German Heer Dagger – Carl Eickhorn

Product Description: This German Heer Dagger is an exquisite, top-quality example of the standard German Army officer dagger. The steel blade is bright and beautiful, and very well-preserved, with excellent cross-graining. There are no nicks to the blade, and only a few areas of very light spotting. The blade is crisply etched on the reverse ricasso with the “squirrel” logo of Carl Eickhorn, a maker known for high quality craftsmanship. The handle on this dagger is gorgeous and boasts an eye-catching yellow Trylon grip that is free of chips, cracks or damage. The crossguard and pommel are very nice, with a light, attractive patina. This German Heer Dagger is complete with its original scabbard. The scabbard shows crisp pebbling and is complete with the both original suspension rings. The scabbard body has an even patina that perfectly matches the metal fittings on the handle. The scabbard is straight, with only one very small hit on one side of the scabbard body. Overall, this is really a very nice dagger, with exceptional eye appeal. The condition rates as a very strong excellent plus.

Historical Description: After WWI, the German military, known as the Reichswehr, was restricted to a relatively small force. Hitler changed this in 1935, reintroducing universal military conscription, and creating a new German Armed Forces- the Wehrmacht. Within the Wehrmacht, the German Army was known as the Heer, and a new dagger was designed and introduced for the officers of this new German Army in May 1935. As with all German Army officer uniforms and accoutrements, they were not issued; rather, the officer had to purchase them. These were ceremonial and decorative pieces of regalia, that were worn on occasions that did not call for carrying a sword. The overall pattern and design of the dagger remained consistent throughout the production run, but the large number of individual manufacturers created a wide variety in detail, especially regarding the handle fittings. There were approximately 42 different manufacturers of the blades. There were construction changes over time as well. Early German Army daggers generally featured plated brass alloy handle fittings. Later, zinc was used. Wartime type scabbards were generally unplated, with a gray finish. Production of German Army daggers ceased around 1943. The German Army was a huge organization, and large numbers of these daggers were produced. But there were many specific variants that were produced in low numbers, especially the highest quality, luxury type pieces for well-heeled officers. Some daggers were personalized, and customized, and are unique. The striking and attractive design of the German Army dagger was well-received by officers at the time, and these are very sought-after by collectors today.

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