Original German WWII Early Army Heer Officer Dagger by Carl Eickhorn with Scabbard – 1935-41 Trademark Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition Army Officer’s Dagger, produced by the legendary Solingen-based firm Carl Eickhorn. The alloy pommel of this dagger is in very good condition, showing the usual wear around the bottom edge, with a bit of oxidation. It looks to have originally been silver plated and then oxide coated, giving it a lovely deep blue color in the recessed areas. It may be that it is made from a solid alloy like Tombak or Nickel Silver, and then oxide coated, or possibly aluminum. The standing oak leaves and acorns are crisply detailed around the pommel, with some spots of oxidation.

The crossguard looks to be made in the same way, with an oxide coating overall, which has worn over the years on the raised areas. The details throughout the characteristic eagle are exceptional throughout the head, breast and wing feathering, talons and wreathed mobile swas, though the wreath has suffered some oxidation damage. The grip ferrule looks great, with antiquing between the oak leaves, and looks to be made from the same alloy as the fittings. The celluloid grip has faded just a bit to a light caramel color, not the usual orange that we often see. There is just a bit of light wear spots of staining.

The blade on this example is in very good condition, with the factory final polish grind cross grain is present throughout the blade, with just a bit of fading from runner wear. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. There are scattered spots of oxidation on the blade, probably from water exposure, which we have left intact to preserve the history and avoid damaging the grain. The needle-like tip is still intact, with no bending, and the edge is still nice, with no chips or sharpening. 

The rear of the blade is clearly etched with the 1935-41 Eickhorn trademark: a seated squirrel holding a sword, with the word ORIGINAL above and the firm’s name and location, Eickhorn / SOLINGEN below. Carl Eickhorn is a legendary maker from Solingen, the famous “City of Blades” in Western Germany.

According to J. Anthony Carter’s book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this company was founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn, and is arguably the most famous of all Solingen makers. Not only could the family trace their history back 500 years, but they could also demonstrate involvement in the hardening and grinding industries for the same period. Truly the nobility of Solingen Edged weapon dynasties. Eickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers. The original leather blade buffer is in place within the recesses of the guard.

The scabbard is a fine example, and is made of high quality plated steel, which originally was silver plated and had the same blue oxide coating applied as on the other fittings. Years of cleaning and exposure have removed the oxide, so now only the silver plating remains in most areas, and it has bubbled and degraded in areas, such as on the alloy hanger ring bolsters. There are no large dents or bends that we can see. This scabbard has very crisp, finely pebble grained panels, and the carrying bands have a very nice overlapping oak and acorn motif, a common design seen on German edged weapons. The throat is the thinner style, and has a single “cheese head” securing screw on the rear of the scabbard.

A lovely example from the most legendary of all Solingen makers, complete with its original scabbard. 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. This early war version is quite nice, and in great shape.