Personalized M-1901 Imperial Naval Officer's Dagger w/Ivory Grip, Genuine Damascus Blade, Deluxe Scabbard, Portepee, Hangers & Ranklist Documentation. "High-Neck" Knight's Helmet, (WKC) TM. As stated on page 55 of Collecting The Edged Weapons of Imperial Germany Volume I, the "newly-styled 'high-neck' helmet without the [WKC] initials was introduced sometime around 1914". Gilded brass hilt fittings show light surface wear with much fire gilding remaining on highlights and in recesses of the open crown pommel and large capstan style crossguard with hand enhanced quillon arms. As was often the case, the pommel cross has been filed to lessen the wear caused by the sharp edges of the cross against the uniform material. The genuine ivory grip shows light surface wear/age toning, with several hairline cracks along the left and right grip edges, but no nicks or chips, and is complete with tight twisted brass wire wrap, Double-fullered, genuine Damascus blade, measuring 9 ½" in length, grades EX++/Near MINT, showing superb detail to the "maiden hair" pattern with only light surface wear/age, but no pitting or nicks to cutting edges. The obverse blade ricasso is personalized with the name of the original owner, "Mantell" stamped in block letters and complete with blue felt blade buffer pad. Dent-free, deluxe gilded brass scabbard features an engraved lighting bolt motif over the deeply hammered shell as well as oak leaf motif on the suspension bands/rings. Scabbard shell shows light age/wear with virtually 100% of gilding remaining in the recesses of hammered motif, with wear to gilding on the steel suspension bands. The reverse upper scabbard is personalized with the name, "Mantell" engraved in block letters matching the name on the blade. Dagger is complete with Near MINT, original Imperial portepee with black/red flecks in cord/slide and stem, and tied in a unique and intricate "guilloche" (interwoven band) pattern in lieu of the regulation "reef knot" design. This is only the third time JRB&M has seen this pattern portepee tie. Black moiré hangers grade EX showing age/wear and are complete with Imperial style heavy brass buckles and clips. Ranklist documentation of the Kaiserlich Deutschen Marine (Imperial German Navy) is included with the dagger which reveals three officers named "Mantell" who served in the Imperial German Navy. Nice personalized M-1901 Imperial Naval Officer's dagger that could probably be further researched. EX++/Near MINT (25490) $6,995. HOLD