Dealing with collectable daggers

The earliest daggers were probably those crafted of flint or bone in Neolithic times, with the first metal ones appearing around 3000 BC. Since then almost every human civilisation has made use of daggers of some way. That means there is no shortage of antique daggers to look out for. Despite that, it is the 20th century ones that are perhaps the most sought after. Second World War German, British Commando, and paratrooper daggers are guaranteed to have buyers battling at the auctions. For the true antique items, naval cutlasses, and ceremonial daggers are also very collectable.

The Scottish ceremonial dagger shown here is from the late Victorian period, and in really nice condition.

It is easy to see the huge amount of ornate work depicted on both the dagger and sheath, and extra details like the knife and fork in their own compartments are interesting for collectors. Good examples are quite hard to find, and the value can also fluctuate depending on which regiment is represented. This one could easily sell for over £1,000.

The other item pictured is actually a bayonet, but of course was often used in the style of a dagger. Some are much sought after by collectors, but beware as there are many more common examples that have little value. This one is a British military item, and from the style and size of the ring is most likely to have been a jungle pattern bayonet from the 1970s. It is not worth much, but as with any antique it could be an item that people buy more because of the interest than the value.

It goes without saying that daggers can be dangerous. Although most ceremonial items are not sharp enough to hurt anyone, it’s still worth being cautious, and certainly a time to make sure you cut a good deal, and not yourself!

Scottish ceremonial dagger complete with cutlery, Left, the military bayonet