Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition Army Officer's Dagger, complete with its original scabbard. The blade on this example is unmarked, but this is not unusual, as many smaller outfitters would purchase finished blades and blade blanks from major factories, and then fit the blades themselves. We did remove the pommel nut and check the "rat-tail" tang, and there were no markings that we could see.

The fittings on the blade look to be made from aluminum alloy, which was probably originally silver plated and antiqued, however much of that finish has been worn away, now present only in the recessed areas. The pommel of this dagger is in very good condition, showing light overall wear, and the original plating is still present in the recesses of the design. The standing oak leaves and acorns on the sides are crisply detailed and have good backgrounds. The cross guard, like the pommel, has some of the original plating remaining in the recesses, protected from cleaning. The details throughout the characteristic eagle are great throughout the head, breast and wing feathering, talons and wreathed mobile swas (hook cross). The grip ferrule is steel, still retaining much of the original plating.

The celluloid grip on this dagger has faded a bit to a nice amber color, showing some minor wear in areas. One side is a darker than the other, so that was probably exposed to light more. The grip is in very good condition, showing some small scratches, and there is a crack near the pommel, which looks to have happened some time ago. The hilt fittings are still tight on the tang, and the original leather blade buffer is still present in the recesses of the guard.

The very good condition blade is bright and shiny, showing some small areas of past light oxidation and light staining on the surface, which were mostly removed by cleaning the blade. The original factory final grind cross grain is faintly visible throughout the blade, something we rarely see! This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The edge is correctly unsharpened, and we do not see any bends to the tip or nicks in the edge. There is the expected runner wear from the scabbard, but overall this really is well above average.

The scabbard is a fine straight example with no major dents or bends, and is made from steel with what looks to be antiqued silver plating, possibly over a nickel flash coating, which is still very well retained. It shows a lovely dark blue color in many areas. There are just a few scuffs and areas where the plating has been abraded, allowing the steel to oxidize. This scabbard has very crisp, finely grained pebbled panels. The zinc alloy carrying bands have an excellent pattern of overlapping oak leaves and acorns, which are nicely enhanced, and still retain a good amount of the original plating. The lower band is a bit loose on the scabbard, and can be slid down the scabbard with some effort. The throat is the thinner style, and has a single flush mount screw on the rear of the scabbard.

A lovely example of an Army Officer Dagger with a great blade, complete with the original scabbard! Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 10"
Blade Style: Spear Point Dagger
Overall length: 14 3/4“
Crossguard: 2 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 11"

The German Army (Heer) first carried a dagger beginning in 1935. The weapon was worn in lieu of occasions not demanding the wearing of a more formal sword. The dagger design was quite attractive featuring silvered heavy fittings with white or colored grip. The crossguard depicted a Wehrmacht open-winged eagle clutching a wreathed swas.

The pommel depicted oak leafing around the outer circumference. The scabbard had panels of pebble designs. Later produced examples were plated with nickel, and late war-made pieces were unplated, finished in a gray color metal. These daggers are often encountered with an aluminum portepee.