UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons Miscellaneous Dagger Forum 2 nd Model RLB Dagger

What is the correct method of assembling the guard on the hilt?
IE: Should the Swastika cover the blade marking or should it be on the opposite side of the blade? I always thought it should be over the Maker Marking.
Thanks.

I have never seen the maker mark covered. All Edged weapons I have seen have the maker on the reverse of the blade.

I've seen a number of RLB daggers with the maker's mark on the obverse & thus covered by the crossguard swaz. My first RLB dagger was a 2nd model EM by Spitzer that had this obverse mark. I was advised against changing it because many of the earlier pieces had grips that were hand fitted that way. Sure enough mine was, the grip wouldn't sit properly if I reversed the blade. Plenty of RLBs have the marks on the reverse too, probably just an individual manufacturer preference.

Spitzer RLB Jr. Daggers come with the trademark on the front or the back for some odd reason. Originally assembled in this manner from what I have seen over the years that is particular to this maker.

As good as all daggers without a blade motto did originally come this or the other way. I have seen a lot coming directly from the former wearer or out of it´s family with the mm on the obverse. One of my best daggers (the one-of-a-kind concerning mm), my HARTKOPF army which I bought directly from the greatson of the former wearer has the mm also on the obverse blade, beneath the swaz´.
During the years very unexperienced collectors did turn a lot of blades therefore today a mm on the obverse it is not too often to be seen.
Regards,

PS.: And believe me, concerning my HARTKOPF, I will NEVER turn the blade around!!!

Thank you for the information.
I talked to the son of the original owner, the GI that took the dagger in the first place. The original owner took it from a German during the war. As far as they know no one has ever dismantled the dagger. The mm is under the Swaz. Dagger and sheath are in great shape. There is only a bit of wear on the paint on the sheath.