maker. If you don't allready have them I recommend you buy some reference books. My personal favourites are the Thomas Wittman reference books. Best regards, Danny

Nice catch for your first dagger. Great condition!! Larry

Thanks everyone, I picked it up in a large show in Timonium,Maryland.I must have picked up every Army Dagger there 2 or 3 times before I settled on that one,although at the time I was just trying to make sure I was getting a genuine dagger.Danny,you mentioned it looks mid-peroid,what makes you say that? I realize it takes a while of just handling them to see certain factors I imagine.....

The early production pieces were not equipped with generic fittings. Your dagger appears to be silvered. At the end of the war they ran out of this material so this indicates your dagger is mid period.

Leonard nice Tiger to start off your collection. I have never seen a white grip on an early dagger.

I was told it's most likely a mid period dagger,white does not indicate early,as I had thought.I'd like to know how you can distinguish"generic"fittings,as some makers used better quality parts it seems??Some maker names themselvbes indicate a "better" dagger?? Thanks,Lenny

Leonard buy a copy of Tom Wittmans Army book-pricey but money well spent

Paul

I do plan on getitng some books,most likely some of T.W.'s as funds allow.Worth the $$$ I'm sure,I thinkI'll be in this hobby for a while...

leonard

Nice first dagger, I remember mine, it turned out to be a spanish copy of a 2nd model luftwaffe dagger, my advise would be to take things slow, participate when you can in this forum, ask as many questions as you feel the need to, there are no stupid questions.
Buy the reference books of Tom Wittmann which will cover in depth the 4 most sought after types, the books from Tom Johnson are a good buy as well for general information on all types of daggers.

Go to as many militaria shows as you can, pick up as many daggers as you can, don't feel obliged to buy anything just because you have shown some interest, do your research, study the books and then you will be in a better position to make a sound judgement to but another dagger on your own.

The most important thing is to always ask questions, there are many guys on this and other forums who will always be glad to help you out.

Gary

I agree with all your points,nothing better than hands on exp.,and I have gotten lots of great info from various forums,and I ask lots of questions.I have an K98 bayo w/some mild rust[?][see bayo forum]and am wondering how to care for it.......Lenny