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 mostly worn away, however the standing oak leaves and acorns are crisply detailed and have good backgrounds.
The zinc alloy cross guard is in similar condition, with much of the original plating worn away around the edges, leaving a great worn patina. The reverse however still has most of the plating, though it is bubbling in many areas. 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, though much of this has worn away, and it shows a polished steel patina.
Unlike most examples that we see, the celluloid grip on this example is still the original ivory color! Over time these turn yellow and often dark orange, so it’s a real treat to see one that still looks as it originally did. There are some scratches and a bit of dirt in the grooves, but it still has a fantastic look, with no cracks or major issues. The grip is just a bit loose on the tang, and the leather blade buffer is still present inside the recess of the guard.
The very good condition blade is mostly bright throughout, showing most of the original factory final grind cross grain. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. It is retained about 80%, with some lost due to stains on both sides. The tip is still intact, with no bending, just some light wear. The edge has correctly not been sharpened, with no dents we can see.
The scabbard is a fine example, and is steel with zinc plating, much of which is retained. 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 flush mount securing screw on the rear 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.