Extremely Rare Austrian Bundestaat Model 1935 Air Defense Officer Dagger Composite Handle

ARTIFACT: This is an extremely rare Austrian Bundestaat Model 1935 Air Defense officer dagger. Established in 1934, the Bundestaat (Federal State of Austria) was a short-lived government run by the "Fatherland's Front", which advocated independence from Nazi Germany. Austria was annexed to Germany in 1938 and this move brought about the dissolution of the Bundestaat, as well as the use of this beautiful knife. The crossguard bears a handsome red and white enameled bow and arrow device and the grip is in a bright orange composite with a doorknob-shaped pommel. The blade is bright and stiletto-shaped, and the scabbard has a chromed finish similar to the blade with bands embellished with propellers. The obverse ricasso (beneath the enamel device) is stamped with the Viennese maker mark ZEITLER WIEN VIII.

VINTAGE: Circa 1935.

SIZE: Approximately 13-5/16" in length and 3-1/16" in width; blade only: 8-3/16" in length and 11/16" in width; scabbard only: 10-3/16" in length and 1-1/4" in width; 15-1/2" length (while in scabbard).

MATERIALS / CONSTRUCTION: Steel blade, enameled brass disc, composite handle, chrome-plated steel scabbard.

ATTACHMENT: Release button, rings on scabbard.

MARKINGS: ZEITLER WIEN VIII; two marks on reverse ricasso.

ITEM NOTES: This is from an Austrian Bundestaat Air Force weapons collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. CON-DMM-25-13 LBDIEX11/13 SBJJJX3/14

CONDITION: 7 (Very Fine): The dagger has a bright blade, little wear to the scabbard and some typical cracking to fragile handle.