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The German Army (Heer) first carried a dagger beginning
in 1935. The weapon was worn in lieu of occasions not demanding
the wear of a 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 swastika.
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, i.e. a decorative tassel wrapped about
the grip.
AOD - 001 - 24403 - ARMY OFFICER WITH GLASS GRIP F.W. Höller
This beautiful
Army Officer hilt is in an uncleaned state and is textbook, being
exactly the same as the piece I show in my Army Book on page 33.
These hilt fittings have outstanding silvering and they are patinated
black throughout and do not look to have been cleaned since the
war. The pommel is a choice Höller type showing no hits around
the perimeter and outstanding details to the standing oak leaves.
The crossguard has the beautiful Höller eagle exactly like
the book piece. The details are all there to the head, breast
feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised out swastika. Additionally,
the ferrule is the same as the book piece, only it has been installed
in an opposite direction. There are a couple of tiny freckles
which appear on the reverse center area of this crossguard, but
they are not difficult to look at and there is still some frosting
evident on the crossguard too, so this overcomes these minor flaws.
The grip itself is a great study in contrast. It is one of those
desirable amber color pieces and it is totally intact. It is rare
to see a glass grip which does not have any flaws on it at all.
This piece does have a tiny, tiny chip smaller than a piece of
rice. It is on the left edge, but does not show from the front.
The right side has a tiny hairline crack, but no material missing.
Obviously, these two extremely minor flaws could be covered if
desired by an Army portepee. The tone of this gold coloring is
really nice and Im sure that the next owner will enjoy looking
at this beautiful hilt for many years to come. The scabbard is
also a beauty having fine matching silver. The silvering is 100%
throughout this example. The panels also have crisp pebbling.
This scabbard appears to be the same as the one I show on page
36. However, instead of a screw in the back like the book piece,
this scabbard has two domehead sides screws. The bands look the
same and the throat is the thicker type. There is frosting around
the throat area where it was protected by the in-place crossguard.
This scabbard is in mint condition. The blade of this example
is also a fine one. It is factory bright and has all of its crossgraining.
This blade is in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched
with the double oval logo used by this company. In the center
is featured the thermometer trademark. The two circles trap the
companys name and location, F.W. Höller Solingen.
The leather washer is in place within the crossguard recesses.
A very fine desirable dagger here.
Uncleaned Near Mint $895.00
AOD - 002 - 24341 ARMY OFFICER Carl Eickhorn
This Army example
has never been cleaned and reflects a fine dark patination throughout.
This dagger is a classic Eickhorn and is very desirable by collectors.
It reflects the Type II fittings throughout and is the same as
I show in my Army Book on pages 25 through 28. The pommel is the
traditional type having good smooth edges to the perimeter. The
oak leaves are very black but never the less, the hand accenting
can be seen and these leaves are beautifully formed. The crossguard
is identical to page 25. It features the noble eagle with his
well detailed head and beak, breast feathering, wing feathering,
talons, wreath and raised out swastika. This crossguard is extremely
well known and very popular with collectors. These fittings just
have a hint of frosting in the protected areas. The ferrule is
also the second type, identical to page 25. The grip really sets
off the hilt as it is a very dark orange on the obverse and slightly
lighter on the reverse. This grip is in perfect condition and
could not be nicer. A real beautiful hilt here! The scabbard nicely
matches the hilt and also has lots of frosting which shows up
as brighter areas in the patination . These would include the
areas around the thicker throat, the protected areas next to the
bands, and also quite a bit of the edge areas right down to the
lower chape. This beautiful scabbard has 100% silvering and remains
in mint condition with crisp pebbled panels and finally depicted
overlapping oak leafed carrying bands. The thicker throat is retained
by one center placed screw in the reverse, and looks the same
as the scabbard I show on page 27, left. As we would hope, the
blade of this beauty is just is just as nice as the outside. It
is still factory fresh having 100% crossgraining. The needlelike
tip is there. This blade easily rates in full mint condition.
The reverse ricasso is darkly etched with the 1935 squirrel proof
mark. The original brown leather blade washer is in place deep
within the recesses of the crossguard. A very collectible, highly
sought after Army Officer. Either clean it yourself or leave it
alone, either way it will be very beautiful for many years to
come.
Uncleaned Mint $895.00
AOD - 003 - 26873
- ARMY OFFICER - E & F HÖRSTER
This E &
F Hörster is a textbook later example and it still remains
in choice condition. Most of these pieces have long since lost
their silvering, as the base metal was not properly prepared.
This is not the case with this example. In fact, the silvering
throughout the hilt and scabbard is actually at 100%. This is
quite rare to see with these Hörster pieces. The pommel is
the standard type that we see, being the same as is shown on Page
41 of my Army book. This pommel has outstanding hand-done veining
to the oak leaves and, also, the areas in between have been pebbled.
The upper portion of the pommel shows little to no wear across
the surfaces. The cross guard is the last style and is also the
same as is shown on Page 41. This eagle has lots of hand-done
breast feathering as well as a hand applied beak and eye. The
wing feathering is outstanding, as is the wreath and raised out
swastika within. The ferrule also nicely matches the silvering
of this piece. In fact, this piece is every bit as nice as the
example shown in my Army book. The grip contrasts beautifully
with the silvered fittings, as it is a very dark orange. The reverse
of the grip is just slightly lighter, but hardly any difference
in the color tones. The grip is in totally perfect condition.
It is a real looker! The scabbard is nice and straight and has
the same fine silvered appearance. The bands have a nice golden
glow to their surfaces, as they are a brass base metal. The leaves
are finely rendered and also have hand done treatment. This choice
scabbard is in mint condition. The throat is the style which overlaps
slightly on both sides and this fitting is retained by a headless,
flush mount screw in the reverse center. The blade of this piece
is in newlike condition, being bright and having all of its original
cross graining. The fine tip is still in needlelike condition.
The reverse ricasso is etched with the double ovals. These ovals
capture the firms name and location, E & F Hörster
Solingen. In the center is the large letter H
with the two smaller letters hs having a sword piercing
them. The original small style brown leather newlike washer is
in place. A very nice dagger here which if issued, saw very little
carrying time. A great one for those collecting types.
Near Mint. $795.00(#032108)
AOD - 004 - 26795
- EARLY ARMY OFFICER - CARL EICKHORN
This Carl Eickhorn
example is of fairly early vintage. It has the first style cross
guard with the first style scabbard. The pommel is the second
type, as is the ferrule. These fittings all can be seen in my
Army book on Pages 24, 25 and 26. The pommel and cross guard are
in outstanding condition, showing a nice, even patination. These
fittings look to have been cleaned about ten years ago. The pommel
has a good, crisp rim and the top also shows little usage. The
outside perimeter has the raised standing oak leaves separated
by acorns. The first style cross guard is the same as is shown
on Page 24. This cross guard has outstanding detail, showing little
to no wear. The head, breast feathering, wing feathering, claws,
wreath and swastika are just outstanding and are the best that
you will see. The ferrule is also nicely detailed, looking the
same as Page 25. This grip is a choice dark orange on the obverse,
being just slightly lighter on the reverse. It has the tiniest
of hairliners on the right lower edge, but it is nothing. A beautiful
hilt here! The scabbard is the first style and its vintage is
just slightly past initial construction, as it is a steel one
and not brass base. The silvering is perfect throughout this scabbard,
nicely matching the hilt fittings. This scabbard is in mint condition.
The bands are the convex style per page 24. The throat is not
the real thick type seen later on, and it is retained by a single
flatter style head placed in the center reverse. The blade is
as nice as you will see. It is completely mirror mint with all
of its original cross graining. This blade retains its needlelike
tip. This mint blade is etched on the reverse with the 1935-41
trademark. The etching is nice and dark and still crisp looking.
It features the squirrel holding a downward pointing sword. The
original small style brown leather washer is in place. A very
fine Army dagger here. Mint. $1,195.00
AOD - 005 - 26800
- EARLY ARMY OFFICER - CARL EICKHORN
This is a very
fine Army Officer dagger produced probably about 1936 or 1937.
It has all first style mounts and scabbard, with the exception
of the pommel, which is the second style. The fittings throughout
have a very fine patina and they also have lots of frosting noticeable
almost everywhere. The pommel cap shows little to no usage around
the rim and the upper surfaces. This second style cap features
the standing oak leaf and acorns, being the same as I show on
Page 26 of my Army book. The matching cross guard is the first
style, being identical to that shown on Page 24. This bird shows
no wear at all, having beautiful detail to his eye, beak, breast
feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised out swastika. The
frosting still evident throughout this cross guard must be about
85%. The matching first style ferrule is the same as Page 24.
The grip is a most beautiful orange color, being quite deep and
even colored throughout. There is a tiny chip at the upper portion
of the reverse grip, but this would easily cover with the addition
of a portepee. A very fine hilt here! The first style scabbard
is the same as Page 24. This scabbard is a steel base type and
it is in choice, mint condition. It also has frosting evident
throughout the surfaces and shows little to no wear. This scabbard
is in mint condition. The carrying bands are the convex variety,
having nice detail. The throat is the fairly thick variety and
it is retained by a single flatter head screw in the reverse center.
There is also lots of lighter colored frosting in this area. The
blade of this piece is mirror bright, having choice needle tip.
This blade has easily 100% of its cross graining. The reverse
ricasso is very deeply etched with the 1935-41 squirrel trademark.
The rodent holds a sword pointing downward. This mint blade has
been protected by an in-place brown leather small style blade
washer. An extremely nice dagger which would rate mint were it
not for the minor chip in the grip.
Very fine item here! $1,195.00
AOD - 006 - 26903C
- ARMY OFFICER WITH DAMASCUS BLADE - NO MAKER
This Army Officer
dagger is equipped with generic style hilt fittings. These generic
fittings are the same as I show in my Army book on Pages 78 and
79. The pommel is in good condition, showing some minor usage
signs around the rim, but all the silvering is there, and the
oak leaves and alternating acorns are all crisp and in good condition.
The generic cross guard features the mobile eagle with curled
beak. This bird has good detail to his eye, breast feathering,
wing feathering, wreath and raised swastika. The cross guard and
pommel both have all of their silvering. The grip is a fine orange
color which is even toned throughout. This grip remains in perfect
condition. There is also an aluminum portepee which appears original
to this piece. The portepee is in fairly nice condition, having
just a little bit of fraying where it comes out of the knot. Other
than this, though, the portepee is perfect. The scabbard is also
a fine example which appears to be the type as manufactured by
Pack. It looks very similar to the example I show on Page 54.
This scabbard has good silvering and is straight throughout. The
bands are the Pack style with the more pronounced border. The
oak leaves are nicely hand-enhanced. The throat is retained by
two dome head style screws. As you might imagine though, the best
part of this dagger is its blade. It is fitted with a beautiful,
genuine Damascus blade. This hand forged blade is the style which
as a maidenhair type pattern on the two edge segments
and the center segment has more of a peacock style. Both patterns
run very well together and they were known to be used during the
Third Reich period. There are no markings on the tang of this
blade or the ricasso. It makes it difficult to attribute the blade
to any one particular Damastcus Smith, but, as I say, it does
appear to be period work. If there were an identifying marking
on this blade, this dagger would most probably sell for twice
this amount of money. At any rate, if you are looking for a dagger
with a genuine Damascus blade, this one is priced to sell! Near
Mint. $4,995.00
AOD - 007 - 26739C
- ARMY OFFICER - CARL EICKHORN
This Army Officer
dagger is completely textbook in itself. The scabbard, however,
appears to be a WKC. Although it is impossible to tell whether
the scabbard was switched over the years, this would be an easy
fix if someone wanted to exchange a WKC scabbard with another
collector who has an extra Eickhorn available. At any rate, the
scabbard is identical to what I show in my Army book on Page 63,
left, and the dagger itself is identical to the second style design
of Eickhorn shown on Page 25. The hilt fittings of this example
have a nice patination. The pommel shows little usage and still
has a crisp rim with good standing oak leaves. The cross guard
matches exactly, also having perfect silvering and a deep patination.
It features the second style eagle with outstanding detail to
the head, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised
out swastika. The matching ferrule is the second type and is the
same as Page 25. The grip is an egg yolk yellow color and it is
the same tone on both sides. The recesses of the ribs have a slightly
darker look to them. As stated above, the scabbard has the same
fine early pebbling as an Eickhorn shell and, in fact, looks like
an Eickhorn shell. The bands, however, are the WKC style and the
throat is retained by a single flathead screw on the right. This
scabbard is in mint condition and more than likely is completely
original to this piece. It is also interesting to note that the
throat is a thicker type, as used by Eickhorn. The blade of this
example is as nice as you will see. It is mirror bright and has
all of its cross graining with its sharp needlelike tip. The reverse
ricasso is deeply etched with the 1935-41 squirrel holding a downward
pointing sword. The leather washer has gone to time. A fine looking
dagger here and a good one for those out there who like to ponder
the different constructions and usages that we see. This dagger
also comes with a set of fine deluxe hanging straps. These straps
are in good condition throughout, showing only modest wear and
they feature deluxe hardware with oak leaved DRGM marked clip
at the top and push-up style snaps with oak leaves at the bottom.
A good looking package here. Mint Minus. $995.00
AOD - 008 - 26709
- ARMY OFFICER WITH DEEP ORANGE GRIP - CARL EICKHORN
This Army Officer
is unique in that it is the deepest all-black patination you will
ever see, combined with the darkest orange grip in the world.
The dagger is the second style Eickhorn and it is the same as
the pieces I show in my Army book on Pages 25-27. The second style
fittings still have just slight signs of frosting in a couple
of places and they easily have never been cleaned since the war.
The pommel shows just the slightest bit of usage around the rim,
but the silvering is still all there in the darkness. The standing
oak leaves are so black it is hard to see the separations between
them with the little acorn nuts. The cross guard has perfect definition
to the second style eagle and really looks great to the head,
beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised swastika.
This cross guard is totally black throughout. The ferrule is the
second style with matching black patination, the same as Page
25. This grip is such a dark color orange that it is nearly red.
It appears to be nearly as dark on the reverse as it is on the
obverse. This grip almost looks like a traffic light standing
out against the darkness of a moonlit night. It is in perfect
condition and for those out there that like these dark orange
examples, this one is a real winner. Decorating the grip and hilt
fittings is the original portepee. This portepee shows some fraying
where it comes out of the army tie, but the rest of it still is
in good condition. I prefer to leave this portepee on the dagger,
as it shows the length of time that this piece was carried and
indeed gives character to it. The scabbard is the second style
and also is totally black. It is in good condition throughout,
with the exception of the bottom chape portion. This scabbard
apparently was dropped, and just the center area of the chape
is pushed in. I dont ever remember seeing a ding like this
on an Army scabbard, and it is so perfectly done, it almost looks
as though it was purposeful. Take it from me, though, this is
indeed a ding. The pebbled patterns are still crisp throughout
and the bands are in choice condition with good detail to the
veining. Like the upper fittings, there are also signs of frosting
on this scabbard, particularly around the protected areas of the
rings. The throat of this choice scabbard is a thicker variety
and it is retained by a center placed, flatter head screw. As
we would hope, the blade of this gem is a mirror bright example
still retaining its needle tip and easily having 100% cross graining.
This blade is mint! The reverse ricasso is darkly etched with
the 1935-41 Eickhorn squirrel. This rodent is holding a downward
pointing sword. The leather washer is in place and has done a
fantastic job protecting this blade. This is a great dagger for
those out there that like the untouched look as well as the deep
colors these celluloids can turn. This one must have been out
the window of a sunny attic for many years! Uncleaned Mirror Mint.
$1,195.00
AOD - 009 - 26779
- ARMY OFFICER - CARL EICKHORN
This choice
Army Officer is in an uncleaned state and remains in perfect condition
throughout. The fittings are a very black tone from patination
and there is also lots of frosting to be seen in the recessed
areas. I recently purchased this dagger from a Detroit based Homeland
Security officer. Chances are, he relieved a passenger of it.
I dont know, but it sure is a nice dagger. The second style
fittings are the same as I show in my Army book on Pages 25-27.
The pommel is in good condition, showing just the slightest signs
of usage around the rim, but, overall, it still has good, crisp
oak leaves and acorns. The cross guard is the second style, having
nice detail to the eagles head, breast feathering, wing
feathering, wreath and raised out swastika. The ferrule is also
the same as Page 25. The grip is one of those egg-yolk yellow
types. It is slightly lighter at the top area and also the bottom
area, as, at one time this grip must have sported a portepee.
There is also some nice grains which appear in the surfaces if
you really look closely. A nice hilt here! The scabbard is also
the second style and it is nice and black throughout. The area
which is protected by the in-place cross guard still has all of
its frosting, providing a fine contrast with the coal black patination.
The second style carrying bands show little to no usage and good,
crisp oak leaves. The throat is the thicker type and it is retained
by a single placed, flatter head screw in the center reverse.
This scabbard is easily in full mint condition. The blade of this
example is as nice as they come. It is mirror bright, has its
needlelike tip and has all of its cross graining. This choice,
mint blade is darkly etched on the reverse ricasso with the 1935-41
squirrel. The animal is holding a downward pointing sword. The
smaller style brown leather washer is in place. This is a fine,
uncleaned, near full mint example. Uncleaned Near Mint. $1,195.00
AOD - 010 - 26737C
- ARMY OFFICER WITH HANGERS - ALCOSO
This is a good
textbook Alcoso dagger. The fittings are the third style used
by this firm and they are shown on Page 21 of my Army book. The
pommel is the typical Alcoso style with the flare out top, as
per Page 23. This pommel cap has good silvering throughout and
good, strong standing oak leaves with acorns. The rim of the pommel
shows just the slightest of usage. The cross guard is the typical
style though, having little detail remaining to the eagles
head but still good detail to the breast feathering, wing feathering,
wreath and swastika. The depiction looks very much like the one
shown on Page 21. The ferrule is also the same as the book piece.
The grip of this example is a most pleasing dark orange color.
It is in perfect condition throughout. The scabbard is also a
typical Alcoso, being a thinner style having good, crisp, pebbled
pattern. The scabbard is the same as is shown on Pages 22 and
23. The scabbard has good bands with detailed oak leaves and the
thin throat is retained by two flathead side screws, being the
small bore design favored by this company. Attached to the carrying
bands is a fine set of army hanging straps. These straps are the
style with aluminum coated fittings having a plain box clip at
the top. The ovaled buckles and slides are depicted with raised
oak leaves. The snaps are the deluxe pushup type with oak leaf
fronts. The brocade is still in newlike condition and the reverse
high-pile velvet shows no wear. The blade of this piece is bright,
having all of its cross graining. The needlelike tip is in place
and this blade is in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched
with the scales trademark depicting the firms initials ACS
interspersed. Above the scales in an arch shape is the block-lettered
name of the firm Alcoso. Below is the town Solingen.
The blade is protected by a larger style in-place brown leather
washer. A nice Alcoso dagger here, with fine, matching hangers.
Near Mint. $795.00
AOD - 011 - 26755
- UNTOUCHED ARMY OFFICER - CARL EICKHORN
This untouched
Army Officer is patinated all black throughout the second style
fittings and scabbard. These fittings have a very pleasing sheen
to their surfaces and have much appeal. The pommel cap shows only
the most modest signs of usage ad the blackness extends throughout
the top smooth areas. The standing oak leaves with alternating
acorns are in choice, newlike condition, but hard to make out
they are so dark! The cross guard is a most beautiful second style,
being identical to Page 25 of my Army book. The eagles head,
breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised swastika
are still crisp. There is a tiny x mark made on the
reverse cross guard just to the left of center. It is a scratch
marking and most likely was put there by the original owner as
the method he used to identify his dagger when it got checked,
prior to seeing the Führer! The ferrule is also a beauty,
being identical to Page 25. Setting these nice dark patinated
fittings off, though, is a beautiful yellow candy stick-like grip.
The yellow has just a little bit of darker tones in the bottom
of the ribs which really gives the downward turning grip a striped
look. This grip is in totally perfect condition and is the same
even tone throughout. A most beautiful hilt here! The scabbard
of this example is also a textbook second style Eickhorn. It is
easily in mint condition and is deeply toned. The scabbard bands
are nice and crisp and are slightly darker than the pebbled panels.
The throat is the thicker type, having just a slight amount of
frosting evident. This throat is retained by a center placed,
flatter head screw in the reverse. The blade is just as nice as
the outside of the dagger. It is mirror bright, has its needlelike
tip and still has 100% cross graining. This blade is in mint condition.
The reverse ricasso is darkly etched with the 1935-41 squirrel.
The rodent holds a downward pointing sword. The leather washer
is in place, being slightly larger than we usually see them, but
the pressure from positioning on the throat easily has outlined
this washer as original to this piece. An extremely nice, uncleaned,
untouched example. Uncleaned. Mint. $1,195.00
AOD - 012 - 26102C
- Monogrammed Army Officer by WKC
This outstanding
Army Officer WKC example has never been cleaned, and sports a
black patination. The crossguard and scabbard are the same as
I show on page 63, left, of my Army book. The pommel is an outstanding
example, having good silvering to the upper surfaces, and showing
just a little bit of usage around the rim. The standing oak leaves
are in great condition, showing much relief. The crossguard is
the standard hatchet-beak style, and there is excellent detail
to the head, breast feathering, wreath, and raised out swastika.
A very fine crossguard here. The reverse of this guard, though,
really has a terrific monogram. The monogram are the initials,
TP, intertwined. They are cut out from a piece of
brass, and are pinned through the crossguard surfaces. This work
would have been done by a skilled jeweler, and I must say, it
is very effective. I show some applied cut-out work, similar to
this, used as personalizations on page 204 of my Army book, in
color. This brass monogram contrasts beautifully with the dark
patination of the crossguard. A great looking thing here! The
grip is a beautiful pumpkin-orange color, and it is in perfect
condition. Gracing the hilt, is a fine portepee. This aluminum
portepee shows only normal age, but absolutely no fraying, or
any problems. The scabbard is a straight WKC variety, being made
fairly early on. It has excellent silvering, and has turned black
to match the hilt. The scabbard bands show good details and hand
enhancing to the oak leaf designs. The pebbling to this scabbard
is a fine grained variety. The throat is fairly thick, and is
retained by one side screw at the right. Fine scabbard here! The
blade is an excellent example, having all of its crossgraining
visible in the mirrored surfaces. There is just a tiny bit of
old pitting, which appears at the very tip only. It is nothing,
however, and is hardly noticeable. Other than this, though, the
blade is a full mint example. The reverse ricasso is etched with
the knighthead logo, and beneath it are the firms initials
and location, WKC, Solingen. There is a large style
leather washer in place. A very interesting monogrammed dagger
here.
Uncleaned, Mint (26102C) $1,395.00
AOD - 013 - 26999
- ARMY OFFICER - F.W. HÖLLER
This Army example
has a great look about it, as do most Höller pieces. I personally
think that their cross guard is the best looking of all the different
designs. This example is the same as I show on Page 33 of my Army
book. The pommel has exceptional silvered finish, having a good,
black patination. At the smooth surface of the top it is also
possible to see the frosting below the blackening. The 12 standing
oak leaves are in choice condition, also having good black background.
The cross guard eagle is very regal, looking to the viewers
left and having great detail to his beak, brow, eye, breast feathering,
wing feathering, claws, wreath and raised out swastika. Like the
pommel, this cross guard also is loaded with frosting - in fact,
it covers the entire reverse area. Beautiful fittings here! The
grip is a fine example being a lighter tangerine color throughout.
It is in totally perfect condition. This dagger is equipped with
what appears to be its original officers portepee. This
portepee is in the 1st style tie and has just a tad of fray where
the tie comes out of the knot, but otherwise is choice, perfect
condition. In fact, if anything, this knot really talks to you
of the times it swung at the side of its Officer / owner. The
scabbard exactly matches the fine silvering of the hilt fittings.
This scabbard also has lots of frosting clinging on the edges
of both sides. There is a minor flaw at the middle of the lower
portion where it looks as though a dent was removed at one time.
This looks like a professional job and may have been sent back
to Solingen to have been done. At any rate, you have to look hard
to see the flaw at all. The scabbard still remains in near mint
condition. The scabbard bands are the same as the book piece on
Page 33, having good detail. The throat is a thicker variety and
it is retained by one center placed headless flush mount screw.
The blade of this piece is as nice as they come. It has all of
its cross graining and has a mirror finish with needlelike tip.
This blade is in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched
with the double oval trademark. The trademark traps the firms
name and location F.W. Höller Solingen. Inside
is a thermometer having too many digits to ever count. The newlike
large style brown leather blade buffer is in place. A very fine
Höller dagger here. This dagger is in exceptional condition.Near
Mint. $995.00
AOD - 014 - 27156
- PERSONALIZED ARMY OFFICER - ROBERT KLASS
This choice
Army officer is the early type produced by Klass and is identical
to the example I show on Page 47, lower, of my Army book. The
pommel and cross guard both have excellent silvering throughout.
I do not see any lifting here. This is unusual on early Klass
fittings, as they had a lightweight aluminum base which normally
did not hold up well. The pommel features a 14 oak leaf section
running about the perimeter. Each and every oak leaf has some
hand work noticeable and the ones which fall on the casting scenes
have been virtually hand formed. (It is always fun to study this
kind of thing.) The upper portion of the pommel features an all-black
patinated surface with no hits to the rim. A nice pommel here.
The cross guard is highly detailed, all done by hand. The bird
head has hand-done eyes, beak and nasal area and also features
the breast feathering, which is identical to the piece depicted
in my book. The open wings have tremendous detail, all hand-done
to each and every feather. The bird grasps a wreath which has
a mobile swastika. Looking at this work, one would have to admit
that these in-house chiselers were really top notch craftsmen.
It must have taken a long time to insert all of these renderings.
To make it even better though, on the reverse of this choice,
100% silvered cross guard, is the monogram of its original owner.
Beautifully done are the initials FB. Both of these
initials have been done in double-spaced letters and there is
shading in between to give them a deluxe appearance. Both letters
also have rounded periods after them. A great look here and very
desirable by collectors. In my opinion, these Third Reich engravers
were artists unto themselves. The ferrule of this example is the
same as Page 47. The grip is also a beauty. It is a dark yellow
color, being slightly lighter on the obverse than the reverse.
This grip remains in totally perfect condition. The scabbard is
straight throughout and is a classic Robert Klass type. The pebble
patterns are crisp and the bands have fine hand-rendered oak leafing.
As is usually the case, there are asterisk figures placed over
the casting marks on the ends of both bands. These markings can
be seen on the example I show on Page 119 of my Army book. The
throat is retained by two flatter head side screws. There is also
frosting which remains around this throat area. A fine scabbard
here! The blade of this piece is one of the Robert Klass high-quality
nickel plated examples. In this case, the plating is still 100%
intact and is mirror bright. This blade is equipped with good
tip and fine quality segments. It is in mint condition. The reverse
ricasso is marked with the kissing cranes trademark. These birds
are positioned over the firms name and location Robert
Klass Solingen. The small style brown leather blade washer
is in place. A very fine Robert Klass dagger here that just has
everything!Near Mint. $1,295.00
AOD - 015 - 26982
- ARMY OFFICER - ALCOSO
This Army officer
does not look to have been cleaned since the war. It has a fine,
dark patination throughout and also is a classic textbook Alcoso
dagger. The cross guard is identical to the example I show in
my Army book on Page 21. This cross guard features a good looking
eagle still having some detail remaining to his head and breast
feathering. The detail is about the same as is shown in the book
piece. The details are good to the open wing feathering, wreath
and raised out swastika. The ferrule is also the same as the book
piece. The pommel is the typical flared outward type which is
well known by this producer. The standing oak leaves which run
around the circumference are all highly detailed with acorns separating
each of these 12 leaves. The rim of the pommel has little to no
wear and the top is also in good condition. The grip of this example
is a egg-yolk yellow color. It is in totally perfect condition
and looks nice against the darkness of the fittings. The scabbard
is also a classic Alcoso, being the same as is shown on Page 22,
upper. This scabbard is straight as an arrow and has good pebbled
panels. The bands are well-detailed and the throat is retained
by two flathead side screws having the small bore dimensions.
The blade of this piece is as nice as they come. It is mirror
bright and has 100% of the original cross graining. The tip still
remains needlelike. The reverse ricasso is etched with the trademark
used from 1937-39. This trademark consists of the scales having
the firms initials ACS interspersed. Above the
scales in an arch shape, in block lettering, is the firms
name Alcoso. Below this is the location town of Solingen.
The large style leather blade buffer is in place. A fine dagger
here. Near Mint. $895.00
AOD - 016 - 27175C
- EARLY ARMY OFFICER - NO MAKER
This early
Army officer, despite the fact that it does not have a maker mark
on its blade, has all E. Pack fittings. These fittings are the
same as I show in my Army book on Page 55. The fittings of this
example have all of their silvering and have taken on a fine,
dark patination throughout. The pommel cap is a beauty, being
one of the types with 14-leaf configuration. Each and every leaf
has hand accenting to the veins. Additionally, the backgrounds
behind the leaves have all been hand-pebbled with extra attention
given to the areas where the casting flaw marks would have occurred.
The cross guard features a tremendous noble eagle with grand detail
to his head, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised
out swastika. He looks identical to the book piece, but perhaps
in just slightly better condition. A beautiful cross guard here!
The ferrule is also the same as the book piece. The grip is a
most attractive deeper orange color being just slightly lighter
on the reverse. This fine grip is in totally perfect condition.
The scabbard is also a beautiful example. It is straight throughout
and has 100% silvering with very fine pebbled surfaces. It is
an early style scabbard. The bands have outstanding detail to
the oak leaves. This scabbard is fitted with a thinner style throat
and has a center placed flush mount headless screw in the reverse.
This scabbard is easily in mint condition. The blade itself is
a mirror bright example of highest quality. This blade still retains
its needlelike tip and has a slightly wider center segment than
we usually see. It is a very good looking example, being in mint
condition. The original small style leather blade buffer is in
place and has done a fine job protecting this blade over the years.
A very fine dagger here in top-notch condition. Mint. $995.00
AOD - 017 - 27075
- ARMY OFFICER - NO MAKER
This Army officer
is a classic generic A style dagger. It is in choice
condition throughout, having perfect silvering on all of the metal
parts. The generic cross guard can be seen on Page 79 of my Army
book. This example looks identical to the book piece, having great
detail to the birds noble beak, brow, eye and breast feathering.
The open wing feathering is also highly detailed as is the wreath
with raised swastika. The pommel is the standard generic type
having 12 oak leaves positioned around its circumference, each
separated by an acorn. This pommel shows little to no usage, with
no hits around the rim. The upper portion is also in perfect condition,
having fine patination. The ferrule is also matching completely.
The grip appears as though it may have had a portepee on it at
one time, as it is slightly lighter around the upper and bottom
collar areas where it enters the pommel and ferrule, respectively.
It is a nice lighter orange color on the obverse and is just a
slightly lighter, almost yellow, on the reverse. A pretty grip
here and in perfect condition. The scabbard is the typical generic
type, being identical to the example I show on Page 120. It is
straight as an arrow and has crisp pebbled panels. The bands are
the same as the book piece, having good detail to each of the
oak leaves and acorns. The throat is a thinner type being retained
by a flush mount, headless center-placed screw. A fine, mint scabbard
here. The blade of this example is mirror bright. It has all of
its cross graining, with a good, needlelike tip. This blade is
easily in full mint condition and is protected by the in-place,
small style leather washer. A very nice Army dagger here, that
would fit anyone with a slightly fussy attitude but looking for
a budget price.Mint Minus. $795.00
AOD - 018 - 26944C
- ARMY OFFICER WITH HANGERS - CARL EICKHORN
This Army Officer
has the 2nd style fittings and scabbard, being the same as I show
in my Army book on Pages 25 and 26. This entire dagger does not
appear to have been cleaned since the war and all fittings have
a desirable patination across their surfaces. The pommel is the
standard 2nd Eickhorn type, having good detail to the standing
oak leaves around the circumference. There are 12 of these leaves
with alternating acorns on this type pommel. The rim shows some
mild usage, but no hits. The upper portion of the pommel is still
nice and smooth, with good blackness. The cross guard is the same
as the eagle shown on Page 25. This outstanding bird has fine
details to its head, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath
and raised out swastika. There are some signs of frosting evident
beneath the patination. The ferrule is also the same as the book
piece. The grip is an egg-yolk yellow color, having slightly lighter
tones in the reverse, and also in the areas where it is covered
by a portepee. This grip is in perfect condition except for a
very small hairliner at the left of the obverse edge. It is, however,
mostly covered by the original portepee. Other than this, the
grip is in perfect condition. This portepee is the standard Officer
type. Unfortunately, it does have some fraying where it comes
out of the Army tie. The rest of the portepee, though, is in good
condition. The scabbard is a standard 2nd type. It is straight
throughout and, like the hilt, has never been cleaned. It is very
black throughout its surfaces, but still has good detail to the
pebbled panels and the scabbard bands. The throat is the typical
thick type used by this producer and it is retained by a center-placed
flatter style screw in the reverse. Attached to the scabbard is
what appears to be the original hanging straps. These straps are
the type which have the tabs at the top which are bent over and
are held in place by rivets. The fittings throughout are the deluxe
type having the push-up style snaps. The box clip at the top is
the style with the raised out oak leaves. The hardware throughout
these hangers shows some oxidation and age. The straps also have
oxidation and show mild wear on the reverse. The blade of this
piece is still bright. There is some mild smudge at the bottom
obverse of the piece and also slightly more at the reverse lower
area. Most of this could come out though, as the rest of the blade
still has all of the cross graining and is bright. The tip still
has the needlelike finish. The reverse ricasso is etched with
the 1935-41 squirrel. The small style leather washer is in place.
A good Army dagger here, which would come up nicely with just
a little bit of work with some semichrome and enthusiasm. Not
a bad piece here.Excellent Plus Plus. $795.00
AOD - 019 - 27068
ARMY OFFICER CARL EICKHORN
This Army Officer
has the 1st style cross guard used by Carl Eickhorn along with
the 1st style ferrule. The pommel and scabbard are the 2nd style.
Both of these types can be seen in my Army book on Pages 24 and
25. These fittings throughout are of absolute highest quality
and are in extremely choice condition. All of the fittings to
include the pommel, ferrule, cross guard and scabbard have matching
silver frosting seen beneath the patination. The cross guard is
identical to the one I show on Page 24. It has a good noble head
to the eagle, showing no wear at all. The chest breast feathering
is also nicely done with close checkered cuts. The wing feathering
is outstanding, as is the detail to the eagles claws, wreath
and raised swastika. The silvering is absolutely perfect throughout
this cross guard. The pommel is the style with 12 oak leaves and
alternating acorns which run throughout the perimeter. The rim
shows no use at all and the upper portion is in nice condition,
having frosting around the lower areas. The outside of this pommel
also has frosting throughout the neck section. The ferrule also
nicely matches. The grip of this example is in perfect condition
and it is a nice grapefruit yellow color. This is a sign that
the dagger has been put away somewhere all these years, not exposed
to light. This would also account for the fine condition of the
silvering. The choice scabbard is totally straight and still has
crisp pebbling. There is frosting throughout the silvering, but
it is particularly noticeable around the throat area and the edge
areas and especially around the bands where the frosting is protected.
The throat is not a real thick variety; a good indication this
is an early made 2nd style scabbard. The throat is retained by
a single placed flatter head screw in the center reverse. An outstanding
scabbard here. The blade of this example is as nice as you will
see. It is still factory fresh, having its needlelike tip and
easily 100% of the cross graining is visible in the surfaces.
This mirror blade is etched on the reverse with the 1935-41 squirrel
trademark. The trademark is nice and dark also. The small size
leather blade washer is in place. An outstanding, untouched dagger
here for those out there who demand the best. A very fine Eickhorn,
having everything we all like about this producers product.Uncleaned
Mint Minus. $1,195.00
AOD - 020 - 27032
ARMY OFFICER NO MAKER (ALCOSO)
This Army officer,
despite the fact that it has an unmarked blade, is definitely
an Alcoso product. It is a classic Alcoso throughout, to include
the hilt fittings and the scabbard. The cross guard is the same
as I show in my Army book on Page 21, lower. The pommel is the
flare-out style typically seen with this producer. This pommel
portrays the standing oak leaves throughout its perimeter, each
one having fine, hand-done vein enhancement. The silvering is
beginning to wear along the edges of the pommel and around the
rim. The top of the pommel, though, still has all the silvering
intact. The cross guard also shows some minor surface wear to
the silvering, but it is just on the sharp edges. Overall, the
silvering is still about 95%. This bird shows good detail to his
head, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised swastika.
The ferrule is the same as the book piece on Page 21. This grip
is a pumpkin color orange on the reverse. On the obverse it is
a slightly lighter tone orange. The areas at the top of the grip
also are light, which is usually an indication of a once present
portepee. This grip is very nice looking and is in totally perfect
condition. The scabbard of this example matches perfectly and
is the same as the one I show on Page 23. The Alcoso scabbard
is readily identified, as it is slightly thinner than most other
producers and it usually has the two flatter head, small bore
side screws. This one has all of this. The details to the pebble
panels and to the oak leaves of the bands are excellent. This
scabbard shows just the slightest of age in the silvering but,
all in all, it is still in excellent condition, being nice and
straight throughout. The throat is a thinner type and as stated
above, is retained by the two side screws. The blade of this example
is a choice, unmarked type. It is mirror bright and has 100% of
the original cross graining with a needlelike tip. This blade
is in mint condition and has been protected by the large size
leather washer. A good, solid dagger here showing some mild age,
but also having some extra nice features.Excellent Plus. $695.00
AOD - 021 - 27217C
EARLY ARMY OFFICER WITH HANGERS IN POST-WAR CASE
ANTON WINGEN, JR.
This Army officer
is of earliest production and is equipped with the desirable brass
based fittings having silver plated surfaces. The cross guard
is identical to the one that I show on Page 50 in my Army book.
This early cross guard is attributable to the E. Pack firm. The
example shown on Pages 53 and 54 by E. Pack is also equipped with
the same fittings as this dagger. The pommel is a fine early brass
example reflecting 14 well-defined leaves positioned around its
circumference. Each and every one of these leaves reflects hand-enhancing
and, on the casting flaws, there is extra work done to cover this
defect. The pommel shows little to no wear, having fine, crisp
rim and nice black patinated upper smooth area. The cross guard
is in the same condition on the reverse area as the top. The eagle
shows a little bit of wear to the surfaces and the beginnings
of the brass color are starting to show. Nevertheless, the eagle
still has good detail to his head, open wing feathering, wreath
and raised swastika. The breast feathered area shows some surface
wear to the checkering. The ferrule is the same as the book piece
and this nicely matches all of the other fittings. This dagger
is equipped with a choice slant grip. This beautiful
grip is a very dark orange color and is most impressive. An almost
exact grip can be seen on the early Anton Wingen example I show
on Page 69 of my Army book. The scabbard of this piece is also
a Pack made one and is identical to Page 69. The scabbard shell
is nice and straight throughout, having good silvering, but showing
just a little bit of age in the lower panels of both sides. Nevertheless,
the silvering is still about 98% throughout. The carrying bands
are the style that have a distinctive borderline on each side.
The pebble patterns are excellent and the throat is retained by
two dome head screws, exactly like the book piece on Page 69.
The blade of this piece is a very early type, having the tapered
tang style which I show on Page 16. These tapered tangs are always
on the slant style grips and frequently appear on
only the earliest of Army daggers. This blade is a quality example,
still having mirror finish throughout and reflecting 100% of its
original grain. The tip is still needlelike and this blade easily
grades in full mint condition. The reverse is etched with the
little knight trademark. Above the trademark is the firms
name Anton Wingen, Jr. and below is the location of
the factory Solingen. This blade has been protected
by an in-place large size leather washer. Coming with the dagger
is a nice set of Army hanging straps. These straps have silvered
pot metal hardware having the push-up style deluxe lower snaps.
The brocade shows some minor usage and the velvet on the reverse
also shows minor usage. Overall, though, these hangers grade at
excellent plus. The box that contains this dagger is a post-war
made example having black leatherette covered surfaces. The inside
is recessed to accept the dagger and is a fine red velvet color.
The dagger looks very nice displayed in this box. The box shows
little to no wear, probably produced in the 1980s. A great looking
combination here and a rarely seen trademark on an initial production
dagger. Excellent Plus Plus. $1,495.00
AOD - 022 - 26106C
- Army Officer by E. & F. Hörster
This
Army Officer is a classic E. & F. Hörster piece, and
is identical to the example I show in my Army book, on page 41.
The fittings have the usual Hörster silvering, and are beginning
to thin at the high areas. (For some reason, Hörster did
not silver plate very well, and this is a normal sight.) The pommel
is a 14-leaf variety, and it has thinning of silver on the pommel
surfaces, but the ridge is nice and crisp. The oak leaves are
also worth a look, as they all have pebbling behind them, and
the two that fall on the casting flaw, are all hand done. A nice
look here! The crossguard is also a fine example, identical to
page 40 and 41. The eagle has good detail to his head, beak, eye,
chest feathering, wreath, and raised out swastika. Like the pommel,
the reverse of the crossguard silvering is thinning. The ferrule
is the same as shown in the book, and this still has good silvering.
The grip is a beautiful off-white color, having the look of ivory.
It is not, though, as it is a plaster filled variety, but it really
looks like the real thing. This grip is in perfect condition.
The scabbard is a fine example, still having all of the silvering.
There is also frosting, which remains clinging about the throat
and protected areas around the carrying bands. These bands have
good detail to the oak leaves, and the pebbled patterns are still
crisp. The throat is retained by one center-placed, flush mount,
headless screw. The blade makes up for a lot. This blade is a
beauty, being mirror bright, having 100% of the crossgraining.
This blade is in completely mint condition, and on the reverse,
has the last style trademark used by this company. It consists
of double ovals, which trap the firms name and location,
E. & F. Hörster, Solingen. Inside is a large
H letter, with smaller h and s
inside of this, with a sword piercing the letters. The original
brown leather blade washer is in place. This washer is in new-like
condition. This is a good Hörster dagger, and typical of
what you see from this company. I have had Hörster daggers
with genuine Damascus blades, with raised-out presentations, that
had the same type of silver plating. If you are going to have
a Hörster dagger in your collection, this is the way they
look.
Excellent, Plus, Plus (26106C) $695.00
AOD - 023 -24354 LATE ARMY OFFICER Richard Abr. Herder
This Army officer
is a wartime produced piece. It reflects the nickel-plated finish,
instead of the early silver type. The dagger has the identical
fittings as you can see on page 31 of my Army Book. These fittings
are the generic B variety. The pommel is the typical
style with threaded stud inside and having fourteen leaf depiction
on the outside. The plating is totally intact throughout. It has
a dull finish, the same as the rest of the piece, as it has never
been cleaned. The crossguard is identical to the book piece on
31. It too, has all of the plating featuring the generic eagle
with good detail to the head, breast feathering, raised swastika,
winged feathering and wreath. This crossguard nicely matches the
nickel-plated ferrule. The grip on this piece is one of the later
off-white colored types, which are plaster filled. Other than
a few signs of being around, this grip remains in perfect condition
and has a pleasing color tone to its finish. The matching nickel-plated
scabbard is the same as the book piece. It still has a crispness
to its pebble patterns. The overlapping oak leaf bands are beautifully
formed, showing great detail. The throat is the thin variety and
it is retained by one center placed, flush mount, headless screw.
This scabbard is in uncleaned, mint condition. The blade is also
a fine example being mirror bright and having all of its original
crossgraining. There are a couple of signs of extremely minor
age, but as this blade still grades in mint condition. It retains
its needlelike tip and the reverse ricasso is etched with the
double oval circles logo mostly used by this firm. The two ovals
trap the firms name and location, Rich. Abr. Herder
Solingen. There is a diamond logo in the center. The original
small style brown leather washer is in place. This is not an easy
producer to find and this dagger is in a good virgin state for
those type collectors out there.
Near Mint $650.00
AOD - 024 - 24565 EARLY ARMY OFFICER WITH UNUSUAL CROSSGUARD No Maker
This Army Officer
dagger is of earliest vintage and it came to me from a veteran
sans scabbard. The hilt fittings are really beautiful and are
a type collectors dream. These hilt fittings
are of heavy brass base and they are beautifully silver plated.
They have not been cleaned since the war and reflect an outstanding
patinated even surface throughout. The pommel is a fourteen leaf
type. Each and every leaf has signs of hand-enhancing and there
is lots of hand done pebbling that has been put into the areas
between the rim and the top of the leaves. The work is most interesting
and appears to be the first of this particular artist I have seen.
(The pebbling is larger than most artists did it during the time.)
A wonderful great pommel here that the type collectors
out there will really appreciate. Even better than the pommel,
though, is this great looking crossguard. The eagle appears to
be a cross between the early Hörster type I show on page
37 and the Alcoso type I show on page 20 of my Army Book. The
head of this bird is just terrific having a curved point at its
back and a great looking beak couupled with a wide eye. The breast
feathering is neatly hand done and the wing feathering has had
little tiny additions made throughout all of the fletchings. No
doubt the same pebble provider did this work with the wing feathering.
The wreath also appears to have hand done enhancements. The center
swastika is nicely vaulted with 100% black backgrounding. A wonderful
crossguard here that I can not say more about. The ferrule is
also an early silvered type matching that shown on page 37. Adding
to the beautiful looks of these hilt fittings is a early initial
production slant grip. This grip has turned a deep
orange color easily the tone of a pumpkin. It is in completely
perfect condition throughout and could not be nicer. The piece
came without a scabbard, but I did have a nice early one which
I added. The scabbard has the same toning to its silvering and
had I not told you, Im sure you would not know that this
scabbard did not come with the piece. It is a steel based scabbard
and is the type that we see used a lot with examples by Pack.
In fact, the scabbard looks the same as the one shown on page
54. The pebble design is the very fine type and these panels are
in perfect condition. This scabbard is straight as an arrow. The
bands are the style which have larger borders than most and are
easily seen by the keen dagger type collector eye.
The throat is retained by two dome head side screws which are
not exactly parallel and are placed slightly low in the scabbards
edges. Fine scabbard here. The blade of this example is an early
type which appears to have been nickel-plated. It shows some old
smudge and age signs in the surfaces, but this could probably
be cleaned out, pretty much, by someone willing to go through
the effort. The nickel shine is still there and is just waiting
for someone to bring out its good looks. As mentioned above, the
blade is unmarked, but does have a tapered tang just like we would
think it would have. The tang is the same as the example shown
on page 16, left. The original large size tan color leather washer
is in place. Again, this is a great dagger for those interested
in these minute details, which I think make for a very fascinating
hobby. Im sure whoever obtains this dagger will be well
pleased with it.
Excellent Plus $695.00
AOD - 025 - 24676 ARMY OFFICER F.W. Höller
This Army example
is highly patinated and does not look to have been cleaned since
the war. The patination is fairly even and looks great. The hilt
fittings are the generic B variety. They look great
and are identical to the example I show on page 99 of my Army
Book. The pommel has a fine crisp rim showing little carrying
time. It is the fourteen leaf style pommel with the center threaded
stem inside of it. This pommel was always mated with the generic
B crossguard. This bird shows some minor wear to his
head detail, but the breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath
and raised out vaulted swastika are still in first rate condition.
The ferrule matches the example shown on page 99. The silvering
is 100% throughout these hilt parts. The grip really is a contrast
with these dark fittings. It is a very dark pumpkin orange color.
It is very beautiful and in totally perfect condition. The scabbard
is a typical Höller example being the same as the one I show
on page 34. This scabbard has matching dark patination and all
of the silvering is there. There are just the slightest signs
of some age in the edges, but they are nothing. The bands are
nicely detailed reflecting hand-enhancing to the veining. The
throat is a thicker variety and it is retained by one center placed,
headless, flush mount screw. Nice scabbard here! The blade is
a fine bright example complete with needlelike tip. This blade
still has good mirror finish and nearly all of its original crossgraining.
It easily rates in near mint condition. The reverse ricasso is
etched with the double oval trademark which traps the firms
name and location, F.W. Höller Solingen. Inside,
is the familiar logo of the thermometer with lots of digits. The
large size leather washer is in place. A fine F.W. Höller
dagger, which is in an untouched state.
Uncleaned Near Mint $795.00
AOD - 026 - 24576 ARMY OFFICER F.W. Höller
This Army Officer
is a classic Höller piece having the same crossguard as I
show on page 33 of my Army Book. The silvering is perfect throughout
these hilt fittings. They are deeply toned apparently never having
been cleaned since the war. The pommel has some wearing signs
along the edge, but the twelve standing oak leaves are in good
shape, as is the center areas of the pommel top. The crossguard
exactly matches the patination of the pommel. This guard depicts
the famous Höller bird, having great detail to his head,
breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised out swastika.
A good-looking crossguard here. The ferrule is matching and is
the same as page 33. The grip is an egg yolk color. There is a
minute sliver that is missing at the very top, but it is so small,
it is hard to even notice. Other than this flaw at the obverse,
the grip is in perfect condition having even toned coloring. The
scabbard is nice and straight. It appears to have the same bands
as the one shown on page 33. There is just a slight amount of
age visible, but the silvering is still 100% throughout. The bands
have good hand-enhancing to the oak leafing. The thicker style
throat is retained by two dome head side screws. The blade is
nice and bright. It has its original needlelike tip and appears
to have its crossgraining. The blade is in a near full mint state
throughout. There is just the tiniest of smudge visible on the
ricasso area of both sides. The trademark is the early first style
which was used. This trademark features the double ovals which
trap the firms name, F.W. Höller Solingen, and
inside, is the thermometer. The trademark, however, is much more
delicate and concise than the later version which was used. This
trademark is not seen too often, and in my opinion, is a desirable
addition to any Army type collection. The larger style
leather washer is a lighter color brown and is in place. A nice
example here.
Excellent Plus, Plus $795.00
AOD - 027 - 25413
- LATE ARMY OFFICER - C. Gustav Spitzer
This later-produced
Army Officer dagger has the nickel finish that we see on pieces
from this vintage. This nickeling has a more muted look than the
silver finish fittings. The nickeling extends throughout the hilt
fittings and scabbard. The hilt fittings are the generic B
style fittings and are identical to the example I show in my Army
book on Page 100. The pommel has excellent detail throughout,
showing no hits to the outer rim and 100% plated surfaces. The
standing leaves which run about the perimeter are in perfect condition.
The cross guard below is identical to the book piece and just
as crisp. This Mint condition cross guard depicts a very noble
eagle with great detail to his eye, beak, breast feathering, wing
feathering, talons, wreath and raised swastika. The ferrule is
also the same as is shown on Page 100, having good detail to the
overlapping oak leaves. The grip is a very pleasing orange color,
and it is uniform toned throughout. This grip is in superb Mint
condition. The scabbard is matching exactly, and it appears to
be identical to the example I show on Page 156 in color. In fact,
the hilt fittings are the same as this cased piece shown on Pages
154 and 155. This scabbard is in Full Mint condition on the obverse,
having excellent pebbled pattern and good detail to the carrying
bands. The reverse of the scabbard has a little bit of age between
the two carrying bands, but it is not bad, and does not show from
the front. It is more a discoloration spot than it is anything.
The rest of the reverse scabbard is in perfect condition. The
throat is a thin variety, being a more natural toned metal, and
it is retained by a single, headless, center-placed, flush mount
screw. A fine scabbard here! The blade is also a real beauty.
This blade is as crisp as the day it was forged. It retains all
of its cross graining and has a great needlelike tip. This blade
is easily in Stone Mint condition. It is etched on the reverse
ricasso with the trademark of this company. It consists of a circle
having the firms name and location block-lettered around
the outside perimeter, C. GUSTAV SPITZER SOLINGEN.
Inside is a prancing lion having his tongue flickering. This trademark
is the same as is shown on Page 60, however, it is a little bit
further down the blade than the book example. The new-like, small
brown leather washer is in place. A very fine later-made dagger
here.
Near Mint. $695.00
AOD - 028 - 25474
- ARMY OFFICER - Carl EIickhorn
This Army Officer
is a classic example, having the Second style fittings and scabbard.
The hilt fittings are the same as I show on Pages 25 and 26 of
my Army book. These hilt fittings have choice silvering throughout,
and they are developing a pleasing patination across their surfaces.
The pommel cap is a fine example having a couple of signs of usage
around the rim, but the top area is smooth and crisp. The standing
oak leaves have good blackening behind them, giving great relief
to their detail. The cross guard is identical to Page 25, having
perfect features to the noble eagles head, breast feathering,
wing feathering, wreath and raised swastika. The ferrule nicely
matches, and is identical to the book example. The grip is a darker
color orange, being just slightly lighter on the reverse. It is
in perfect condition throughout and is the color that everyone
seems to want to add to their collection. The scabbard is the
standard Second pattern, having matching patination and perfect
silvering throughout its straight surfaces. The bands have good
detail to the overlapping oak leaves. This scabbard is in a Full
Mint condition. It is equipped with a thicker throat, which is
retained by a center-placed flathead screw in the reverse. A perfect,
outstanding outside here. The blade is still nice and bright and
does have all of its cross graining in the surfaces. It also retains
its needlelike tip. There is a bit of smudge which appears mostly
on the lower half of the blade. With a little work, some of this
could probably be cleaned out, as, without the smudge, the blade
would be in a Full Mint state. It rates now at about Excellent
Plus Plus. The reverse ricasso is darkly etched with the squirrel
trademark used from 1935-41. The original small style leather
washer is in place. A fine Eickhorn dagger here which, with a
little blade work, could be a Mint example. It is priced accordingly.
Excellent Plus Plus. $795.00
AOD - 029 - 25505
- ARMY OFFICER - Alcoso
This Alcoso
Army Officer is of early production. It has classic 3rd type fittings
and they are the same as I show on Page 21 of my Army book. The
pommel cap is the flared-out style we associate with this producer,
and is the same as can be seen on Pages 22 and 23. The silvering
is thinning a little bit along the outer rim, and also on the
center area of the smooth top portion. It still looks good, however.
The standing oak leaves are nicely detailed and have good, black
background, giving them relief. The cross guard is the same as
Page 21, lower. This cross guard still has the details to the
birds head, something often lacking with Alcoso pieces.
The eye, beak and nasal area is still all there. The breast feathering
looks good, as does the wing feathering, wreath and raised swastika.
The silvering throughout this cross guard is excellent. The ferrule
nicely matches the cross guard and is the same as Page 21. The
grip of this example is particularly nice, as it is a very dark
orange color. There are a couple of very minor nips out of the
raised rib area at the reverse second portion, the obverse fourth
portion, and, also, there is a tiny little surface chip at the
obverse bottom area where the grip adjoins the ferrule. All of
this sounds worse than what it is, as these flaws are hardly noticeable.
The scabbard is also a classic Alcoso type. It is the same as
the one shown on Page 22 and Page 23, right. The scabbard is straight
throughout and has good silvering, showing just a little bit of
age at the lower area, but it is nothing. The bands have good
detail to the overlapping oak leaves and the throat is retained
by two flathead side screws. The blade is as nice as you will
see. It is mirror bright throughout and has all of the original
cross graining with fine, needlelike tip. This blade shows a little
bit of in and out usage, but still remains in Full Mint condition.
A real nice one here! The reverse ricasso is etched with the early
trademark, consisting of the scales logo having the firms
initials, ACS interspersed. In an arch shape over
the scales, the firms name is block-lettered, ALCOSO,
and below is the location city Solingen. The wide
style leather blade buffer is in place. A nice, textbook dagger
here.
Excellent Plus Plus. $795.00
AOD - 030 - 25531
- ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn (Over-the-Shoulder-Logo)
This Army example
is a classic 2nd style Eickhorn. The fittings throughout retain
100% silvering to also include the scabbard. There is much frosting
which is spread throughout all of the fittings and scabbard. The
lacquer still remains throughout this dagger and there are some
areas where the silver has patinated due to air getting underneath
the lacquer. This dagger has what we call the palomino effect
in that it has frosted areas and darkened areas evenly spread
throughout. This dagger is completely untouched, recently coming
out of the woodwork. I personally purchased it from the son of
the New Jersey Veteran who brought this piece home. The hilt fittings
are identical to the examples I show on Pages 25 and 26 in my
Army book. The pommel top has a complete, crisp rim with no carrying
signs anywhere. The top surfaces are also in perfect condition
having almost a half-moon look to the way the frosting and patination
are placed. The standing oak leaves are also crisp throughout
and the collar area beneath is frosted. The ferrule is also the
Second style, the same as Page 25. It, too, is frosted. The cross
guard is as nice as you will see, featuring the noble Paul Casberg
developed bird. This bird has perfect detail to his brow, eye,
beak and mouth areas. The same holds true to the breast feathering,
wing feathering, talons, wreath and raised swastika. You will
not see a better cross guard, and this guard is also graced with
much frosted area. The grip is a egg yolk yellow type which is
darker in the ribbed areas and also has a graining effect in the
rib depths. A great looking grip here, which is easily in perfect
condition. The Second style scabbard could not be any better.
It has crisp, pebbled panels and outstanding overlapping oak leaves
within the carrying bands. The edges of the scabbard both are
nearly 100% frosted. The thicker throat is retained by one flatter
style screw in the reverse. Instead of exactly in the center,
it is slightly placed to the left which could be an indication
of later construction. We know many of the Eickhorn employees
were drafted into the war at the time this piece was made. As
further proof of this, the blade has the seldom-seen mark of an
over-the-shoulder squirrel. This logo was not used until 1941,
and it is rarely seen on an Army dagger. Unfortunately, although
the blade is still bright and does have the cross graining, there
are a few rough spots in the finish. I have not tried to clean
them off. It does look like a lot of these spots would come out,
as they are still on the surface. Some of it, though, surely has
penetrated the surface, marring this blade. It is still a good
example, however, having needlelike tip and still retaining most
of its brightness. This over-the-shoulder blade is in Excellent
Plus condition. The original, new-like tan leather blade buffer
is in place. This is a great dagger for the type collectors
out there. Once again, it is a rarely seen variation and is Mint
other than the few spots on the blade. Priced accordingly. Excellent
Plus Plus. $995.00