UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons Army, Navy, and Luftwaffe Forum Help, should I buy this army dagger?

I've been offered this dagger for $300.00. The guy said he's been offered the same price from a guy "off a website". He's allowed me to snap some pictures. I told him I wanted to check with you guys first. Should I buy this or let it pass? The story is his dad brought this back from WWII, but it's that always the story?

the scabbard

eagle

blade

inside

I didn't snap a picture, but the leather buffer is in place.

Its not a textbook Eickhorn, though from the pics eveything appears Eickhorn (Scabbard, Ferrule) except for the crossguard which is the generic B variety. Nonetheless it has a nice matching patina throughout, fine looking blade, and $300.00 is a great price.

agree, snatch his hand off at that price!!.

I appreciate the help. I assumed the guy wasn't pulling a scam or he'd never have agreed to let me take the dagger apart and post pics. But I wanted to check with you guys first. I'll give the guy a call and let him know I'll take it.

Fitzer,

Do you think the crossguard was replaced with one from another manufacturer? Or is this something they would have subcontracted from another company?

Thanks

Eickhorn produced its own fittings for amy daggers. Anomalies on untouched Eick peices do exist (i.e WKC Crossguard), but they are rare. I haven't observed a generic crossguard on an Eickhorn army dagger before. Due to the matching patina, I would say that if the crossguard was replaced it was likely period done.

One runs across stange things now and then in the high production daggers such as Army, Luft and SA. So many parts were made and the maker were mostly so close to each other that I keep an open mind.

Also I always look for a profit motive. In your case I don't see where a crook could have done this to take advantage of you.

Dave

Hey Guys,

I thought I`d just give my 2 cents worth here, cause I`ve experienced the same situation with an Eick Army! Several months ago, I bought an Eickhorn Army dagger from the son of a vet that had brought it back. It was untouched, as all the fittings had the same patina! It also, was equipped with a generic B crossguard. I posted a thread on another forum asking this very same question in regards to Eickhorn using a Generic B crossguard. This is how I met Denny. Just very interesting that I`m not the only one that has stumbled upon this anomalie??

Cheers,
Dion