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 very good condition, showing wear and light scratching around the edge. The original plating looks to be almost completely missing, having flaked away or oxidized over the years. However the standing oak leaves and acorns on the sides are crisply detailed and have good backgrounds.
The zinc alloy cross guard is in similar condition, showing a great oxidized gray patina over all, with just a few areas of original plating still retained. 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, unlike the guards.
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 tight on the tang, and the original blade buffer is still present in the recesses of the guard, but it is definitely flattened.
The very good condition blade is bright throughout, showing the original factory final grind cross grain throughout the blade, retained to a varying degree. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. There is some light staining in areas, mostly polished away, and the usual runner wear on the flats of the blade. The tip is still intact, with no bending, just some light wear. The edge has correctly not been sharpened, with a few tiny dents and bends.
The scabbard is a fine example, and is steel with what looks to be zinc plating, which is very well retained. There is just a bit of wear through on the edges, and over all the scabbard has a lovely gray patinated look. This straight 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. The throat is the thinner style, and has a single “cheese-head” securing screw on the upper narrow side. The scabbard has a great service worn patina overall.
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.