Navy Honor
Dagger Pommel with Diamonds
45 x30 mm, 56.9 gm.
17 rose-cut Diamonds set in a 10 mm white-gold Swastika
View of threaded pommel
Grand Admiral Erich Raeder and his later replacement, Admiral Karl Doenitz, awarded cased "Honor Pattern" Naval dirks bearing their sentiments to several deserving successful U-boat captains, other naval heroes, and also to at least two retiring admirals. Less than eighteen of these splendid daggers are known to exist today in collections. There is at least one example still in the hands of the original recipient (Erich Topp), but this dagger will ultimately be willed to Topp's son. The pommels which graced the Honor Pattern Naval daggers were made in advance of the dagger presentations, as the pommel design was to include seventeen rose-cut, individually-set diamonds. Since the Eickhorn firm was not a jeweler, the oversized pommels used for these daggers were cast, fire-gilted, threaded, and then sent-out to a sub-contractor for the completion of the actual jewel setting work. After completion, these pommels became "on-the-shelf", and were available for use as the need arose. Assumedly, the other fittings and scabbards were also produced in advance. The Damascus blades, however, had to be specially hand-forged for each new recipient, as usually the presentation occasion or feat would mean a unique blade. This is how the Carl Eickhorn firm came to have several of these spectacular pommels "left-over" at the end of the war. Most students of the hobby know, Herr Eickhorn gave the late James P. Atwood a hand full of these diamond pommels, after Jim purchased many of the company's left-over parts. Jim subsequently sold these pommels to interested collectors over the years. They now reside in advanced collections throughout the world. Prices on these daggers have gone to well over a hundred thousand dollars - yikes! This pommel is another example of the one that appears in a color photo in Johnson's Volume 8, Page 195. There really are seventeen rose cut diamonds, four in each swastika leg, plus one in the center! I think this swastika is actually made from platinum. The two borders lining the swastika are trimmed with little miniature beading - you have to look through the loupe to see all this, but it is very visible. The pommel itself is a much larger proportion than standard types, also exhibiting extraordinary detail. The metal is a brass base, being heavily fire-gilted. The pommel is threaded, and aside from the fact it does not have an assembly number stamped inside, it is identical in all respects to the actual presented examples. A wonderful display piece with your Naval edged weapons or medals collection. Guaranteed original. Comes with a copy of the signed letter from Herr Eickhorn, given to Jim Atwood in the 1960's. Very Fine Condition. $5,500
Wittmann Copy: Grand Admiral Erich Raeder and his later
replacement, Admiral Karl Doenitz, awarded cased "Honor Pattern"
Naval dirks bearing their sentiments to several deserving successful U-boat
captains, other naval heroes, and also to at least two retiring admirals.
Less than eighteen of these splendid daggers are known to exist today
in collections. There is at least one example still in the hands of the
original recipient (Erich Topp), but this dagger will ultimately be willed
to Topp's son. The pommels which graced the Honor Pattern Naval daggers
were made in advance of the dagger presentations, as the pommel design
was to include seventeen rose-cut, individually-set diamonds. Since the
Eickhorn firm was not a jeweler, the oversized pommels used for these
daggers were cast, fire-gilted, threaded, and then sent-out to a sub-contractor
for the completion of the actual jewel setting work. After completion,
these pommels became "on-the-shelf", and were available for
use as the need arose. Assumedly, the other fittings and scabbards were
also produced in advance. The Damascus blades, however, had to be specially
hand-forged for each new recipient, as usually the presentation occasion
or feat would mean a unique blade. This is how the Carl Eickhorn firm
came to have several of these spectacular pommels "left-over"
at the end of the war. Most students of the hobby know, Herr Eickhorn
gave the late James P. Atwood a hand full of these diamond pommels, after
Jim purchased many of the company's left-over parts. Jim subsequently
sold these pommels to interested collectors over the years. They now reside
in advanced collections throughout the world. In fact, I happen to own
three of these pommels myself - I consider them highlights of my Naval
collection. (Actually I own four, as there is an identical example on
my Naval Honor dagger - I own the one with (unfortunately) the blade which
was broken in two when the dagger was surrendered. When I bought this
dagger several years ago, I figured it was as close as I would come to
obtaining a "whole" one - prices on these daggers have gone
to well over a hundred thousand dollars - yikes!) Anyhow, this pommel
is the identical example which appears in a color photo in Johnson's Volume
8, Page 195. My pommel is most impressive to the naked eye, but if you
really want to have a treat, try looking at it through a loupe. Wow, what
a sight! Indeed, there really are seventeen of these diamonds. Four in
each swastika leg. Oops, that's only sixteen - the last one is in the
center! Each stone really has facets cut into it - quite beautiful indeed,
and, of course, this is the reason these stones sparkle. It is possible
you could show this diamond pommel to your wife or your girl friend, and
tell her it is really for her, not you. She might believe you, because
all girls love diamonds. The only problem is selling her on the fact that
swastikas are pretty. This part could be touchy, but this fact might help
- tell her the swastika itself is only there to act as a setting for the
diamonds. I think this swastika is actually made from platinum. The two
borders lining the swastika are trimmed with little miniature beading
- you have to look through the loupe to see all this, but it is very visible.
Show her this using the naked eye, and then show her using a loupe, maybe
when she is naked. She might even think "her" swastika is pretty,
if you explain it is platinum, and only there to act as a setting for
"her" diamonds - not a political symbol of hate. This is real
love we're talking about here, guys. I'm even getting all stirred-up myself,
just trying to explain to you how to handle this purchase. Tell her you
are considering having a fastening pin installed on the reverse of the
pommel, for dual purpose wear as a brooch on the outfit you bought her
from Victoria's Secret! Seriously, try this approach. It could work! The
pommel itself is a much larger proportion than standard types, also exhibiting
extraordinary detail. The metal is a brass base, being heavily fire-gilted.
The pommel is threaded, and aside from the fact it does not have an assembly
number stamped inside, it is identical in all respects to the actual presented
examples. A great opportunity to make you and your special person very
happy. All kidding aside, a wonderful display piece with your Naval edged
weapons or medals collection. Guaranteed original. She'll love it! Not
cheap, but you don't want her to think anything you bought her was cheap,.........do
you? The price could be a well-kept secret between you and me. Comes with
a copy of the signed letter from Herr Eickhorn, given to Jim Atwood in
the 1960's. Mint (4135) $5,995.00
|