German Railway Protection 1st Pattern Leader Dagger
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 72.GOR.04.01.001.000
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
A First Pattern Railway Dagger by Robert Klaas - This the finest example of this type we have had the pleasure of offering. It is an "untouched" example with a dark toning throughout. Produced by Robert Klaas (kissing cranes) TM. Plated silver hilt fittings show minimal wear with a pleasent patina to the pommel and crossguard. The telling black celluloid grip exhibits only very light surface wear with no cracks or chips. The blade is a prime example that grades near mint with only very light surface wear and runner marks. Leather blade buffer pad is present. The scabbard is dent-free with a drak patina. Scabbard bands are marked with an asterisk (which is standard for Klaas-produced daggers). Rare, original dagger.
The Deutsche Reichsbahn (German National Railway) was created after the First World War in 1920 by combining the formerly independent state railways of the abolished German Empire into a national organisation. Under NSDAP rule, the German state railway system was reorganised in the 1930s to better meet the needs of the economy and to prepare for war, eventually supplying the front lines with soldiers and supplies. The Reichsbahn also had an infamous role to play in the Holocaust, transporting Jews and other “undesirables” to concentration and extermination camps.
The Bahnschutzpolizei (railway protection police) was founded in 1939 as a merger of the Bahnpolizei (railway police) and the Reichsbahnschutz (railway protection force), the latter being regular railway employees that, beyond their normal functions, additionally served as railway security personnel.
The Bahnschutzpolizei as a railway sub-organisation was made up of policemen that were employed by the Reichsbahn rather than the German police force. Their task was to ensure railway safety as well as preventing railway-related espionage and sabotage. During the war, most members of the Bahnschutzpolizei served in the occupied Eastern European territories.
The 1st pattern leader dagger was introduced in 1935. It is in the exact same design as the German Army Officer Dagger, with the only difference being that it features a dark purple or black grip.
The dagger with scabbard is about 400mm long. The blade’s length is between 250 and 270mm. Blades were often cross-grained polished. Rare examples are nickel-plated.
All metal fittings were silver plated. The grip has a clockwise carved groove. The cross guard features a national eagle emblem and the pommel a ring of oak leaves. The pommel is screwed onto the grip.
Comments
Sign in to comment and reply.
COMMUNITY
ACCOUNT
Scroll Top
