Original German WWII Early Army Heer Officer Dagger by Carl Eickhorn with Scabbard and Damaged Portepee - 1935-41 Trademark

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition Army Officer's Dagger, produced by the legendary Solingen-based firm Carl Eickhorn. The zinc alloy pommel of this dagger is in very good condition, showing the usual wear around the bottom edge, with a bit of oxidation. It looks like it may have been plated originally, or possibly left bright zinc. It has now oxidized to a lovely gray patina, with a bit of the bottom still showing the original finish. The standing oak leaves and acorns are crisply detailed around the pommel, and the hilt is still tight on the blade.

The crossguard looks to be made from the same zinc alloy material as the pommel, and shows traces of an silver wash. The details throughout the characteristic eagle are exceptional throughout the head, breast and wing feathering, talons and wreathed mobile swas, though the wreath has suffered some oxidation damage. The grip ferrule looks great, with antiquing between the oak leaves, and looks to be made from the same alloy as the fittings. The celluloid grip has faded just a bit to a light amber color, not the usual orange that we often see. There is just a bit of light wear spots of staining.

Wrapped around the grip and cross guard is an original aluminum bullion thread portepee (sword knot), which looks to have seen extensive service, and is partly torn through. It is in very delicate condition, and sheds small bits of thread readily when handled. It looks to have been with the dagger for some time, and due to the wear patterns we can see it was definite tied in the Heer fashion, looping around the cross guard before being secured near the pommel.

The blade on this example is in very good condition, with the factory final polish grind cross grain is present throughout the blade. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. We can see that the blade has definitely been cleaned to remove oxidation staining over the years, which has made the cross grain faint in areas. The needle-like tip is still intact, with no bending, and the edge is still nice, with no chips or sharpening. 

The rear of the blade is clearly etched with the 1935-41 Eickhorn trademark: a seated squirrel holding a sword, with the word ORIGINAL above and the firm's name and location, Eickhorn / SOLINGEN below. Carl Eickhorn is a legendary maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany.

According to J. Anthony Carter's book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this company was founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn, and is arguably the most famous of all Solingen makers. Not only could the family trace their history back 500 years, but they could also demonstrate involvement in the hardening and grinding industries for the same period. Truly the nobility of Solingen Edged weapon dynasties. Eickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers. The original leather blade buffer is in place within the recesses of the guard.

The scabbard is a fine example, and is made of high quality plated steel, showing no dents, bends, or other issues we can detect. The plating is still very well retained and bright from cleaning. This scabbard has very crisp, finely pebble grained panels, and the carrying bands have a very nice overlapping oak and acorn motif, a common design seen on German edged weapons. The throat is the thinner style, and has a single "cheese head" securing screw on the rear of the scabbard.

A lovely example from the most legendary of all Solingen makers, complete with its original scabbard and a service worn and damaged portepee. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 10"
Blade Style: Spear Point Dagger
Overall length: 14 3/4“
Crossguard: 2 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 11 1/8"

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. This early war version is quite nice, and in great shape.