WW2 German Navy Officers Kriegsmarine Dagger by E. & F. Horster – Possibly Associated with U-858

Here on offer is an original WW2 German Kriegsmarine Officer’s Dagger by E. & F. Horster with the dolphin and fouled anchor pattern etched blade.

The interesting thing about this dagger is the fact the top of the scabbard throat has been stamped with three numbers, which look to be 858. On the first number the stamping of the 8 is light on upper “circle” and on the third number I can only make out the lower circle of what looks like an 8?

As the number is three digits, I am sure it is not a dagger parts number, which I have only ever seen as two digits.

I have seen other three digit Kriegsmarine U-boat numbers stamped on to scabbards, normally on the top outer section, but it is not impossible that this was used as a hidden tracking reference as the owners where officially not supposed to “de-face” there daggers with names etc.

U-858 was a German (Type IXC) U-boat that surrendered to Allied forces on May 14, 1945, at Lewes, Delaware USA. She actually surrendered four days earlier at sea.

USS Pillsbury (DE-133) and USS Pope (DE-134) arrived later that day, took over the boat, and placed a U.S. Navy crew on board, then removed one-half of her crew, including three of her four officers.

U-858 did not sink any allied vessels during WW2 and was scuttled by USS Sirago (SS-485) in November 1947 off New England.

As U-858 was captured intact with all her crew all the Kriegsmarine Officers daggers etc, would have been confiscated as war booty.

So it is possible that this dagger is from a serving Kriegsmarine Officer from that U-boat?

Apart from the number I don’t have any other provenance to prove the link. The number only appeared when I cleaned off the old crease from the top of the scabbard.

Now to the details of the dagger;

The excellent condition grip is ivory in colour and the celluloid over wood version, which still has its original twisted bras grip wire.

There is a fine age related hairline crack running most of the length of the grip on the reverse and if I am being picky a very tiny 1cm hairline on the front which is really hard to see.

The finely detailed brass crossguard and eagle pommel are in excellent/near mint condition and have a bright polished finish.

The double fullered etched blade has the etched dolphin and fouled anchor pattern, which is still crisp and clear with some background darkening remaining.
There is some very light greying and light scratches on both sides that would polish out.
Both edges are knick free and the point is still sharp.

On the reverse ricasso, it has the double oval “thermometer” maker’s mark for E. & F. Horster and the words:

E. & F. HORSTER
SOLINGEN

impressed on the ricasso.

It still retains its original leather scabbard buffer pad.

The blade fits very snuggly into the scabbard and the domed release button works perfectly.

The lightning pattern brass scabbard is in excellent/near mint condition and now has a bright polished finish.
Again being picky, there is only one tiny 4mm long dent to the reverse lower section.
It still retains its two rounded scabbard screws.

The blade measures 9.9” (250cm) and the dagger in the scabbard is 16.6” (42.2cm) long.

It weighs 365g.

This is a beautiful looking dagger that makes a great display piece with its polished finish.

With the possible link to U-858; it could be a really important U-Boat dagger. If only it could speak!

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 50544