An early reproduction of a
genuine SS prototype dagger crafted by Alcoso. The original surfaced at a Florida
gun show in 1975 when the WWII veteran brought it to the show to sell. This
reproduction is entirely hand-crafted and is probably one of a kind. In addition to
the fact that it does not match the original prototype drawings, the telltale signs that
this is a reproduction are a) the presence of a post-war portapee, b) poor casting of the
crossguard, and c) a reproduction scabbard. |
Another SS fantasy piece crafted
from many original parts. The blade is adorned with a blued-panel and the
inscriptions Das Deutsche Heer der Waffen-SS (obverse) and fur besondere Tapferkeit
(reverse). In addition to the identification points listed on the piece to the
left, the craftsmanship of the scabbard embellishments is poor. In addition, the
oakleaf band that is attached to the scabbard was inspired by the Goring Industrial
Dagger. |
A
"presentation NPEA dagger of unknown origin. Reproduction characteristics of
this piece include ill-fitting handle components, and a reproduction damascus blade.
The tang is stamped "1939" - thus conforming to a number of real
damascus blades crafted by Paul Muller after the war. The obverse of the blade
depicts a raised and gilted NPEA motto. This piece was aquired by a collector on
Ebay. |
Bayonete manufactured by Reddick Enterprises. These bayonets
are crafted using mostly leftover period parts (the buffer pad and the stag grips are post
war). What is striking about these pieces, which do not come with scabbards, is the
superior construction - they are made as good if not better than the originals.
Identification points of spurious engraved blades includes very stiff buffer pads, raised
handle rivets, and overall STONE MINT construction.
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A high quality SA High Leader
Dagger. One dentification point of this piece are the "bordered"
crossguard panels (the original crossguards have no border around the oakleaves).
Blade is artificial "large rosebud" damascus, another ID point since SA High
Leader Daggers are constructed of maidenhair pattern damascus. Notice that the grip
eagle is nicely inset (the entire grip may be original). Parts are beautifully
antiqued - possibly silver plated. Definitely one of the better reproductions I've
seen of this rare dagger. This example is from the collection of Tom Wittmann, and
was purchased by him early in his career. It is featured in his book on Army Daggers
in a section warning collectors against reproductions. |
Another early
reproduction. This Railway Water Protection Police dagger - the rarest of the
railway daggers. The identification points include a poorly crafted Eickhorn blade,
a slightly crooked crossguard - due in part to the uneaven handle construction. On
this example, the handle spirals are uneavenly ground, and the lower edge is cut on edge
(pushing the crossguard into a skewed position). The hanger bands are slightly
smaller than the original bands, and the rings are not welded shut. The scabbard tip
also lacks detail to the lower pebbled panel border. The crossguard, pommel, and
ferrule rings are very nicely crafted. Replace the scabbard and reshape the handle
and you'll have a very convincing reproduction of a very rare dagger. |
Reproduction Sea Customs dagger. This
dagger, while nicer than the modern reproductions, is definitely not a
"dead-ringer" for the original. The scabbard and handle are plastic (the
leather pattern is part of the plastic). The upper scabbard fitting is of
"one-piece" construction and lacks detail. All parts should be gilted, but
are not. Double engraved blade is very poorly etched - no match for original
etching. Unconvincing to the trained eye, this piece could fool many beginning
collectors. |
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