Condition: Excellent
Maker: Puma, Solingen
Branch: Heer
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Product Description: This is a very appealing example of a Puma Heer dress dagger. The reverse of the blade bears the crisply etched maker emblem of Puma, a very desirable maker. The blade is very nice, with only a few only extremely minor marks, though it does show signs of having been lightly cleaned at some point in the past. This Puma Heer dress dagger boasts an absolutely gorgeous handle. The crossguard and pommel cap are in excellent condition, with crisp detail and a fantastic patina to the recesses that really makes the ornamentation stand out. The yellow Trylon grip is likewise very attractive, with no visible chips or cracks, and a smooth, clean surface. The leather buffer is still present. The scabbard is a perfect match to the handle, showing only very minor wear, and is free of any dents or damage. This Puma Heer dress dagger is a beautiful example, from a desirable manufacturer.
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 knows 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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