Boxed Dagger DDR which arm?

[Jock Auld]

Guys,

Not really my bag but it was a swap for a Luftschutz Gladiator so I think that was ok as the condition is fair and with the box?

It is a nice thing in its own right.

Which arm would this be for?

Cheers

 

[Bernhard H.Holst]

Hello Jock.

Of note is the inscription:

Presented by the Ministry for State Security ( Stasi ). But who was the recipient/ Some associated member serving in the Defense Ministry, Interior?

Bernhard H. Holst

[Gordon Craig]

Jock,

The only way to tell the arm of service is by the colour of the material on the hanger.  The hangers shown here are for the Border Guard.  I have a similarly engraved dagger in a white case with Border Guard hangers.  Mine is a General Officers dagger with the state seal on the end of the pommel.

Regards,

Gordon

 

[Jock Auld]

Gordon/Bernhard,

Thanks for the info. In addition the blade has a serial number (0750) but no maker mark as you would expect on a WW2 vintage blade? What grade would this be, I presume officer?

[Gordon Craig]

Jock,

The state insignia on the end of the pommel is only on a General Officers dagger.  Officers daggers had a hammered surface where yours has the state crest.  Generals daggers are gold coloured.  Air Force and Army officers daggers are silver coloured.  Officers daggers for the Volksmarine are gold coloured.  Your daggers has lost a lot of the surface finish on the handle, cross guard and scabbard.  This unusual and indicates poor storage.  All of the daggers that I have seen in the box are in excellent condition and the finish is perfect.  I doubt very much that your dagger started out in this box.  I think that it was added later.  I'll take pictures of some of my daggers later today and post them to show you what I mean about the finish on the daggers and scabbards.

Regards,

Gordon

 

[Jock Auld]

Gordon,

No idea, it came from UK.  It shows signs of polishing but as you say has been badly stored as it has been in a garage for about 20 years.  Like I say not my bag.