Heer Dagger with Portepee – F.W. Höller

Product Description: This Heer Dagger with Portepee – F.W. Höller is representative of the high standards associated with this respected Solingen maker. The blade displays a fair amount of the original cross-grain, but shows some light speckling and runner marks across its surface, consistent with age. The reverse ricasso bears the firm’s distinctive “thermometer” trademark, crisply executed and clearly legible.

The hilt is particularly attractive, featuring a white grip, likely plaster filled, with an even, natural patina, showing gentle darkening and surface rubs throughout. Dagger was stored in a knife case that deteriorated over time and left some black speckled color transfer from the foam. The metal fittings retain much of their original silver finish, with bright highlights contrasting against deeper toning in the recesses, enhancing the finely detailed crossguard eagle and lending a sculptural, three-dimensional quality. The original portepee remains attached with very minor wear at the edges.

Complete with its original scabbard, the ensemble presents with harmonious age toning throughout. The scabbard remains straight and well-formed, retaining both original suspension bands with rings, as well as the single throat screw to the reverse.

Altogether, this Heer Dagger with Portepee – F.W. Höller stands as a strong example in excellent condition, combining aesthetic appeal, craftsmanship, and historical authenticity.

This dagger is also accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Thomas T. Wittmann with original purchase date in 2018.

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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