Condition: Excellent
Maker: Carl Eickhorn
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Product Description: This Eickhorn Heer Officer Dagger is a textbook, all-original piece, by a quality maker. The blade on this one is in excellent condition. There are a few minor spots of surface age, with graying, freckling, and a couple of runner scratches, but the blade is otherwise very crisp, with a perfect tip. It’s etched on the ricasso with the first pattern small logo makers mark of Carl Eickhorn, Solingen. The handle fittings are all correct for this maker, with a Type B grip, a pommel with 13 leaves, and a Type 1 Eickhorn crossguard. The beautiful orange grip remains in very good condition without cracks or any damage at all. All of the metal fittings have a very nice, matching patina. The handle retains an original portepee, which is complete, with a couple of soft areas from rubbing. The original pebbled leather scabbard buffer remains intact, and all of the fittings are tight, with no indication this has ever been disassembled. This Eickhorn Heer Officer Dagger is complete with its correct original scabbard, with two domed side screws. The scabbard is nice and straight, with no dents, and retains the suspension rings. The pebbling is crisp, and the patina matches the handle nicely. This piece has great eye appeal. The overall condition rates as excellent.
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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