Heer Dagger by FW Höller

Product Description: This Heer Dagger by FW Höller is a beautiful piece. Höller was a successful firm that employed highly skilled workers to make edged weapons that were top quality, as this one is. It uses quality materials and heavy silver plating on the metal, indicating this is an earlier production example. The blade exhibits light freckling throughout with a slightly bent tip. The reverse of the blade ricasso is etched with the commercial style “thermometer” maker mark of F. W. Höller. The handle has a great look, with an orange Trylon grip that shows an even age patina. The metal fittings on the handle are also very attractive. Bright high points contrast with darker patina in the recesses of the original silver finish, which gives a three dimensional look to the crossguard eagle. This Heer Dagger by FW Höller is complete with its original scabbard, which has a few areas where the silver plating has lifted. The attractive age toning to the silver is a perfect match tom the handle fittings. The scabbard is nice and straight, and retains both original bands with their suspension rings. This dagger is in a very strong excellent condition, and is a great representative example of this desirable dagger type.

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.

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