Heer Dagger – SMF

Product Description: This Heer dagger is a beautiful, desirable example of the dress dagger worn by German Army officers during WWII. The blade shows light surface spotting from age, but no damage, and is nicely etched on the reverse ricasso with the SMF maker marking. The handle features gorgeous fittings. The crossguard eagle is crisply detailed, with nice, smooth surfaces. The ferrule and pommel retain all of the original detail to the oak leaves, and the pommel is attractively toned, with dark shades that contrast to the silvery gleam at the high points. The grip shows no chips or cracks, and is particularly handsome, with a very appealing orange-yellow color. This Heer dagger is complete with its original scabbard. The scabbard is straight and undamaged, with good original finish remaining. Both of the original suspension rings are intact. This dagger has outstanding visual appeal. The 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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