Description:

VON NOSTITZ-WALLWITZ ENGRAVED HEER DAGGER, LIKELY ISSUED TO A KNIGHTS CROSS RECIPIENT
Very fine condition Heer dagger once owned by a member of the aristocratic von Nostitz-Wallwitz Family, and most likely to Gen. GUSTAV-ADOLF VON NOSTITZ-WALLWITZ (1898-1945), a Knights Cross and German Cross in Gold recipient. The dagger itself is a choice-condition example, in very fine condition throughout. The fittings on this dagger are the early 2nd style: the cross guard bears a perfect eagle design with fine breast checkering and a wreathed, high-relief swastika. Even the talons have been hand-enhanced on this eagle. The pommel has 12 perfect oak leaves around the perimeter, and the ferrule is of equal quality. The grip is a dark orange and evenly toned, in near perfect condition. At the pommel top appears the engraved family crest of the von Nostitz-Wallwitz Family. Some backgrounds have been nicely lined or pebbled for effect. It is quite rare to see a family crest on the top of a pommel - above the national eagle and swastika! On the reverse of the cross guard is a beautifully engraved five-point crown, and beneath the letters "v. N-W.". The scabbard is a standard 2nd style Eickhorn example, having good pebbled surfaces, exhibiting hints of frosting in the protected areas around the carrying bands and the throat area. The thicker throat is retained by a center placed screw in the reverse. The blade of this example is superlative, with a full mirror surface with 100% of the original graining. The needlelike tip is in place, rating the blade absolutely mint. Etched with the 1935-41 squirrel design. The original small brown leather washer is in place protecting this fine blade. The two oldest members of the family were Gerhard von Nostitz-Wallwitz and Gustav Adolf von Nostitz-Wallwitz, and undoubtedly one of these men owned this dagger. Gerhard was a major by 1933 and generalmajor by 1941. Gustav-Adolf, on the other hand, was a first lieutenant in 1930 and became a major in 1937. 1937 would most likely be the date that Eickhorn produced this 2nd style variation cross guard, so there is a good chance that when Gustav Adolf von Nostitz-Wallwitz achieved this rank, he purchased this dagger. After this, he became a Lieutenant Colonel with an artillery regiment in 1940 and in 1941 he became a Panzer commander, winning the German Cross in Gold. In 1942, he was in Russia and fought at Stalingrad. In 1944, he was with Panzer Artillery Regiment 89, was awarded the Knight's Cross and was promoted to General Major. He was killed in action on May 31, 1945. So, the evidence indicates that this dagger belonged to Gustav-Adolf von Nostitz-Wallwitz, Knights Cross recipient - conclusive proof would put its value at a multiple of our estimate. A beautiful, prime dagger!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 14 - 21 days for shipments to arrive after receipt of payment due to the high volume of package being shipped.

July 8, 2015 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000