Very Rare & Historical Presentation Army Dagger to Blood Order Recipient

German WWII > Edged Weapons > Army Daggers >

This early army dagger was presented from Oberleutnant der Reserve Robert Mulka to Oberleutnant Ralph Stock while serving as Army Pioneer officers between 1935-36. Ralph Stock was a recipient of the NSDAP Blood Order; he was wounded during the invasion of Poland and awarded the Wound Badge and Iron Cross II Class. Robert Mulka was ousted from the Army in December 1936 due to dishonorable actions and later admitted as an SS officer, ultimately serving as adjutant to the commandant of Auschwitz!! Mulka found himself in deep trouble again while serving at Auschwitz for sharply criticizing and mocking Joseph Goebbels following his famous Total-War speech in 1943 and making defeatist statements. Mulka was briefly held immediately following the war in association with his SS membership, but only in the 1960s through a fluke occurrence related to his famous son was he identified by German authorities for prosecution due to his actions at Auschwitz. This is a fascinating and important historical item! The dagger includes approximately 70 pages of research copied from original SS and Army files, as well as two photos of Mulka and information on him found on the internet. Aside from this historical attribution, this Army Officer’s Dagger is an extremely desirable, initial production example. Arthur Schutelhofer Company (Asso) did not make any of their own fittings; the mounts used on this piece were purchased from an outside supplier. The pommel is in nice condition, showing only minor wear at the top and with no hits on the rim. It features 14 standing oak leaves, each one having hand-enhancement. The ferrule is also a fine, early example and matches nicely. The crossguard features an early brass eagle with hand checkering throughout the breast, eye and feathering. The bird grasps a crisp wreath with a raised swastika. The desirable grip is an attractive shade of medium orange and is the “slant” type. It exhibits minor age. When we see these “slant” grips we know the blade tang with have straight edges as opposed to the tapered style that was used later on in the period. The scabbard is nice and straight throughout and retains good, crisp pebbling. The silvering is 100% intact on this scabbard. The throat is retained by a pair of dome head side screws. The plated blade of this dagger is also a beauty. The obverse has a three line engraved presentation “Seinem lieben Kameraden Oberleutnant Stock in treuem Gedenken gewidmet. Mulka, Oberleutnant d. Res.” Translated “Dedicated to his dear comrade Oberleutnant Stock in faithful remembrance. Mulka, Oberleutnant d. Res.”. The reverse ricasso of the blade is etched with the Arthur Schutelhofer Company (Asso) firm. The original large leather blade washer is in place. If you are a collector of rare and/or early daggers, this piece would make a wonderful addition to your collection.