UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons Miscellaneous Dagger Forum DLV Dagger

Would appreciate some opinions and comments on this DLV Dagger. It does not have a Maker's Mark on the blade, no mark on the scabbard throat and no mark under the crossguard.Thank you...

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Interesting.
I think it is original although unusual.
The scabbard fittings are the type that I have only seen on Heller (Balloonman) produced pieces.
Although I think it is original, without a makers mark, a "K" stamp and a DLV/NSFK stamp, hanger missing, etc. I think the market for this piece (and your opportunity to re-sell it someday) is pretty slim.
Personally... I would definately pass on this one.
Just my opinion.
Good hunting,
Johnny

This is tough, I've seen some very good copies of these, usually the maker mark is photo-etched and easy to spot. The other consistent mistake on the good copies I've seen is that the bottom edge of the pommel where it meets the grip is rounded, I can't tell on yours, but the bottom edge of the pommel should be squared-off... may well be legit, either way, I would pass as Johnny suggested.

Red

Looks like good parts for someone to me.
JMO,
Ron Weinand

If copys are made that look that good it's time too quit collecting.Other than the hanger everything it is missing was added after it was made and the patina is hard to fake (I think). I think it is original.

More DLV Photos....

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Good items just get better and bad items worse.This knife looks even better,may be harder too sell but I do not think the value is that bad. The missing hanger hurts also. So you have too come up with a happy medium you are willing to pay.

I like what is shown in the pictures, I have seen an authentic DLV without any markings before.
How is the blade? Pic 3 looks like it might be retiped/shortened? Could be the picture...

Best greetings,

Herman

Here is a photo of the tip..

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I wouldnt touch, I have several and none look like that.

Blade pictures are quitedark to see much: judging the surface of the blade is not possible, but the tip and the lenght seem ok.

A look and feel would always permit to make a more definite jugement, but I see no problems with this knife from the pictures.

Tiep, can you be more specific? Your actual remark does not bring much to this discussion... Thanks in advance.

Best greetings,

Herman

I have looked at the pictures on and off now for about a day. I also had issues with the pommel but the newer pictures helped. The few reproductions I have seen of these the scabbard throat and the lower crossguard were not the same size. Yes, like fred shows in his reference. In these photos the lines on the scabbard fittings look nice and crisp. I can make out the split in the leather of the grip. The blade,,,, I will keep looking at. Also Ron what do your comments mean? made up of parts or only worth parting out? I dont think I would purchase this if it were for sale, I like to see a marked blade followed by the throat stamps and the crossguard mark. Thats just me. Maybe someone else like Houston can comment here with more depth than just parts.
Bret Van Sant

More DLV blade Pictures..

DLV blade #2

DLV blade #3

DLV blade #4

I would give the blade a very close look with a powerfull loop to make sure this is not a Helbig with there light etch which may have been polished off.

In a market place where those daggers that fit the norm are the most saleable, this dagger, whether original or not, would be a nearly impossible sale-even at a discounted price.
That being stated, my comment on parts was to mean that, if you would own it, selling it would probably only be accomplished by parting it out to those who needed a part.
The blade being unmarked, the scabbard being unmarked and the crossguard not being stamped on the end is just about a death knell.
JMO,
Ron Weinand

Herman, here is one Helbig mark, I collected steinbach stuff for a long time. This is a variant with out the oval. The scabbard screws on my example are dome topped where yours are flat. Helbig marks are super light and if this blade was worked on at all it may indeed be gone. I would not agree that it should be sold as parts since its unmarked. Un marked will lower the value but thats all. Unless someone sees a red flag that the few of us are missing. I hope a few others ring in on this one.
Bret Van Sant

quote:

Originally posted by Ronald Weinand:
In a market place where those daggers that fit the norm are the most saleable, this dagger, whether original or not, would be a nearly impossible sale-even at a discounted price.
That being stated, my comment on parts was to mean that, if you would own it, selling it would probably only be accomplished by parting it out to those who needed a part.
The blade being unmarked, the scabbard being unmarked and the crossguard not being stamped on the end is just about a death knell.
JMO,
Ron Weinand

I agree with Ron on this one Bret.
Any potential buyer would ask for other opinions on it and most all IMO would say: "Get one that's textbook with a maker mark".
If I may be so bold to state that I believe everyone here would pass on this example...unless it was priced WAY down there in the "Really don't want Her" realm. Which would be as Ron suggested for "parts".

Regards,
-serge-

It is no worse than a no gau mark SA,no#stamped postshutz,Makermarked chained SS.Makermarked Chained NSKK.SS with SA gau stamp,Plated and solid nickel fittings.Repainted,releathered, It would be ashame too part out a good dagger.They sell for good money everyday.Late war.transitional,field upgrade.blah,blaw,blaw.I'm sure there are more but you get the point

This is true some daggers do not have maker marks on them. I just sold a 2nd model officer's RLB dagger with no maker mark on it which everyone at GDC approved of.

I can't see parting this out ,who know were it came from.May have been in a uniform shop on display .We don't know.Like Hermanator said there are daggers with no mark on them .I have an RLB Sub. with no mark and black leather on the grip.Ask TW about it and yes he had one also.This one I was told came from a vet and was removed from a uniform shop.Yes I know "buy the dagger not the story"

Still uncertain on this one, the pommel looks mis-shapen to me. The copies I have seen are usually un-stamped and never seem to have the hanger intact. The attached pics are of a well known, well made copy. These are seen sometimes with lines debossed into the scabbard leather. They are early copies hence covered with patina, so I would not make any judgements on that point...

Red

on eBan some years back

DLV

quote:

Originally posted by zorro:
It is no worse than a no gau mark SA,no#stamped postshutz,Makermarked chained SS.Makermarked Chained NSKK.SS with SA gau stamp,Plated and solid nickel fittings.Repainted,releathered, It would be ashame too part out a good dagger.They sell for good money everyday.Late war.transitional,field upgrade.blah,blaw,blaw.I'm sure there are more but you get the point

IMO No. The above stated daggers as well as 2nd Model RLB's with no maker marks ARE accepted by the collector community as known "period" variations.
But this DLV knife does not. Not just because it doesn't have a makers logo on the blade but it also shows no other stampings as noted by Ron.
I would sell it complete. But don't expect much. it will always need explaning and the answers will not be forthcoming.

Regards,
-serge-

Red, your photo of the DLV-Fake pommel is definitely not the same as the pommel on my DLV as you can see the difference in the attached photo.

Herman

Herman, there is nothing wrong with your dagger, it is origninal (IMO) just a bit unusual.
Be sure not to spend too much $$$ on it or expect to be able to sell it for much $$$ either.
Sadly, in "collector" terms; this is a rare undesitability.
Perhaps one day unmarked DLV/NSFK daggers will demand a premium, as we have seen attempted with such pieces as un-etched naval daggers.
Only time will tell.
All the best,
Johnny

There is some of the frosting silvering still at the nickel-silver parts.
I never see a copy at the market who have that finish.
This dagger is OK.

Medes