Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a "Miniature" Heer Army General's dagger, which is something we have not had before! We have had several examples of the regular officer's daggers from various makers, but this is the first General grade dagger that we have had. This example is not marked on the blade, as with others we have seen before, and has a lovely nickel plated blade, which is in very good condition. Often referred to as "salesman samples", there is definitely debate over the purpose of these miniature daggers, which are quite useful as letter openers as well. They are constructed much as the full size daggers, with all parts scaled down accordingly. We assume they may have been distributed to potential customers as a form of "advertisement" for the firm.

These are made mostly like the originals, from multiple pieces, however the scabbards are often cast zinc alloy, such as with this example, which has a steel runner inside at the bottom. It retains the hanger rings, which are gold, and died through some attached fittings is a brass miniature portepee knot. The handle features a real celluloid grip with no cracks, which has matured to a lovely caramel color, and is darker on one side due to light exposure. The hilt fittings are still mostly tight on the tang, with just a bit of wobble.

The only real difference between the standard officer's daggers and the General's daggers is the use of gold plated / washed fittings on the latter. The zinc cross guard and pommel have lost all of the gold wash, which is very common, however the ferrule is clearly gold, as is the scabbard and scabbard rings. Condition is great, with some denting towards the end of the blade from use.

A very interesting miniature Heer Army General's dagger with scabbard and portepee, ready to add to your collection!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5"
Overall length: 7 1/2”
Crossguard: 1 5/16”
Scabbard: 5 3/8"

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.