Railway (Postal) Protection Daggers

Organisations: Bahnschutz, Railway Water Protection & Postschutz

The Bahnschutz was tasked with protecting the German national railway network against theft, sabotage and espionage. A related force, the Railway Water Protection Police, was responsible for railway installations along harbours, canals and ferry routes. The Postschutz protected postal facilities, transports and other key communication assets.

Railway Protection Daggers – M1935 & M1938

The Railway Protection Leader’s Dagger M1935 (1st pattern) follows the general army dagger outline but with a black grip and specific Railway details. Documented makers include well-known Solingen firms.

The later M1938 (2nd pattern) Bahnschutz leader’s dagger has a distinctive design: a round pommel with a sunwheel emblem, a crossguard featuring a winged railway wheel, a black grip and a plain polished blade. It is regarded as one of the more eye-catching Third Reich dress daggers.

Railway Water Protection Police Daggers

The Railway Water Protection Police leader’s dagger belongs to the rarest categories of German production daggers. Its form is similar to a naval dirk, but with a dark leather-covered grip bearing a police emblem and maritime etching motifs to the blade. Surviving examples are highly sought after by advanced collectors.

Postal Protection Leader’s Dagger M1939

The Postal Protection Leader’s Dagger M1939 was introduced as a dress dagger for officials of the Postschutz. Typical features are a black painted scabbard, heavy nickel-plated mounts and a high-quality blade marked by Solingen makers.

Key collector features

• M1935 Railway Protection Leader’s Dagger with black grip and army-style crossguard
• M1938 Railway Protection Leader’s Dagger with round sunwheel pommel and winged rail wheel crossguard
• Railway Water Protection Police dagger with maritime blade etching and police badge in the grip
• Postal Protection Leader’s Dagger M1939 with black scabbard and nickel-plated mounts
• Original hangers, knots, cases and documentation significantly enhance desirability

Notes for collectors

• Rarity: Bahnschutz and especially Water Protection daggers are among the rarest Third Reich dress daggers.
• Originality: Replacement fittings, re-plated parts or modern scabbards do occur on the market – period references are essential.
• Provenance: Named examples or groups with documents and photographs are highly desirable from a historical standpoint.