German Railway Protection 2nd Pattern Leader Dagger
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 72.GOR.04.02.001.000
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
A rare and well-preserved second model Reichsbahn official’s dagger, measuring 400 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 265 mm-long polished magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and semi-sharpened edges. The blade presents plain with the exception of a maker’s mark near the reverse ricasso reading “ORIGINAL EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic squirrel logo. It sits securely within a nickel-plated non-ferrous metal alloy upper crossguard, with the seam covered by an intact black leather buffer pad. The obverse of the crossguard bears a raised Reichsbahn insignia in the form of a winged wheel. A single piece of ribbed black celluloid comprises the handle grip, while the dagger completes with a ribbed and rounded nickel-plated pommel. The latter bears a raised sunwheel-style mobile swastika at the bottom. Accompanying the dagger is its period original scabbard, constructed of a plated magnetic metal shaft. Dual integral rings are set into the upper third of the shaft, each retaining a loop for suspension from a dagger hanger. The throat retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the dagger in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include some running marks to the blade and minor loss of finish to the plated metal features. It is in an overall near extremely fine condition.
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 2nd pattern leader dagger was introduced in 1938 for ranks Oberzugführer and above. The crossguard features a winged wheel in the style of the Reichsbahn emblem. The metal fittings are either cast aluminum with a dull finish or silver plate. The pommel features a sunwheel-style swastika with curved arms. The handle is of dark purple to black plastic. The scabbard is either in chrome over steel with a dull polished finish or silver plated, and it features two rings to attach the dagger hangers to. The hangers are silver with black stripes and a black backing. The overall dagger length is 400mm.
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