Heer (Army) Officer Dagger – Horster

Product Description: This Heer Officer Dagger – Horster, manufactured by the noted Solingen firm during the period of the Third Reich. This dagger exhibits the hallmarks of field use and age, contributing to its authentic and evocative presence. The blade retains its original form with uniform greying along the surface, accompanied by areas of light pitting and flaking consistent with age and exposure. No nicks or breaks to blade.

The grip shows visible chipping near the upper edge and a notable loss of material towards the pommel, resulting in looseness. Despite this, the hilt remains firmly attached and structurally sound. The scabbard, finished in the standard grey pebbled pattern, presents with a single ding on each side and a seam split to each side near the lower section. Importantly, these flaws do not interfere with the functional insertion or withdrawal of the blade.

Overall, this piece stands in very good condition considering its age, with wear commensurate with service and history. A classic and increasingly scarce example of the Heer Officer Dagger – Horster, offering both display appeal and collector value.

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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