Condition: Exc /Exc
Makers: Axt und Hauerfabrik
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Product Description: An early, quality, completely matching, Axt und Hauerfabrik Slant Grip Army Dagger with original owners initials etched into the crossguard. The bright blade on this dagger looks fantastic! The crossgrain is excellent plus! The fit is nice and tight, the tip comes to a perfect point and the acid etched “Solingen Axt und Hauerfabrik” maker mark is beautifully executed. The blade rates Exc /Exc . The blade does have some typical minor scattered spotting throughout, that does not detract from the blade. The steel-based, silver-plated scabbard retains wonderful detail throughout, with the random pebbling and the hand-enhanced oak leaf and acorn bands. The scabbard is completely dent free and still has its original unturned headless throat retaining screw. The early silver plated eagle crossguard is beautifully detailed throughout the distinctive Axt und Hauerfabrik eagle’s head, beak, wings, wreath and chest. As an additional bonus the owners initials have been neatly etched into the rear of the crossguard, “J.A.”, possibly some research potential on finding who it belonged to. The pommel and ferrule are also beautifully detailed with proud oak leaves and acorns. The portepee is in excellent condition and is correctly tied on the dagger. The crossguard, scabbard, ferrule and pommel all match in color and patina! The hand enhanced details throughout truly are what sound out! The early slant orange trylon grip has one and only one little nip in the center of the grip, that in no way detracts from the appearance of this amazing dagger. This Axt und Hauerfabrik Slant Grip Army Dagger makes a wonderful addition to anyones collection that is looking for a truly stunning and rare dagger.
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 knows 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.
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