WKC Heer Dagger

Product Description: This WKC Heer Dagger is a completely untouched time capsule, that remains exactly as it was when brought back from WWII by an American veteran. This piece was taken as a war souvenir by Lt. Colonel Ridgely Bond, and was purchased directly from the Colonel’s grandaughter in Maryland. The blade is really nice, with great original crossgraining. The reverse of the blade is etched with the commercial style “knight’s helmet” logo of WKC (Weyersberg, Kirschbaum u. Cie) in Solingen, one of the largest dagger manufacturers in Germany before and during WWII. This is a late war dagger, with typical zinc handle fittings. The pommel, crossguard and ferrule have mostly reverted to the gray color of the base metal, but retain excellent detail. The pale, ivory colored grip is intact, with no chips or cracks, and even handling wear and age patination. The scabbard of this WKC Heer Dagger retains nice original silvering, which has typical age toning. The scabbard has an attached set of Luftwaffe dagger hangers, which is exactly how this dagger was brought home. The hangers are undamaged, with great detail to the ornamentation on the metalwork. All of the spring clips remain functional. This fresh to the market dagger has loads of appeal, and remains in excellent 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 details, especially with regard to 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.

We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers free evaluations and the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates.

Click the link here to learn more: Free Evaluation or Inquiries 

or feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com