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 I’m 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 company’s 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 firm’s 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 don’t 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 don’t 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 eagle’s 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 eagle’s 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 firm’s 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 eagle’s 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 viewer’s 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 officer’s 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 firm’s 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 firm’s 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 firm’s initials “ACS” interspersed. Above the scales in an arch shape, in block lettering, is the firm’s 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 bird’s 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 eagle’s 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 producer’s 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 firm’s 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 firm’s 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 firm’s 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” collector’s 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, I’m 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 scabbard’s 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. I’m 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 firm’s 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 firm’s 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 firm’s 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 eagle’s 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 bird’s 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 firm’s initials, “ACS” interspersed. In an arch shape over the scales, the firm’s 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

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