Three Quarter Sized Heer Dagger – Alcoso

Product Description: This three quarter sized Heer Dagger by Alcoso is an exquisite example of a desirable and hard to find dagger. Of all the miniature daggers made during the Third Reich, these Alcoso pieces are the closest in details and finish to their full-sized counterparts. This example is typical, and measures 9 1/4″ overall. The blade is bright and beautiful, in excellent condition overall, with typical runner marks and very light surface scratches throughout. It’s etched on the ricasso with the final pattern maker mark used by Alcoso, with AC over S within the scales and then Alcoso Solingen printed above and below. The handle on this dagger is extremely appealing. The pommel and crossguard are extremely well done, virtually identical to the full-size versions. The grip is quite a fine example, made of celluloid, and completely realistic, with a deep yellow color and ribs running downward from right to left. The grip is perfect, with no chips and cracks, and includes a very nice Portepee, with only extremely minor fraying. There is a small washer in place within the crossguard recess. This three quarter sized Heer Dagger is complete with an original scabbard that is also very realistic with details that match that of the full-size type, including an excellent silvered finish, the fine pebbled pattern of the full-sized exampl, and finely detailed carrying bands. The scabbard shows only modest age. It has the fine pebbled pattern of the full-sized example together with finely detailed carrying bands. This dagger is a wonderful piece, 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 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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