European Military dress dagger? Any ideas??

katana · 21st June 2006, 08:13 PM

Technically not ethnographic, but hoping someone might be able to identify this dagger. The blade is unsharpened but was very sharply pointed and is 22cm long. The cross guard is of brass and has a '6' or '9' stamped on it.(near to where the blade passes through it). Handle is leather covered (with wear patina) with brass wire binding/detail. The 'acorn' pommel again in brass, finishes the handle which is 11.5 cm crossguard to pommel.
The pommel is not screwed on, the tang passes through it and is rivetted/peened over. There is no scabbard,

The blade has, as best as I can make out, the name ''BERNHARD RICHTER'' in letters 2mm high, near the hilt. I've 'googled ' the name but really found nothing....except a late 19c chess player....and I suspect he won his games by 'check mate' ...rather than attacking his opponent.

I did find a very small picture of a very similar styled dagger, that was described as a 17c gunners dirk. I am not suggesting that this dagger is of that ilk, but the Victorians did like their replica's and I get the feeling it is of this era.

Has anyone any suggestions or comments which might help? Thankyou.

21st June 2006, 08:13 PM	#1
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,653	European Military dress dagger? Any ideas?? Technically not ethnographic, but hoping someone might be able to identify this dagger. The blade is unsharpened but was very sharply pointed and is 22cm long. The cross guard is of brass and has a '6' or '9' stamped on it.(near to where the blade passes through it). Handle is leather covered (with wear patina) with brass wire binding/detail. The 'acorn' pommel again in brass, finishes the handle which is 11.5 cm crossguard to pommel. The pommel is not screwed on, the tang passes through it and is rivetted/peened over. There is no scabbard, The blade has, as best as I can make out, the name ''BERNHARD RICHTER'' in letters 2mm high, near the hilt. I've 'googled ' the name but really found nothing....except a late 19c chess player....and I suspect he won his games by 'check mate' ...rather than attacking his opponent. I did find a very small picture of a very similar styled dagger, that was described as a 17c gunners dirk. I am not suggesting that this dagger is of that ilk, but the Victorians did like their replica's and I get the feeling it is of this era. Has anyone any suggestions or comments which might help? Thankyou. Attached Images