Swiss Officer's Dagger Model 1943

The Swiss Officer's Dagger Model 1943 (M43), also known as the Dolch Modell 1943, was introduced by federal decree on November 4, 1943, and entered service on January 1, 1944. It replaced the saber and the rapier for ceremonial purposes.

Design and Features

The design is based on the historical 16th-century Schweizerdolch.

• Blade: A symmetrical, double-edged blade approximately 21 cm long, usually made of chrome-plated or stainless steel.
• Handle: Fitted with two light-colored wooden grip plates (often beech), attached to the tang with three screws or rivets.
• Guard: A straight or slightly curved guard and a rounded pommel secured with a special nut with three holes.
• Scabbard: Made of black lacquered or blued steel, including a leather carrier and a metal clip for attachment to the belt.

Manufacturers and Identification

Production was primarily carried out by two major Swiss manufacturers:

• SIG Neuhausen: Often marked with "SIG NEUHAUSEN" or a rifle logo on the ricasso.
• Victorinox (Elsener Schwyz Victoria): Usually marked with "Elsener Schwyz Victoria" or simply "Victoria".
• Serial Numbers: These daggers are numbered on the blade, which can often help determine the year of production.

This Swiss M43 Officer's Dagger from manufacturer Elsener Schwyz Victoria, with serial number 52022, was produced in the early years of issue, most likely around 1947 or 1948.

Substantiation of the Dating

Production of these daggers began in 1944 and continued until 1991, with a total of approximately 397,126 units. Because the numbering increased chronologically, the serial number provides a good indication of the age:

• 1944 – 1945: The first batch started at number 10,101. By July 1945, approximately 20,100 units had been produced by manufacturers such as SIG Neuhausen and Elsener Schwyz (Victorinox).
• Late 1940s: With a number in the 52,000 series, this dagger falls within the period shortly after the Second World War. Given the early production rate of a few thousand per year, this number is generally attributed to the 1947–1948 period.
• Later years: For comparison: numbers in the 240,000 series date from the early 1980s. Characteristics of early examples

Because this is an early model (number 100,000), it often has specific features that collectors appreciate:

• Manufacturer: There is a high probability that this is marked by SIG Neuhausen (with a rifle logo) or Elsener Schwyz Victoria.
• Portepee: Early daggers originally often had a white cotton tassel, while later models switched to synthetic versions.

Usage and Rank Systems

The dagger was awarded to both officers and senior non-commissioned officers upon their promotion until the 1990s. The rank can be identified by the portepee (tassel):

• Officers: A silver or white tassel with a red band.
• Senior Non-commissioned Officers: A red and white tassel.