Lot 4710

Description

Silver-plated hilt with inlaid ivory grip plates. Matching finished upper and lower scabbard fittings, body covered in blue Moroccan leather. Magnificent hand hammered rosebud Damascus blade with the raised gilded motto "work ennobles" in Gothic font. Reverse with raised and gilded Alcoso, Solingen, manufacturer’s trademark. Ca. 40cm honour hanger of brown wool backed woven silver tress interwoven with two bands of brown, adjustment grommets, complete with aluminium fittings, reverse clips with raised "D.R.G.M.", length ca. 25 cm. Case constructed of heavy cardstock covered with red leather exhibiting minimal wear. Interior of lid covered in ivory padded silk with manufacturer trademark. Base of case lined with ivory velvet individually fitted for the dagger and hangers. Dual button closure clasps. Ca. 44.5 x 22.5 x 4.5 cm.
The RAD leader honour dagger with Damascus blade is one of the rarest edged weapons of the 3rd Reich. A period photograph from Solingen with this dagger type presented to Duce Benito Mussolini and the personal example of Reichsarbeitsführer Konstantin Hierl can be found in the reference German daggers of World War II, Volume II, 2005, p. 544, 521 and 549.
In addition to the example offered here and the two previously listed examples, no other examples exist to our knowledge.
A beautiful edged weapon of exorbitant rarity, quality and museum significance!
Shipping from the USA.
Condition: I - Questions about the lot?