Original East German DDR Cold War Engraved NVA Honor Dagger With Hanger and Presentation Box – German Democratic Republic Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Now this is something you don’t come across every day! This is a near mint condition Honor Dagger from the East German Army. The so-called Honor Dagger was awarded to graduates of the German Democratic Republic (GDR / DDR) or East German Officers School for obtaining the first officer rank, most likely at the Friedrich Engels Military Academy.

The Friedrich Engels Military Academy was the first military institution founded in East Germany and the highest leveled military teaching and research institution. Located in Dresden, the academy was the center of military science of East Germany.

The academy was formed on January 5, 1959, to provide training and military-related studies to officers of all branches of the newly formed National People’s Army (NVA), Border Troops of the German Democratic Republic, and other security organs as well as armed forces from other nations. The academy’s training was comparable to military academies in the Soviet Union. In addition to training and research for the implementation of the defense policy of East Germany, the Friedrich Engels Military Academy also focused on the maintenance of the military-scientific heritage and the development to the center of military-scientific work.

The generals/admiral daggers of the DDR were adopted for wear in 1960. They made their first public appearance in the May Day Parade of 1961. The majority of these daggers are identical in appearance, being of lacquer-coated polished brass. However, some presentation daggers were gold-plated. This gold plating was discontinued after 1983. This example is nickel plated steel and is in near perfect condition.

The pommels of the admirals / generals daggers differed from those of lower ranking officers. They featured a DDR national logo rather than the “hammered” design used on those for the lower ranking officers like this example here.

This example bears the inscription “Für Ausgezeichnete Leistungen” which translates to “For Excellent Achievements”. The ricasso is marked on both sides with serial number 03306 on one side and a maker mark on the opposite though we were unable to identify it. The overall condition is really good with the only real wear present being on the box from storage and an area of finish loss on the hanger buckles.

A lovely example ready for further research and display.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 9 3/4″
Overall length: 14 1/4″
Crossguard: 4 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 11”