Original German WWII Army Heer Officer Dagger by SMF in Scabbard with Hanger and Portepee Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Army Officer’s Dagger, produced by Solinger Metalwaren-Fabrik Stöcker & Co. GmbH, also known as SMF, a well known firm based in Solingen, Germany.  The aluminum pommel of this dagger is in very good condition, showing a little wear and scratching around the edge. The original plating looks to be mostly worn away on the bottom, with more retained on the sides.

The plated crossguard is in similar condition, with much of the original plating worn away, leaving a great worn patina. The details throughout the characteristic SMF eagle are exceptional throughout the head, breast and wing feathering, talons and wreathed mobile swas (hook cross). The grip ferrule is also silver-plated, and is in very good condition with only light plating wear, having been protected by the portepee.

The grip is has faded to a nice light caramel color, typical of celluloid grips from this period. This grip is in very good condition, with minimal staining, though there are a few chips, which show the original “ivory” color of the celluloid. Wrapped around the grip and cross guard is an original aluminum bullion thread portepee (sword knot), tied in the Heer fashion. It does show wear, with areas of the bullion wrapping completely missing, showing the underlying rope.

The blade on this example is in good condition, with an intact tip, however it definitely shows evidence of past rust staining and damage due to contact with moisture. This has been cleaned away and buffed out, but the marks of the stains can still be seen on the surface, along with some scattered peppering. The leather blade buffer is present, but deteriorated.

The reverse ricasso of this sword is marked with the SMF trademark logo, which features the etched king holding an upward pointing sword, and is known as the “Seated King”. The king is sitting on the firm initials SMF and is positioned above an arch shaped town location SOLINGEN. Solinger Metalwaren-Fabrik Stöcker & Co. GmbH, also known as SMF, were one of the major suppliers of edged weapons to the Luftwaffe during WWII. As the name implies, they were located in Solingen, the legendary “City of Blades” in Western Germany. For more information, please see J. Anthony Carter’s fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS.

The scabbard is a fine example, and is plated steel. This straight scabbard has very crisp, finely grained panels. The carrying bands have an excellent pattern of overlapping oak leaves and acorns, which are nicely enhanced, though they do show wear. The throat is the thinner style, and has flush securing screws on the thinner sides of the scabbard. It is silver or nickel plated, and has a lovely oxidized look. There is not really any flaking we can see, just the usual wear and light patination, making this a great example.

Attached to the scabbard is a good condition belt hanger, with functional pebbled spring clips with a great patina. The buckles and keepers are engraved with the same oak and acorn motif seen throughout the dagger. The straps are in very good condition, with the blue green velvet on the back is retained about 75%, and the silver bullion front side showing light wear. There is some oxidation on the fittings, but that is to be expected. There are no signs of any type of repairs on the hanger.

A very nice example from a well-known maker, ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 9 1/2″
Blade Style: Spear Point Dagger
Overall length: 14“
Crossguard: 2 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 11 1/8″

The German Army (Heer) first carried a dagger beginning in 1935. The weapon was worn in lieu of occasions not demanding the wearing of a more formal sword. The dagger design was quite attractive featuring silvered heavy fittings with white or colored grip. The crossguard depicted a Wehrmacht open-winged eagle clutching a wreathed swas.

The pommel depicted oak leafing around the outer circumference. The scabbard had panels of pebble designs. Later produced examples were plated with nickel, and late war-made pieces were unplated, finished in a gray color metal. These daggers are often encountered with an aluminum portepee.