December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/8/2023
German World War II Kriegsmarine dagger with Damascus blade and presentation for Kapitanleutnant Adalbert Schnee. The blade is marked "ORIGINAL / EICKHORN / SOLINGEN", with squirrel and sword marking. The presentation "Adalbert Schnee Oblt. z. See, Kdt. "U201" 30. Aug. 1941" is etched on the obverse blade with letters highlighted in gold wash. Reverse blade is decorated with Third Reich eagle over anchor and a Knight's Cross. Blade has no major damage with a few scattered blemishes. The presentation exhibits wear to the gold wash but the letters remain crisp. Brass pommel and crossguard retain traces of their gilt finish. Grip exhibits light staining and handling wear with tight brass wire. A bullion portepee with pleasing patina is secured to the hilt. Complete with its brass scabbard that retains nice amounts of its gilt finish. Throat screws are in place. Adalbert Schnee was born 31 December 1913 and started his naval career with the Reichsmarine in April 1934. He also served as a as a Korvettenkapitan (corvette captain) and served aboard the light cruiser Leipzig, and later transferred to the U-boat arm in May 1937. He commanded the submarines U-6, U-60, U-121, U-201 and U-2511, and is credited with sinking 21 merchant ships on 12 patrols. In August 1941, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross, and in July 1942, with the Oak Leaves. The date on the blade of the dagger is to commemorate his awarding of the Knight's Cross. After the war, he served for 6 months in the German Mine Sweeping Administration and served as the chairman of the Association of German submarine crews before passing away in 1982. A rare opportunity to obtain a Kriegsmarine dagger named to a U-Boat captain. CONDITION: Very good.
ADDENDUM: There is some minor indentation to the head of the eagle, visible in photos.
Item Dimensions: L: 15"