WKC Heer Officer Dagger

Product Description: This WKC Heer Officer Dagger is a textbook, all-original piece. The blade on this one remains in above-average, excellent plus condition. There are a few minor spots of surface age, with couple of typical runner scratches, but it retains lots of eye-catching original shine, with very crisp edges and a perfect tip. The reverse ricasso has a very sharp, deeply etched WKC maker logo. The original pebbled leather scabbard buffer on the blade remains intact. The grip on this dagger is gorgeous, with appealing toning to the original finish. It is correct for WKC throughout, with a 12 leaves pommel and Type 4 WKC crossguard. The beautiful orange Type C grip remains in very good condition without cracks or any damage at all. The handle has a nice original braided aluminum wire Portepee which appears to have always been there. The portepee is complete, with some soft areas from wear. This WKC Heer Officer Dagger is complete with its original scabbard, which has one flat side screw. The suspension rings are intact, and the scvabbard is straight, with no dents. All of the metal fittings on this dagger show a very nice, matching patina, and all of the fittings are tight, with no indication this has ever been disassembled. This is a desirable dagger that has a lot going for it. It’s in excellent plus condition.

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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