UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons SS Dagger Forum Is this real?

Sorry for being a noob but I'm trying to learn how to tell the fakes from the real thing. I'm also curious to know how much you think this is worth providing it is real. It looks real to me.

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Also are serial numbers commonly faked?

Being a relative noob, myself, in my
opinion, WOW. Decent!
I'd like to see better photos.

Here is a higher resolution and rotated image of the Klaas mark.

It looks convincing 2 me? I do like the Matching patina! What is the length between the cross guard and the tip?
I expect others more knowledgeable will give us an opinion/verification shortly?

(everyone must be packing?)

Looks fine to me. nothing jumps out as being a red flag from the pic's. Condition wise it is not the best, but not the worst I've ever seen either. The blade (often the single most important part which will help or kill value) is corroded and the grip is cracked. It's an early example and placement of the maker's mark looks correct. From the pic's, the scabbard looks to be heavily corroded to the point where no finish remains. Originally, this probably was a blued (anodized) finish. If you do find any paint on it, it should be black. Scabbard screws are missing as well. I prefer to see any numbering done on the reverse side of the cross guards, but that in no way implies a problem with your example as I have seen them in many different areas. The real value may be in the identity of the original owner, provided the number can be authenticated and researched. If not, I would value the piece around $600 to $800 due to condition. Do yourself a favor and do not attempt to clean this or polish it in any way as it will negatively affect any value.

Happy collecting!

George

Very detailed and nice assessment George.

Yep, looks fine to me, typical Klaas grip shape and roundel, maker mark looks good, see no problems other than condition.

Red

by the way, Welcome to The forum Ixerin!

It is unusual to find a serial number on the obverse of the dagger. Most are found on the reverse or else under the crossguard.

Does the odd placement of the serial number cause you to doubt its authenticity?

There is no doubt in my mind the dagger itself is period. I'm also not too concerned with the placement of the owners number from the pic's you show at this time. I had an example where the owners number has been struck on the top of the scabbard throat and the reverse face and reverse underside of the lower cross guard. The numeric style used on yours can be compared to other examples from the same maker, district and period that bear numbers for possible uniformity. The placement of the owners number on the obverse lower guard is unusual as most are found on the reverse side of the dagger. I do recall seeing an example where the number was hand etched on the lower obverse and one where the number was stamped on the obverse of the upper guard. Again, more detailed and close-up pics of the lower guard are helpful. There are a few very experienced members here who could offer a better analysis related to this than I can. Check into some past threads for members who offer research services. This could be money well spent and at the very least, a good research project. You never know.

I agree with George and his well thought out and helpful answers.

I have seen crossguards with the numbers on the front, against regulations, and with those same big numbers.

It is well used, but correct as far as I can see.

Regards,
Dave

Great dagger It is hard to evaluate the condition of the blade by the pic but if the blade not sharpened, it may be cleaned. The value in my opinion around $1000 - 1200

like the dagger - nothing throws up any red flags that i see either - a very well used dagger though. have seen several others with the bigger stamped numbers in the obverse guard too.
if it ever goes up for sale get in touch, i like these well worn early ss pieces.