Original German WWII Heer Army Officer Dagger by W.K.C. Waffenfabrik of Solingen with Scabbard

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely wartime production Army Officer's Dagger, produced by the legendary Solingen-based firm of W.K.C. Waffenfabrik GmbH, a highly desirable maker of edged weapons. The zinc alloy pommel of this dagger is in very nice condition, showing light wear and oxidation overall, with the original plating mostly worn away, now displaying an oxidized zinc patina. The standing oak leaves and acorns are crisply detailed, and there is just a bit of wear around the edge of the pommel.

The zinc alloy cross guard is in similar condition, showing a lovely gray color, with some oxidized plating retained in the recesses of the design. The details throughout the characteristic WKC eagle are still present throughout the head, breast and wing feathering, talons and wreathed mobile swas (hook cross). The leather blade buffer is no longer present. The grip is a great amber color, aged from the original ivory white, and is slightly darker on the obverse due to more light exposure. This grip is in very good condition, showing some light scratching on the sides, but no major damage. The plated steel grip ferrule is in lovely condition, showing a great lightly oxidized patina.

The blade on this dagger is in very good near excellent condition, and still shows the original factory final polish crossgrain throughout the blade. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The edge is still great, showing no dents or other damage, and the tip is fully intact. There is some staining on the last 2 inches or so of the blade, which we have left in place to avoid damaging the grain. Otherwise it's really a great example.

The reverse ricasso is etched with the trademark "Knights-Head" (Ritter-helm) logo of legendary maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen, over the firms initials of WKC / SOLINGEN. This company is a famous manufacturer of military swords and cutlery in Solingen, Germany - a city famous since the middle ages for its metal-working and craftsmanship in sword making. Per J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS, the traditional manufacturing of swords at WKC dates back to the year 1774 when the Weyersberg first registered the ''Kings head'' as their trademark. Later in 1883 the company merged with the Kirschbaums and the company Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie was formed, which continued into the Weimar Period. It then rebranded as W.K.C. Waffenfabrik GmbH, and produced many edged weapons during the NSDAP Period. The company is still in operation today.

The scabbard is a classic WKC example, and looks to originally have been silver plated, which is now partly retained, with areas showing loss of plating and oxidation. This scabbard does not have any dents we can see, and it still has crisp finely grained panels. There is however some rusting on the very end, which has made a hole in the side, and left the end quite delicate. The zinc carrying bands have an excellent pattern of overlapping oak leaves and acorns, with hand enhancing evident on each of the leaves, though they do show some moderate oxidation.

A very good example from a legendary maker with a great blade, ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 10"
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.