Army Heer Miniature Dagger

Product Description:  A finely crafted example of the Army Heer Miniature Dagger, executed in miniature scale with meticulous attention to detail, likely intended as a presentation piece or salesman’s sample. The bright, nickel-plated blade remains in excellent condition, exhibiting only minor scattered marks consistent with age. This model is unmarked.

The hilt features a well-preserved white grip, free from chips or cracks. The pommel and cross guard bear sharply defined swastika emblems, with all metal fittings displaying a pleasing, untouched patina. The dagger is paired with its original scabbard, which mirrors the hilt’s aged toning and shows only minimal signs of wear. The scabbard fittings remain tight and undisturbed, further underscoring the quality and care in its preservation.

An increasingly scarce and desirable collector’s item, this Army Heer Miniature Dagger exemplifies the fine workmanship associated with pre-1945 Solingen bladesmiths, and stands as a superb example of period miniature edged weapons in excellent condition.  (Shown with full size dagger for scale)

Historical Description: The Army Heer Miniature Dagger is a scaled-down version of the standard German Army officer’s dress dagger introduced in 1935, worn by officers of the Heer (German Army) as a symbol of rank and prestige. These miniature daggers, typically measuring between 8 and 10 inches in length, were not issued for military use, but rather produced as presentation pieces, diplomatic gifts, or salesmen’s samples to demonstrate the quality and design of full-sized daggers.

Miniatures closely followed the design of the standard Heer officer’s dagger, featuring a double-edged blade, often nickel-plated, a distinctive “twisted” celluloid or plastic grip in ivory, white, or orange, and a crossguard adorned with the Wehrmacht eagle clutching a swastika. The accompanying scabbards were typically silver- or nickel-plated and decorated with simulated pebbled panels and twin suspension rings, mimicking the full-size version in every detail.

Though non-functional as weapons, these miniature daggers were often manufactured by prominent Solingen makers such as Eickhorn, Hörster, and WKC, and their craftsmanship reflects the same high standards as their full-sized counterparts. Surviving examples—especially those in excellent condition with maker marks and original scabbards—are now considered scarce and collectible artifacts, representing both the militaria craftsmanship of pre-1945 Germany and the symbolic militarism of the Third Reich era.