Reproduction Diplomatic and State Official's Daggers

Here are some observations concerning the large number of well-made reproductions of the silver plated Diplomatic/State service Official's series daggers, currently being offered as originals. These specimens are becoming more and more prolific at gun shows and on dealers lists. Their sophistication is attested to by the number of knowledgable collectors being "burned" by them.

The earliest reproductions of this series of blades can easily be identified by checking the features listed in the following references under their respective headings; EDGED WEAPONRY OF THE THIRD REICH, Maj. John R. Angolia, 1974, pages 198-99. BLUEBOOK OF IDENTIFICATION OF REPRODUCTION NAZI EDGED WEAPONS, R. McFarlane, 1969, pages 24-25. The latter more deceiving and sophisticated repros have every single feature in these 2 references corrected.

There are, however, still a few salient characteristics that the prospective buyer of one of these blades can look out for. Those that I've noticed are:

1. The phonies generally show a highly polished, tinny chrome-like finish to all plated parts. This plating is very thin on the repros and appears to wear through easily. Underneath is a yellowish-colored base matal which shows through on many of them. Originals retained a much deeper, darker silver-like lustre which I have never noticed to wear through to the base metal.

2. Every late model reproduction I've seen to date has had a very pronounced ridge or outline running along the outer edge of each oak leaf that goes to make up the scabbard bands. Originals had no such cutline on the leaves. Also make sure there is an acorn on the lower left section of the scabbard bands, when facing the scabbard frontaly. All originals have this feature, repros don't.

3. While the crossguard eagle is cast very well, the newer phonies will sometimes show distorted head detail. In such cases, the eagles beak and eyes are somewhat misshaped and show poor casting. Originals generally showed good detail in this.

4. Notice the tang-nut which holds the entire piece together. Original specimens incorporate 2 small holes to accomodate a spanner. The reproductions I've seen generally have 2 larger size holes that those on the good pieces. Many times these holes are out of round due to assembly and disassembly with improper tools, and their subsequent effect on the inferior base metal is noticeable.

5. The small leather washer fitted to the ricasse of the blade is usually very thick in width and unevenly cut on the bad pieces. New appearance is obvious. Originals have a fitted, thin oval washer which, regardless of use, invariably shows its age.

6. Lastly, examing any accoutrements that may be present with the dagger. The hangers should consist of a silver, patterned facing sewn to a black velvet backing on each strap, with 2nd Luftwaffe buckles and retainer rings, and Army officer type suspension ramps and top snap fastener. These are very rare and originals will not generally be seen with a bad dagger. Beware if the backing is anything other than black velvet, or if the top fastener and suspension ramps are 2nd Luftwaffe fittings, probability is that they are bad. Also take note of the portepee, if one is tied to the handle. It should consist of a thinner than normal cord with about a 2/3rds normal size acorn. Only this type of knot was used on this series and, like wise, are very rare and never seen on reproductions. They will usually have a standard Army officer's 16 1/2 inch aluminum portepee tied to the handle, in lieu of the proper trappings.

I hope these findings will keep prospective buyers from throwing away their hard earned cash on a worthless reproduction. Don't discount the information contained in the above listed references, but don't let a fast-talking shyster convince you to spend $800. or more for a phony by citing how his "gem" doesn't have any of the characteristics noted in the references. Most blade collectors know the painful experience of showing off their prize pigs ticker to a knowledgeable enthusiast who subsequently informs them that the only good thing about that piece of junk on the wall is that it can perform its intended function on the posterier of the crook who sold it to them.

D.G. Pape Jr..: "REPRODUCTION DIPLOMATIC/STATE OFFICIAL'S DAGGERS", "Der Gauleiter", 1977