Condition: Excellent
Maker: E. Pack
Pattern: Standard
Base Material: Zinc
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Product Description: This is an excellent example of a late war Heer dagger, with a striking look. The blade is unmarked, and is in extremely nice condition, with great original crossgraining and just a few small spots here and there. There is no manufacturer marking on the blade, but the distinctive crossguard identifies this dagger as a product of the firm of E. Pack. The handle is gorgeous. The zinc fittings show wear, with remnants of silver wash in the recesses that contrast with the dark gray color of the base metal. The Army eagle and swastika crossguard is the third pattern E. Pack style. The grip has a very attractivem, deep pumpkin orange color, with some built-up patina in the grooves. The original scabbard is a perfect match for the handle of this late war Heer dagger. It’s also made of zinc, with traces of original silvering. The scabbard is nice and straight, with no dents. Both of the scabbard bands and suspension rings are intact, with no issues. This dagger displays very well, and is in excellent condition.
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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