BERNHARD RICHTER CÖLN – IMPERIAL GERMAN NAVY OFFICER DIRK / DAGGEROVERVIEW & HISTORICAL MAKER DETAILS:
Up for sale is an original antique Imperial German Navy (Kaiserliche Marine) officer’s dirk / dagger, retailed and blade-stamped by the respected German military outfitter BERNHARD RICHTER CÖLN (Cologne). Bernhard Richter was an established military outfitter operating out of Cologne (Cöln) during the Imperial German era. Rather than forging blades directly, Richter sourced high-quality Solingen steel blades and custom-finished uniform accoutrements, sidearms, and dress daggers for Prussian and Imperial German military officers.PROVENANCE & DATING BY CITY SPELLING ("CÖLN" vs "KÖLN"):
The ricasso stamp "BERNHARD RICHTER CÖLN" provides strong evidence for period dating:
• In 1900, an official decree by the Prussian Interior Ministry standardized the city name as "Cöln" (spelled with a 'C').
• On February 1, 1919, Mayor Konrad Adenauer officially changed the city's official spelling to "Köln" (with a 'K').
• Blades marked with "CÖLN" firmly place manufacture and outfitting prior to 1919, confirming this as a genuine pre-WWI / World War I Imperial era piece (circa 1900–1918).CONDITION & FEATURES:
• Blade Stamp: Clearly stamped "BERNHARD RICHTER CÖLN" near the ricasso.
• Blade: Double-edged stiletto dagger blade showing natural light oxidation/patina, cross-graining, and honest age-related wear. Unsharpened edge with sharp point.
• Hilt & Guard: Intricate cast brass/bronze guard and pommel showing rich antique patina. Original red felt washer remains intact at the blade shoulder.
• Handle: Tight, original wire-wrapped ribbed grip.
• Scabbard: Period scabbard featuring velvet body with brass throat and tip mounts.APPROXIMATE DIMENSIONS:
• Total Length (In Scabbard): ~12 inches (see ruler photos)
• Blade Length: ~7.5 inchesPlease inspect all high-resolution photos for exact cosmetic condition. Sold as-is.Shipped via USPS Priority mail.
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