Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the typical German WWII Army Heer Officer dagger with belt hanger and portepee, made by Gebrüder Heller GmbH. The pommel of this dagger is in nice condition, showing some wear around the rim but nothing bad. Almost all of the original plating is intact, with a very nice dark patina. The standing oak leaves and acorns are crisply detailed and have good black backgrounds.

The crossguard bears most of the original plating, and has a fine dark patination, with a stamping of AFRICA 1942 on the reverse. We assume this is a USGI bring back marking, as Africa is spelled with a "K" in German. The details throughout the characteristic eagle are exceptional throughout the head, breast and wing feathering, talons and wreathed mobile swas. The grip is a very nice dark cream or light orange color, typical of the celluloid used, which would fade over time. This example is solid celluloid, not over a wooden base. It is in good condition, though there is some cracking at the ends. Wrapped around the grip and cross guard is an original aluminum bullion thread portepee (sword knot), tied in the Heer fashion. It is in very good condition, with a small amount of fraying in areas.

The scabbard is a fine example, with a great patina and a good deal of the original plating intact. This straight scabbard has very crisp, finely pebble-grained panels. The carrying bands have an excellent pattern of overlapping oak leaves and acorns, with hand enhancing evident on each of the leaves. There is some wear, but no real rust or corrosion where the plating is missing. The throat is the thicker style and is held in place by two dome head screws on the sides, which do not show any rounding or damage.

Attached to the scabbard is a very good condition belt hanger, with functional spring clips with a great patina. The buckles and keepers are engraved with the same oak and acorn motif seen throughout the dagger, and are marked DRGM on the rear where they attach to the hanger clip. This indicates that they are registered with the German trademark office. The hanger straps show light wear, with a bit of fading on the bullion side, however the velvet on the reverse is almost completely intact.

The carbon steel blade is in good condition, though it definitely is somewhat worn. It looks to have been nickel-plated after manufacture at some point, however that was also long ago, so the nickel plate has been removed by runner wear. The nickel plating process did make the markings somewhat faint due to the refinishing required. The blade tip is still intact, and the edge is nick free, and has never been sharpened.

The reverse ricasso is marked faintly with the "Balloon Seller" trademark of the Gebrüder Heller, and a large size replacement leather blade washer is in place. Under the trademark is (partly worn off):

Gebrüder Heller GmbH, Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelware Factory) was located in Marienthal bei Schweina in Thüringen, Germany, and was founded in the early 20th century. They manufactured edged weapons for Germany during WWI and WWII, and had a satellite drill bit company in Schmalkalden.

This is an excellent opportunity to pick up a great USGI bring back German WWII Heer Officer Dagger, complete with all the accoutrements, and with an African Campaign connection. Ready to display!

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.