UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons Hunting, Forestry, and Shooting Forum Adolf Braun, Berlin Hunting Dagger

I would like to know more about this dagger, incl. possible date, actual maker, etc.

OAL is 16 in. The blade is approx. 10 in.

I understand that Adolf Braun was a retailer or distributor rather than the maker of this dagger.

However, the blade with its double fullers does look very similar to the blade on a Kriegsmarine Dagger with the same marking: "Adolf Braun Berlin". (https://epicartifacts.com/product/2nd-model-kriegsmarine-dagger-adolf-braun/)

Could it be a post-war hunting dagger made using a Kriegsmarine Dagger blade?

With that slot on the riccasso I think you have it right, it's a post war creation made up out of parts to include the navy blade.

Gary

Agree with Gary. Definitely post war put together.

But "post" which war? "Post-war" in common parlance generally means post-WWII. Yet, could it not be just as likely a post-Great War construction?

Also...the spring button for the sheath lock on the guard works fine, but the lock itself is broken off. With some ingenuity, it could be repaired.

Yes post WW2

Why not post WWI? With the massive reduction in German Armed Forces (Treaty of Versailles), there must have been many tons of surplus blades suddenly on the market.

Also, any ideas about the sheath?...it is a perfect tight fit. Original to a Kriegsmarine Dagger?

Just a dummy here commenting on things I know nothing about.
Look at the cross guard. Post WWI, I think not. Post WWII, very post.

I understand that "you think not" but I would like to hear some logical argument..." look at the cross guard" ???

Note that it still does have the spring-loaded push button release.

"Very post"? Germans were banned from hunting until 1949...so post-49?

Just my opinion. The cross guard looks to modern to be WWII Period, and even WWI more so.
The working push button does not mean anything as far as age.
Looks post 1949 to me.

I agree with Ed, great points.

First off welcome to our forum and I think you will enjoy it. Plenty of threads here that will show you what original Hirschfangers look like. Please have a look. It will take a little bit to adjust your eyes but you will get the hang of it once you see what originals look like.

Sorry but your dagger isn't close to known originals, yes even before and after WW1 and prior to WW2. Your cross guard, pummel and scabbard are made to look older then it is and not made or put together correctly. The blade is a Navy blade, original I have no idea. These non original type parts and more can be bought at most shows in Europe. Hope you didn't pay to much for it but If you like it that's what matters. All the best in the future and if you have more please post them. Best!

Hang on a minute. I'm no rookie. I'm in my mid-70s and have been collecting/buying/selling for 50 years. I have owned, bought, and sold numerous original Hirschfängers, Nazi daggers, etc. I know what they look like. I was just curious about this specific example. Was it just a way to make an affordable hunting dagger...or do you think it was made with the intent to deceive?

Ok. Most people here are long time collectors. I'm 76 years old and have been collecting for years also. I have been to the SOS more than a dozen times, having looked close up at probably hundreds
if not thousands of hunting daggers. The dagger in question here seems to have been put together after WWII, that is all we are saying. It is the only one I have seen with that cross guard and blade combination. I have never seen that pommel, fuller style on a hunting dagger or knife. The Stag head at the pommel is a one of. That is all I am saying. I am not calling you anything.
The dagger and the scabbard are trying to look period, but to me, the cross guard is Art Deco like, out of place with the rest of the unit. If this was factory produced, where are the rest.
No way of telling why it was made. Someone made it for themselves? Someone made it to sell? Who knows, and it makes no difference.

Great points Ed.

Waterwolf, Our/my intentions are to help and not offend. Best!

What do you mean? Obviously, it makes a difference to me.

Do you know who made this item?? No. And we will never know.
Have you ever seen another like this one???
If it makes a big difference to you, I would think you should have looked before you bought.
You asked if it could be post war, and you have had several yes's, but continue to argue.
I think it is post war and I'm done arguing about it.
Good luck

I am not arguing about anything. You seem to misunderstand the reason for my inquiry. I am not trying to claim this as an (expensive) antique Hirschfanger.

However, I hoped someone might have seen other examples of practical hunting daggers made from salvaged military blades in post-war Germany.

I think I have seen this dagger on eBay in the last 2 months. I did not even think about buying it because of the cross guard, a "red flag" to me.

C. Wetzel-20609

Someone in Canada is trying to get rid of their post WW2 fantasy dagger with a fantasy description:

"Vintage 1800s German Hunting Dagger Knife"