The value of a dagger cannot be read off a number. This page explains which factors count in an assessment, what you can contribute yourself and why no prices are given here.
What counts above all are the model, the state of preservation, the completeness and fit of the parts, maker’s marks, provenance and demand. Assembled or reworked pieces are a warning sign.
A price can only be named by someone who has seen photos or the piece. That is why this page gives no prices.
The table shows what is looked at in an assessment and what you can prepare for it.
| Factor | What counts | What you can contribute |
|---|---|---|
| Model and version | Which model is it, and in which version? A start is the identification key. | Photos of grip, pommel, crossguard and scabbard |
| State of preservation | Condition of blade, grip, wrapping and scabbard; original patina and signs of use | Do not clean the piece; photograph surfaces in raking light |
| Completeness and fit | Do blade, grip, scabbard, fittings and hanger originally belong together? DG.DE names wrong screws, recut leather and modern hangers as warning signs. 1 | Keep all parts together and show all accessories |
| Maker’s marks | Who made the piece, and is the mark legible? More under Makers and marks. | Photograph the base of the blade in raking light |
| Provenance | What is known about earlier owners? Are there papers, photos or letters? | Write down what you know and photograph any papers too |
| Demand | How sought-after is the model at the moment? | Nothing. This factor enters the assessment without you having to prepare anything. |
The Canadian Conservation Institute points out that surfaces and patina can be damaged even by slight abrasion or chemical cleaning. Patina should not be removed. 2
With iron, careless cleaning can do a great deal of damage. Heavily corroded pieces belong with specialists in metal conservation. 3
What has once been removed cannot be brought back. That is why the rule for daggers is: do not clean, do not polish, do not oil.
Show the condition honestly. Damage belongs in the photos too, because it is part of the assessment.
| Term | What it is | What it is not |
|---|---|---|
| Initial assessment at DAGGRS | An individual reply about your piece based on your photos. It is free of charge and non-binding. | Not a guarantee of authenticity and not a formal expert opinion |
| Expert opinion | A written appraisal. DG.DE offers it separately and for a fee: expert opinion at DG.DE (external site). | Not part of the initial assessment |
| Offer to buy | A further step if you want to sell: then we agree the terms with you. | No obligation. You decide after the reply. |
Two daggers of the same model can differ greatly in condition, completeness and provenance. A price without a look at the individual piece would therefore be misleading.
We can name a value once we have seen your photos. The next steps show the way there.
Classify your piece with the identification key.
Take photos following the guide Photographing a dagger.
For your photo inquiry, use the contact channels under Sell a dagger.
You receive an individual reply. After that you decide how to proceed.
Prices online usually belong to individual pieces in a particular condition. Whether they can be transferred to your piece is only shown by a comparison of condition, completeness and provenance.
That depends on the piece. Signs of use are normal on historic pieces; what matters is whether they are original. Please do not remove rust yourself: careless cleaning can do a great deal of damage. 3
Not for the initial assessment at DAGGRS. A written expert opinion is a separate, paid service of DG.DE.
No. The initial assessment is non-binding. You decide afterwards whether you want to sell.
Send photos and we will reply with an individual assessment. It is free of charge and non-binding.
The factors in the table are editorial rules of thumb, not cited measured values. Only the notes on fit of the parts and on care are cited.
Have you found an error? Write to us via the contact page.