The pommel shows the Soviet national emblem with 16 scrolls representing the number of republics in the USSR, the type used only until 1956 (during that year, the number of Soviet republics was reduced to 15 after the Karelo-Finn republic was downgraded to autonomous republic within Russian Federation). The throat is maker-marked "ZIK" and serial numbered "NA 4690K". Very attractive dark-toned Bakelite grip. There is a maker mark "π" (a longhand form of Russian "P") stamped on the leather under the top fitting of the scabbard showing the Kremlin tower - this imprinted lette

The pommel shows the Soviet national emblem with 16 scrolls representing the number of republics in the USSR, the type used only until 1956 (during that year, the number of Soviet republics was reduced to 15 after the Karelo-Finn republic was downgraded to autonomous republic within Russian Federation). The throat is maker-marked "ZIK" and serial numbered "NA 4690K". Very attractive dark-toned Bakelite grip. There is a maker mark "π" (a longhand form of Russian "P") stamped on the leather under the top fitting of the scabbard showing the Kremlin tower - this imprinted letter is another characteristic feature of the Soviet daggers produced early on, no later than the mid-50s.

Note that the Soviet Army daggers are fairly scarce because of the 1958 change in Soviet uniform code. From that point on, daggers would be worn by army officers only for special occasions e.g., military oath ceremony or honor guard duty (this was not the case with Soviet naval officers who would continue to wear daggers as part of the standard dress uniform). Therefore, after 1958 very few Soviet Army or Air Force officers owned a dagger; the production had largely stopped because the existing stock of daggers was sufficient to fill the need (although a tiny supplemental series of Army daggers with "Bulat" mark was produced in the late 80s).

The dagger is in excellent condition. The brilliant blade is almost pristine: it shows practically none of even the usual in- and out-wear and is completely free of the typical oxidation spots, pitting, notches or any other damage. The scabbard leather is supple, free of significant scuffs or wear, and retains a beautiful healthy gloss everywhere; there is only a single pinprick-sized scuff near the lower fitting that is almost unnoticeable and quite frankly, can be completely hidden from view with an application of a black marker or a bit of shoe polish. The brass parts are very well preserved: free of nicks, dents or tarnish; its original gilt finish is still intact and bright throughout. The Bakelite grip is also very nicely preserved, having none of the usual chips or hairline fractures.

Overall, an extremely attractive, essentially flawless Soviet dagger from the early Cold War era!
$480.00  Add to cart