Original German WWII Army Heer Officer Dagger with Scabbard – Unmarked Blade Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition Army Officer’s Dagger, complete with the original scabbard. The blade on this example is unmarked, but this is not unusual, as many smaller outfitters would purchase finished blades and blade blanks from major factories, and then fit the blades themselves. The zinc alloy pommel of this dagger is in good condition, showing wear and light scratching around the edge, though there is also stress cracking around the entire circumference. The original plating is still retained in spite of this, and the standing oak leaves and acorns on the sides are crisply detailed and have good backgrounds.

The zinc alloy cross guard does not show any cracking, and still retains most of the original plating, though it has now mellowed to a nice oxidized patina, with the antiquing in the recesses of the design still present. The details throughout the characteristic eagle are very good throughout the head, breast and wing feathering, talons and wreathed mobile swas (hook cross). The grip ferrule is plated steel, and it actually still has visible silvering.

The celluloid grip on this dagger has faded from the original ivory color to a lovely amber color, with no major deterioration present. One side is a bit lighter than the other, so it was probably resting on that side for some time, as the light is what causes the discoloration. The grip is in very good condition, showing only minor scratching on the edges, with the antiquing in the grooves still present. The hilt is still mostly tight on the tang, with the cross guard wobbling a bit, and the original blade buffer is still present in the recesses of the guard.

The very good condition blade is bright throughout, though it has definitely been cleaned and polished repeatedly over the years, which has made the original factory final grind cross grain very faint. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The shape of the blade is a bit wider than standard in some parts, so we definitely don’t think the blade blank was from a top quality maker. It has a slight bend about 3 inches from the end, and the edge is still unsharpened, though very wide in areas near the ricasso.

The scabbard is a fine straight example with no major dents or bends, and is made from steel with what looks to be nickel plating, which is very well retained. There is just a bit of wear through and flaking on the edges, and over all the scabbard has a lovely lightly used look. This scabbard has very crisp, finely grained panels. The zinc alloy carrying bands have an excellent pattern of overlapping oak leaves and acorns, which are nicely enhanced, but also show some wear and oxidation. The throat is the thinner style, and has a single “flush mount” securing screw on the upper narrow side.

A very nice example of an Army Officer Dagger, complete with an original scabbard and 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.