Maker-marked "ZIK" on the ricasso; on the other side of the blade has engraved alphanumeric serial number "N02350". The pommel displays the appropriate Soviet State emblem of the 1946-56 style, with 16 scrolls representing the number of republics in the Soviet Union. The beautiful quality is typical of Soviet daggers produced in the early part of the 50s; note in particular the nice gold plating on the brass parts. The handle grip is in a very attractive lightly speckled medium-toned Bakelite. The dagger measures approx. 13.5" (34 cm) when in scabbard. There are diamond-shaped maker marks stamped near the rivets of the scabbard; a matching maker mark is also stamped onto the leather on the same side under the upper fitting.

In outstanding, excellent condition. The scabbard leather is completely free of scuffs and or any other significant wear and has only a few light indentation marks; it fully retains its original beautiful "healthy" sheen. The factory-sharpened brilliant blade is almost pristine: it has only a single tiny oxidation spot and a very minor, barely noticeable amount of pitting in a small area on the throat near the maker's mark; the in-and-out wear is almost non-existent; the blade is completely free of the usual nicks to the cutting edge, scratches, or significant rust. The gold finish on all the brass parts is very bright and essentially perfect. Overall, it is a superb Stalin-era example: very uncommon to find with such an early issue date and in such a nice condition.