Heer Officer Dagger – Tiger

Product Description: This Heer Officer Dagger – Tiger is a choice piece by a desirable maker. The blade remains in excellent condition and retains lots of its original cross-graining. There are a few minor spots of surface age, with greying and specking, but overall it is bright and very crisp, with a perfect tip. It shows great shine and is marked on the ricasso with the second type “Tiger” logo of the firm of Lauterjung & Co. in Solingen. The handle on this dagger is gorgeous. The yellow grip is the type known to collectors as Type C, and it is very well-preserved, with no cracks or any damage at all. The crossguard is a Type A, with a beautiful eagle, and the pommel is the correct type for this maker, with twelve leaves. All of the metal fittings on this dagger show a nice, even, matching patina. The original pebbled leather scabbard buffer remains intact, and all of the fittings are tight, with no indication this has ever been disassembled. This Heer Officer Dagger – Tiger is complete with its correct original scabbard, with one flush backside screw. The scabbard is straight and undamaged and both suspension rings are intact. This very desirable dagger has a lot going for it. The condition rates as excellent plus.

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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