AUTHENTIC AUSTRO HUNGARIAN M1917. On December 1, 1918, an official act was signed creating a new state – the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, later know as Yugoslavia. In such a situation it is completely understandable that the Austro-Hungarian uniform existed in the Yugoslav fleet for a long time. Only the royal and state insignias were changed. The M1917 Austro-Hungarian Navy officer’s dagger continued to be worn with the Austro Hungarian coat of arms removed from the blade. Yugoslav naval officers carried Austro-Hungarian naval daggers well into the mid-1920’s. The M1918 daggers were perfect but for one thing – the etching of the austro hungarian coat of arms on the blade. So what they did? They simply erased (grinded or etched out) the austrian coat of arms from the blade and used it till new regulations that came in 1924. It think that regarding this particular dagger, this was the case. Originally it was an austrian M1917 then the blade was overly etched (wich weakened the steel causing the over abrasion, over oxidation and pitting as time passed) and then reused That explains why the blade is so pitted compared to its very well preserved fittings. The grip is made of white deeply lacquered wood with winded gold plated wire. The pommel is made out of brass in the shape of rope knot – nicely done and very detailed compared to subsequent yugoslav models. Brass cross guard has arms in the shape of a dolphin. The blade is made of steel, diamond section and in the shape of prolonged triangle with extensive pitting. Scabbard is made out of brass with crown and anchor crest. At the bottom of the scabbard, there is relief made Neptun with trident. Scabbard has two rings for attaching on the belt, hanger. Blade lenght: 270 mm. Total lenght : 406 mm. ALL STRONG AND FIRM.. NOTHING LOOSE OR WEAK. EXTREMELY HARD TO FIND! PLEASE SEE THE PHOTOS AS THEY FORM PART OF THE DESCRIPION. 2nd or 3rd item often ships for no extra charge when combined. Be sure to add me to your favourites list. AND PLEASE DO FEEL FREE TO ASK ANYTHING. The item “Austrian or Yugoslavia naval officer dagger austro hungarian old antique navy” is in sale since Monday, October 3, 2016. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Militaria\WW I (1914-18)\Original Period Items\Austria-Hungary”. The seller is “antiquearmsts” and is located in TRIESTE. This item can be shipped worldwide.

• Country/Region of Manufacture: Austria