Swiss Model 1943 Officer's Dagger

Swiss dagger model 43 in very good condition. The handle has wooden plates held together by three round-head screws and slotted nuts. The two chromed metal side flanges which reinforce the handle on the sides come to fit forcefully into the rounded pommel, itself fixed to the tang by a nut with three sunk holes. The symmetrical double-edged blade is chrome-plated like the rest of the other metal parts of the dagger, including the screws and nuts. The model 43 dagger, from January 1, 1944, replaced the bulky sabers and swords. It was only given on the occasion of a promotion to officers and senior non-commissioned officers of the Swiss army and could not be purchased commercially. Dagger blades were made by Elsener Schwyz and very rarely by SIG Neuhausen (mark N under a symbolized rifle) from 1944 until 1953, and then by Elsener Schwyz (marked "Elsener Schwyz Victoria". When production ceased for the army in 1991, the highest serial number was 397 126. Unfortunately, for the Swiss military, the replacement from July 1995 of the exit outfit M-1972 by a new outfit will be accompanied by the discontinuation of the dagger. M-43 daggers were also used as officers' daggers by various police forces. The company "Elsener Schwyz" marking "Victorinox", delivered 1,527 unnumbered daggers in 1991.