Soviet Army Officer’s Presentation Dagger M1955, ZIK 1956, Inscribed from Marshal Matvey Zakharov, 1970

1999€

An exceptional Soviet Army officer’s presentation dagger of the 1955 pattern, manufactured by ZIK, with blade serial number NД5287К, attributed to 1956.

The black scabbard features a gilded presentation plaque inscribed to Colonel Yu. Tekhola from the Chief of the General Staff of the USSR Armed Forces, dated Moscow, December 1970.

Accompanied by a visiting card of Marshal of the Soviet Union Matvey Vasilyevich Zakharov (1898–1972), who held the position of Chief of the General Staff at the time of the dedication.

The dagger is presented in a fitted display case with red lining.

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Description

An important Soviet Army officer’s presentation dagger of the 1955 pattern, manufactured by the Zlatoust ZIK factory, with a personal dedication dated December 1970 and accompanied by a visiting card of Marshal of the Soviet Union Matvey Vasilyevich Zakharov.

The dagger features a straight, double-edged steel blade with a polished surface. The blade bears the serial number NД5287К and the ZIK manufacturer’s marking.

The serial number format corresponds to examples attributed to 1956 production, making 1956 the probable year of manufacture.

The hilt features a yellow grip with gilded metal fittings and a characteristic crossguard with curved ends. The gilded scabbard throat is decorated with a Soviet five-pointed star and radiating rays above a laurel wreath.

The black scabbard is fitted with gilded metal mounts and suspension rings.

A particularly important feature is the engraved gilded presentation plaque attached to the scabbard.

The Russian inscription reads:

“Полковнику Ю. Техола
От Начальника Генштаба ВС СССР
г. Москва, декабрь 1970 г.”

Translation:

“To Colonel Yu. Tekhola
From the Chief of the General Staff
of the USSR Armed Forces
Moscow, December 1970.”

The dagger is accompanied by a visiting card bearing the name and position of Marshal of the Soviet Union Matvey Vasilyevich Zakharov, Chief of the General Staff of the USSR Armed Forces.

Historical Background

Matvey Vasilyevich Zakharov (1898–1972) was one of the most prominent Soviet military commanders of the twentieth century.

During the Second World War, he held important senior staff positions, including Chief of Staff of several Soviet fronts.

He was promoted to Marshal of the Soviet Union in 1959 and served as Chief of the General Staff of the USSR Armed Forces from 1960 to 1963 and again from November 1964 until September 1971.

Consequently, the December 1970 presentation inscription corresponds precisely with the period when Zakharov held this position.

Zakharov was also twice awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union.

The accompanying visiting card bears his full name, rank and official position, providing an interesting historical connection to the presentation inscription.

The Soviet Army officer’s dagger of the 1955 pattern was introduced as part of the ceremonial uniform of Soviet officers. Unlike the Soviet naval dagger, this model was intended for Army officers and is commonly referred to as the combined-arms or general service officer’s dagger.

The combination of a 1956-pattern serial number, the dated presentation inscription of December 1970 and the accompanying visiting card makes this an especially interesting example of Soviet military presentation memorabilia.

The inscription associates the presentation with Marshal Zakharov in his official capacity. Personal presentation by the Marshal has not been independently documented.

Specifications:

Country: USSR
Type: Soviet Army officer’s presentation dagger
Model: 1955 pattern
Manufacturer: ZIK, Zlatoust
Blade production: Probably 1956
Blade serial number: NД5287К
Presentation inscription: Moscow, December 1970
Associated historical figure: Marshal Matvey V. Zakharov (1898–1972)
Recipient: Colonel Yu. Tekhola
Materials: Steel blade, yellow grip, gilded metal fittings, black scabbard
Accessories: Presentation case and visiting card

Condition is shown in the photographs.