Rare original German Red Cross (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz, DRK) Leader Dagger,
Model 1938. Total length: 38.5 cm. This dagger is preserved in excellent condition and
represents one of the most elegant edged weapons issued to officers of the DRK during the late 1930s.
Grip: Nickel-finished fittings with an elliptical pommel and an
orange-colored Trolon grip featuring parallel grooves. The crossguard
displays an oval medallion with the stylized German Red Cross eagle,
its wings half-closed and facing left, clutching the Red Cross symbol in its talons.
The smooth transitions and precise craftsmanship are characteristic of high-quality DRK officer production.
Blade: Double-edged, mirror-polished and in excellent condition.
The distinctive crossgrain remains fully intact.
As correct for all authentic examples, the blade bears no maker’s mark —
a deliberate feature of Red Cross officer daggers. The tip is original, sharp, and unshortened.
Scabbard: Manufactured from a single piece of steel with fine pebbled texture
on both sides. The two scabbard bands are smooth and fitted with square carrying loops.
The throat is separately mounted and secured by two dome-headed side screws.
The lower end is plain and perfectly rounded. A superb, dent-free original example in near mint condition.
Historical Context: The German Red Cross (DRK) Leader Dagger
The German Red Cross (Deutsches Rotes Kreuz – DRK) was a civilian humanitarian
organization under the supervision of the Reich Ministry of the Interior.
Due to its neutral status under the Geneva Convention, members were prohibited from
carrying actual weapons. Therefore, the DRK Leader Dagger was designed as a
ceremonial, non-combat dress weapon.
The DRK Officer and Leader Daggers were introduced in 1938 and were authorized
for ranks from Wachtführer up to Generalhauptführer.
Its distinctive features include the oval medallion with the DRK eagle and cross, as well as
the unmarked blade — emphasizing the organization’s civilian character.
These daggers represent one of the most refined edged weapons of the period and are today
highly sought after by collectors for their rarity, design, and historical significance.
![© DGDE GmbH - German Red Cross Officer's Dagger [M1938]](https://www.dg.de/media/images/product/info2/deutsches-rotes-kreuz-drk-dolch-fuehrer-1938-3906-1.jpg "© DGDE GmbH - German Red Cross Officer's Dagger [M1938]")
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