$975.00
Condition: Excellent +
Maker: Klaas
In stock
Product Description: A fine example of the Heer (Army) officer’s dress dagger, produced by the Solingen-based firm Robert Klaas. This piece features the firm’s distinctive maker’s mark, faintly visible on the blade ricasso. The blade itself remains bright, with minor runner marks and light wear consistent with careful use and age. Dagger remains in excellent + condition.
The hilt is fitted with a crossguard bearing the engraved initials “R.H.” on the reverse—likely denoting the original owner—adding a personal and historical dimension to the piece. The grip is an attractive medium-toned, showing minor wear but no cracks or damage. Accompanied by its original portepee, which exhibits fraying and age wear, but remains tied in place. A well-balanced dagger, representing both quality manufacture and wartime personalization.
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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