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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 #29957 EARLY ARMY OFFICER - Alcoso
This early example has the same fittings that I show in my army book on page 21, lower. The pommel and crossguard are high quality examples having good silvered finish. There is a little bit of freckling on the reverse of the crossguard but the pommel is still in choice perfect condition. This pommel is the flared out type that we normally see produced by Alcoso. It has outstanding oak leaves amounting to fourteen in total and each and every one has hand done accent grooving. The crossguard eagle is the third type used but it is interesting to see that the eye and beak area still have the details, something which lacks on many Alcoso crossguards. The bird also has good detail to the breast checkering as well as the wing feathering, talons, wreath and raised swastika. The ferrule is the early type being the same as page 21, lower. The grip is really an attractive example. The reverse of the grip is so dark that it is almost a red color. The obverse is a pumpkin color. Many collector’s love to see these drastic color tones which happen in this early celluloid. This is a great example and it is in perfect condition throughout with no cracks or chips. A fairly nice hilt here. The scabbard is one of the early types having very fine pebbling. The later types do not have this extremely fine pebbled surface. The pebbling is the same as is shown in the top photograph on page 20. The scabbard is straight as an arrow and it has good silver plating except there is some lifting on the edges as well as the bottom chape area but the silvering is intact. The bands are also nicely hand enhanced showing outstanding oak leafing. The throat of this example is retained by two side screws being the style with small bore. The blade is a really fine example. It is an early quality blade which has the tapered tang. If you don’t know what I mean by this you can see these early tangs compared with the later tangs on page 16 of my Army Book. This early tang has rainbowed from the extensive grinding that was done to shape it to fit the grip. This is the reason that producers went to the traditional shoulder style tang as it took only a small amount of grinding. The blade of this example is nice and bright throughout having a quality polished finish. The graining is still there and this blade retains its needlelike tip and is still in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the scales trademark having the letters, “ACS” interspersed. Above the scales in an arch shape is the block lettered name of the firm, “Alcoso”. Beneath is the location town of “Solingen”. The large style leather washer is in place protecting this piece. It is difficult to find these early pieces.
AOD #30085 ARMY OFFICER - RObert Klass
This army officer is in “as found” condition. The fittings have good silvered surfaces and all have patinated to a very dark color. The hilt fittings are the generic “B” variety. The pommel is the style which has the threaded stem in the center area. It portrays fourteen oak leaves having good detail throughout. The upper surfaces show some mild usage but no problems. The crossguard has the fine eagle exactly as shown on page 99 of my Army Book. This bird has full detail throughout his head and beak and his breast feathering has good close checkering. The wings are nicely formed as are the talons, wreath and raised swastika. The silvering is excellent throughout this guard. The ferrule is identical to the example shown on page 99. The grip of this piece is a very dark pumpkin color orange. It would be in totally perfect condition were there not just a slight crack on the lower edge. It is nothing however and would easily cover with a portepee. The scabbard is nice and straight throughout having the same dark patination to the silvering to match the hilt. The pebble pattern is crisp throughout. The carrying bands have excellent detail to the oak leafing and as we usual see on Klaas scabbards the end areas on the scabbard bands have had the casting flaw covered with an asterisk. If you don’t know what this is you can see the same thing on page 119. Apparently the same finisher worked at Klaas for a long time and his specialty were these scabbard bands. The throat is retained by two side screws. These screws are flathead style and they are located fairly far down. Nice scabbard here. The blade is also a fine example. As was often done at the Klaas firm this blade has been richly nickel-plated. The nickel plating shows a little bit of usage from in and out of the scabbard and a couple of scratches here and there but it is still bright and easily grades in near mint condition. This fine blade is marked on the reverse ricasso with the kissing cranes trademark positioned over the firm’s name and Solingen location. The brown leather small style washer is in place. A fine untouched dagger here by a producer we do not see too often.
AOD #29959 ARMY “HIGH–LIFT” - Alcoso
This army has the late “high–lift” design many collectors enjoy adding to their collection. For those of you that may not be familiar with this variation you can see a good example on page 22 of my Army Book. The hilt fittings on this piece are beginning to flake just a little bit but the flaking should be contained if the piece is kept nice and dry and looked after properly. This is a classic “high-lift” example. The pommel has the flared out style we see on Alcosos. It portrays fourteen well enhanced leaves which go around its perimeter. On the very top there are no hits but a little bit of the silvering has flaked from the center area and a little along the edges. Where the silver is in place though it is nice and patinated. The crossguard has the good flare to the top of the wings giving it a look as though this bird is ready to fly off of his perch. He has good detail to his head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and raised swastika. There is a nice patination throughout this design. The reverse of the crossguard has a little bit of lifting in the center are but the rest of the areas are still in good condition. The grip is a later plaster filled type and it has toned to a very beautiful ivory color. If there were graining in this grip you would swear it was a genuine ivory one. The grip is in perfect condition though and really sets this hilt off. The scabbard is a typical fin Alcoso type having good pebble design in the panels. The carrying bands are also excellent and they are the same as I show in the illustration on page 22. The throat is retained by a single center placed headless flush mount screw on the reverse. This scabbard has good plating throughout and has a nice patination. The blade of this example is mostly bright throughout. It does have a little bit of age noticeable as smudge in a couple of areas but it is not bad. The blade retains its original needlelike tip. This blade is etched with the last trademark used by this firm. It has the sideways positioned scales and the firm’s new initials, “AWS” interspersed. Next to the scales is the firm’s name in script over the city, “Alcoso Solingen”. This blade grades in excellent plus, plus condition. It is protected by a large style in place leather washer. A pretty nice example here if you are looking for the “high-lift” variation.
AOD #30122 ARMY OFFICER - WKC
This is a fine WKC army officer dagger having complete textbook fittings throughout. The pommel and crossguard are the traditional style being identical to the examples I show on page 66 of my Army Book. This pommel has a fine ring around the top with smooth upper area. The leaves are nicely placed throughout the outside circumference and there are twelve of them. The crossguard is identical to page 66 having “hatchet” beak. This bird has outstanding detail to his head area as well as his closely checkered breast, wing feathering, talons, wreath and clutched mobile swastika. The reverse of the crossguard also has a smooth perfect silvered plating. The ferrule is identical to the one shown on page 66. The grip has turned a very dark pumpkin orange and it is extremely pleasing. This grip is in totally perfect condition. The scabbard is one of the earlier WKC types having the slightly finer pebbling than the later patterns. The patterns shown on page 66 is the later style, whereas page 65 shows the earlier style with the closer pebble surface. The bands are beautifully rendered and are the same as those shown on page 65. This fine silvered scabbard is easily in near mint condition. Like other WKC pieces the throat is slightly thick and is retained by only one flathead side screw. The blade is bright throughout having only the slightest of age in the form of a little bit of smudge here and there but the blade easily grades in near mint condition. The needlelike tip is also still there. The reverse of the ricasso is etched with the well known knighthead trademark and beneath are the firm’s initials, “WKC”. The large style leather washer is also in place. A very fine textbook example here that you can not go wrong with.
AOD #30063 LATE ARMY OFFICER - Robert Klass
This later made army officer has the nickel-plated style generic “B” hilt fittings. These mounts are in excellent condition throughout and are the same as I show on page 100 of my Army book. The pommel cap is the style that has the threaded center stud and it features fourteen oak leaves around its perimeter. The detail is not as good as the earlier silvered pieces but it still looks OK. The upper pommel top shows a little bit of usage but no bad dings. The crossguard has the same detail as is shown on page 100. The bird looks outstanding having good breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and swastika. The ferrule is the same as page 100. The grip is a good example being a fine tangerine color. This grip remains in perfect condition. The scabbard is a silvered version. Occasionally we see silvered scabbards mixed with later nickeled hilt parts and this is primarily because existing stores were being used up by blade companies hoping to complete pieces. This scabbard is an outstanding example having excellent silvered surfaces and good detail to the bands. There is no asterisk on this as I doubt that the Klaas firm really finished the scabbard. Chances are it was purchased from a generic firm or another blade firm down the street. The thinner throat is retained by two flathead side screws. The blade of this example is a fine nickel-plated type which Robert Klaas is famous for. This blade is nice and bright throughout and other than just the tiniest of plating lifts on the center segment of the obverse it is in mint condition. It has a good needle sharp tip. The reverse is stamped with the kissing cranes trademark over the firm’s name and location, “Robert Klaas Solingen”. The thin style brown leather washer is in place. A nice later dagger here.
AOD #29958 UNTOUCHED ARMY OFFICER - F.W. Höller
This untouched army officer is all completely black patinated and it does not look to have been cleaned since the war. It is a fine high quality Höller example having classic fittings and scabbard. The pommel and crossguard are the same as I show on page 35 of my Army book. The pommel upper are is smooth throughout and has no hits to the rim. The outside perimeter displays twelve fine oak leaves throughout. The crossguard is identical to the book piece. This guard portrays an outstanding eagle with high definition to his brow, eye, beak and breast feathering. The wing feathering, talons, wreath and swastika are also a fine portrayal. The silvering throughout these fittings is all there and there is even a mild amount of frosting residue here and there in the recessed areas. The ferrule is also the same as the book piece. The grip is an outstanding popsicle orange color and it is in perfect condition. The color is a slightly lighter tone on the reverse, more like a tangerine. The original 42 cm portepee is also intact. The aluminum cord shows only some mild age but no fraying. A fine hilt here! The scabbard is identical to the Höller example I show on page 35. This scabbard is straight throughout and it too has perfect silvering with frosting clinging near the protected areas. This mint scabbard is equipped with fine quality carrying bands. Each and every one of the overlapping oak leaves has been hand enhanced. The blade of this example is as crisp as the day it was made. It is mirror bright and has all of the crossgraining. The reverse ricasso is etched with the double oval logo. These ovals contain the firm’s name and location, “F.W. Höller Solingen”. Inside is the thermometer having too many digits to count. The large size brown leather washer is in place within the crossguard recesses. An outstanding untouched example here.
AOD #29968 EARLY ARMY OFFICER - J.A. Henckels
This early example has the initial production brass hilt fittings. Although these fittings were probably produced by the Pack company Henckels was a customer as well as other producers. The pommel of this example is silvered brass. It does not look to have ever been cleaned thus the brass does have a dark patination across it. The pommel shows some mild usage around the rim and also on the plain area at the top. This pommel has fourteen oak leaves running about its perimeter and each of them has lots of hand enhancement. The crossguard is the interesting example that we see on page 29. This bird shows quite a bit of work by the original jeweler to get it into the proper look. The head on this one, eventhough it is the same as page 29, has a certain serpent look to it. Also the breast feathering took quite a bit of work to bring it into prospective. Each of the wings has lots of hand enhancement as does the wreath and talons. It is interesting to note that the top leg of the swastika did not come out the same width as the other legs. Nevertheless, the enchancer has cut the edges to give it a good look. These early Henckels daggers are outstanding examples to examine if you are not familiar with the type of work these early German producers did to their daggers. These efforts were very much jeweler and handwork accented. The ferrule is the same as the example I show on page 29. As we usually see with these early types the grip is one of the “slant” types. This example is a deep orange color, maybe slightly darker on the reverse than the obverse. It is in excellent condition throughout with no cracks or chips. There is a little sliver missing at the rib separation point, two ribs up from the bottom, but this is not really considered a chip or a large flaw. A very interesting hilt here. The scabbard is also a Pack product and is identical to the example I show on page 29 and 30. This scabbard is straight throughout and has a steel base. The silver plating has a little bit of lifting in the surfaces, mostly on the edges but there is also a little on the obverse and reverse pebble panels. The lifting on this scabbard is not bad. The bands are also interesting at they show lots of hand enhancing to the oak leaves. These bands produced by Pack are easily discernible as the borders are larger than other types and they are also slanted on a 45 degree angle. The throat of this example is retained by two domehead side screws. The blade is an early quality three section type which has the tapered tang. This blade still has brightness to it and it is also possible to see the graining in the surfaces. There are some minor age smudge marks in it but a lot of this would come out if someone wanted to work with it. The tip is still needlelike. This blade grades at excellent plus, plus and could go higher with some work. The reverse ricasso is etched with the Egyptian like twins positoned over the firm’s name and location, “J.A. Henckels Solingen”. The original large leather washer is in place. A nice early dagger here for someone anxious to study initial production or just a good one to fill in a rare space until a better Henckels is found. These daggers are not common.
AOD #29855 EARLY ARMY OFFICER WITH ORIGINAL HANGERS AND PORTEPEE - Carl Eickhorn
This early army officer has never been cleaned and remains in its “as found” deeply patinated state. It is an early example. The crossguard is the same as I show on page 24. This is the 1st style crossguard used by Eickhorn. All of the details are well pronounced throughout the bird’s head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and raised swastika. This guard shows little to no wear. All of the silvering is intact. The matching patinated pommel top is the 2nd style used by Eickhorn. We see 1st and 2nd style parts frequently mixed with Eickhorn products. This pommel top has a little bit of usage showing on its upper surfaces and the standing oak leaves along the outside perimeter are in choice condition having fine hand enhancing. The grip is a deep yellow color and it remains in perfect condition showing a little bit of dirt gathered over the years but this is what you will see on an untouched dagger. The original portepee is still wrapped around the lower portion of the grip. It appears as though the portepee was knotted at one time and I have left it all just as I have received it. This portepee is badly frayed at the lower end and it appears as though the original slide has gone to time. Looking under the portepee I see that the Eickhorn 1st style ferrule was used being the same as page 24. The scabbard of this example is really a choice piece. It is an early all brass type and for once it is straight as an arrow with no dings or problems. These early scabbards have very fine pebbled surfaces and the bands have a convex look to them. This scabbard is the same as page 24 of my Army book. The oak leaves are beauties having hand enhancing throughout. The thicker throat is retained by one center placed screw in the reverse. Attached to the scabbard are the original-to-the-piece hangers. These hangers are especially nice as they too are very early vintage. They have silvered deluxe mounts and the silvering still appears to be mostly all there. The lower snaps are interesting as they have two raised dots on both sides of each snap. The buckles and slides have the usual oak leaf depiction and the closed clip at the top has DRGM at the upper bar and the rest of the hardware is decorated with raised oak leaves on the obverse. The brocade is in good condition on these straps and they show only mild wear on the reverse. The blade of this dagger is still mirror bright. It is one of the high quality examples having an early tapered tongue. All of the crossgraining still remains throughout the blade. Unfortunately there are a couple of small pits at the bottom of the blade where perhaps a little moisture was left in the scabbard. Also on the reverse of the blade there are a couple of stains but overall this blade still rates at excellent plus, plus. It retains its needlelike tip and on the reverse ricasso there is a deeply etched, nice and dark, 1935-41 Eickhorn squirrel. The small style brown leather washer is in place. A good untouched complete piece here.
AOD #29544C ARMY OFFICER WITH PITTED CROSSGUARD PERSONALIZATION
This army officer from the obverse appears to be a very nice Eickhorn dagger. It has the classic 2nd style fittings the same as I show in my Army book on page 25. The pommel is in very nice condition having a good crisp rim and fine detail to the twelve standing oak leaves running throughout the perimeter. The upper plain area has some usage sigs but nothing serious. The crossguard bird is a beauty having full details to the head, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and swastika. The ferrule is the same as is shown on page 25 also being in first class condition. The problem with this dagger is that on the reverse of the crossguard the original owner had his name professionally engraved. Normally this is not something we would call a problem but on this piece air got under the silver plating and caused not only lifting but also some pitting to the surface. The name is difficult to read because of the pitting. It is a shame as this name is all done in Gothic style letters. I guess if the crossguard were changed the problem would be solved but if you are just going to display your army dagger this one looks pretty good from the front. The grip of this example is a beautiful orange candy stick color. It is in totally perfect condition and could not be nicer. The scabbard is also the 2nd style Eickhorn. It is the same as page 25. The reverse of the scabbard looks totally perfect having 100% of the silvering. The obverse unfortunately has had some lifting at the lower area right at the panel edge. This lifting has caused a little bit of rust and some corrosive problems. I guess if you put the dagger into the scabbard backwards it would again look perfect from the front. I guess I’m stretching things a little here but you get the point. The blade of this example is a real winner. It is nice and bright and has all of its crossgraining and needlelike tip. It is stamped with the 1935-41 squirrel trademark. It is the smaller style trademark which was used in 1940. The original blade buffer is in position having a little nip out of one edge but still in place. This blade is in mint condition. An odd army dagger here having some great things about it and some terrible things about but it is all priced accordingly.
AOD #29379 UNTOUCHED ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn
This army officer does not look to have been cleaned in many years. Its fine silvered fittings are in choice condition throughout and have an outstanding patination evenly spread throughout their surfaces. The hilt fittings have an early style crossguard being the same as I show on page 24 of my Army book. The pommel is the standard Eickhorn type and this pommel has no hits to the rim and twelve standing oak leaves have good detail throughout. The crossguard bird has full detail remaining to his eye, beak and closely grainined breast feathering. The talons, wing feathering, wreath and swastika are also excellently depicted. The ferrule is the 2nd style ferrule the same as page 25. The grip is a pleasing tangerine color and it remains in totally perfect condition. The scabbard exactly matches the patination of the hilt fittings. This scabbard is in full mint condition throughout. The bands have excellent detail to the overlapping oak leaves. The throat area is a little bit lighter in color to the silver where it has been protected by the crossguard. The throat itself is a very thick one typical of this producer and it is retained by one single screw in the reverse center. The blade of this piece is a high quality polished example. This blade has all of its crossgraining and retains its needlelike tip. This blade is easily in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is darkly etched with the squirrel logo used from 1935-1941. The leather blade washer is in place within the crossguard recesses. A very nice untouched high quality army officer here.
AOD #29545C ARMY OFFICER
This army officer consists of a very choice conditioned dagger with a scabbard that has some flaking to the silver plating. If someone has a generic scabbard out there in good condition this particular piece would be a very good buy. The fittings are fine silvered type and they are the generic “B” type. They are the same as I show on page 99. The pommel is in excellent condition having just a little bit of age under the plating on the top of the pommel. The twelve standing leaves and alternating acorns though are in choice condition throughout. The crossguard eagle is identical to the one shown on page 99 of my Army book. This eagle has full original detail to his head, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised swastika. This crossguard is a real beauty here. The ferrule is exactly the same as the one shown in the book. The grip is a fine off-white color. It is probably one of the plaster filled types. This grip is a slightly darker tone on the obverse than it is on the reverse but it really has a lovely ivory color. The scabbard is the same as the one shown on page 99. It is nice and straight however there is some lifting to the silver particularly on the edges and a little bit on the surfaces of the top pebble pattern and also the lower pattern on the obverse. The bands are nicely detailed having some handwork to the veins of the leaves. There is just a little bit of brass showing through on these bands. The throat is a thicker type and it is retained by two headless side screws. The blade of this example is in outstanding condition. It has all of its crossgraining and it’s still nice and bright and in full mint. It is an unmarked example as it probably represented a contract order by the army from many different suppliers. The original pebbled leather washer is in place. Once again, a very good example here if you possibly have a better conditioned scabbard.
AOD #29519 UNTOUCHED ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn
This army officer dagger does not appear to have been cleaned since the war. It is a classic Eickhorn having the 2nd style fittings throughout. The pommel is in choice condition having fine dark patination throughout. The rim shows no hits and the top part of the pommel is still smooth and pristine. It has the traditional twelve standing oak leaves with alternating acorns each having good hand treatment. The crossguard below is the 2nd style eagle. This bird has perfect detail to his brow, eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and raised swastika. Additionally there are subtle traces of frosting still in the protected recessed areas. The ferrule is also the 2nd type exactly matching the oak leaves of the bands. A beautiful tangerine grip accents these black silvered fittings and this grip is in complete perfect condition. An outstanding hilt here. The scabbard is also the 2nd style and exactly matches the patination and condition of the hilt. This scabbard is straight throughout having perfect silvering and much frosting is evident in the protected areas around the bands and the throat. The bands have outstanding overlapping oak leaves. The throat is the thicker style used by this firm and it is retained by a center placed flatter head style screw in the reverse. The blade is as nice as the rest of the dagger. This blade is in bright mirror condition having all of its original graining intact as well as its needlelike tip. The reverse ricasso is darkly etched with a 1935-41 Eickhorn squirrel trademark. The original brown leather blade washer is in place. A very fine example here in untouched condition. This would be a fine dagger to add to a collection if you do not wish to have to look for an upgrade.
AOD #27173C ARMY OFFICER PERSONALIZED TO A BARON - WKC
This Army officer
is an outstanding example having all black patination. It is a
fine-conditioned dagger having textbook WKC mounts and scabbard.
These mounts are identical to the example I show in my Army book
on Pages 63, left and 64, left. The cross guard is identical to
Page 66. The mounts have all silvering intact. The pommel depicts
the 12 standing oak leaves around its perimeter. These leaves
are in excellent condition, having black backgrounding. The rim
of this pommel shows some minor hand wear, but no hits or flaws
to its edges. The top has just a little bit of age under the plating,
but the plating itself is intact. The pommel is darker in the
recessed areas and lighter at the curvature of the top. This makes
for a nice effect. The cross guard is black throughout, having
slightly lighter features at the highest points. The cross guard
features the “hatchet beaked” eagle typical of WKC.
This eagle has great detail to his eye, checkered breast feathering,
wing feathering, wreath and raised out swastika. The depiction
is as good as you will ever see. The ferrule above is also the
same as is shown on Page 64. The interesting part about this dagger,
though, is on the reverse cross guard and we will get to that
later on in the description. The grip of this example is a dark
pumpkin orange color. It is perfect throughout, maybe being just
the slightest bit darker on the obverse than the reverse. The
hilt also has a fine original bullion portepee. This portepee
remains in the Army tie and is the style that has the slide built
into the stem. This portepee shows no fraying and is in mint condition.
The WKC scabbard shows the same band design as Page 64. The pebble
patterns are also crisp. The edges of this fine scabbard have
much of the original silver frosting clinging beneath the lacquer.
This is always a welcome site to collectors! The throat is a fairly
thick variety and it is retained in the WKC fashion with one flathead
side screw at the right. This scabbard is in full mint condition.
The blade is also a beauty. It is completely mirror bright, having
100% of the cross graining. Its tip is needlelike. You will not
see a finer blade. The reverse of this blade is etched with the
knight head trademark which is positioned above the firm’s
initials and location “WKC Solingen”. The blade has
been protected by the in-place large size brown leather buffer.
Now, to the real meat of this otherwise mint dagger! Affixed most
likely with solder to the reverse of the cross guard is a silvered
oval disc. This disc has the personalization of its original wearer.
It features a most complicated design of a 9-prong German crown.
The crown is positioned above an elaborate capital letter “L”.
The engravings of this personalization are the best you will see.
It is amazing that such high detail could be inserted in such
a small area. Beautiful indeed. It is up to the next owner of
this dagger to determine who this Baron “L” was. Chances
are, the last name would surely be Leopold, but not being a genetic
researcher, I do not know. What I do know, though, is that an
engraving of this quality has to indicate an original owner of
some importance. An absolute stunner here regarding the dagger
as well as the personalization. I wish the next owner lots of
luck with figuring out the puzzle.
AOD #26064C ARMY OFFICER DAGGER PRESENTED TO AFRIKA KORPS PANZER COMMANDER OBERST JOHANN MICKL - PD Luneschloss
This Army Officer’s
dagger has all-silvered fittings and they are the generic “B”
variety, being identical to the style I show in my Army book on
Page 99. The pommel is the usual type we see with the “B”
generic cross guard, being the style with threaded stem inside,
and having 14 leaves running around its perimeter. The cross guard
eagle is an extremely good-looking example, having noble head,
excellent breast and wing feathering, fine detail to the wreath
and a highly-vaulted swastika. The grip is a beautiful egg-yolk
yellow type, being in perfect condition. There is a 42 cm portepee
in the proper tie wrapped about the hilt. The scabbard is a standard
generic variety being identical to Page 120. The blade of this
example is in pristine, mint condition, having the standard sword-piercing-helmet,
double ellipse trademark, used by the P.D. Lüneschlöss
firm. However, all of this is of little consequence, as it is
the presentation appearing between the scabbard bands on the reverse
that is of astounding nature. It is interesting to note the engraver
removed the pebbled surfaces of the paneled area between the bands
so that the four-line engraving could be easily read. This engraved
dedication is “UNSEREM KOMANDEUR/OBERST J.MICKL HERZLICHEN/GLÜCKWUNSCH
ZUM RITTERKREUZ/DIE STOLZEN 155 er”. This dedication basically
translates to “TO OUR COMMANDER COLONEL J. MICKL WITH HEARTFELT
BEST WISHES ON THE KNIGHT’S CROSS AWARD FROM THE PROUD 155
er”. Oberst Mickl was one of Rommel’s Panzer commanders
and was instrumental in Rommel’s fight against Tobruk in
North Africa. He won the Knight’s Cross for his outstanding
leadership, and as the Allies were soon to learn, Rommel and his
Panzer generals were huge adversaries despite their smaller numbers.
Mickl went on to win the oak leaves for operations in Russia on
6 Marz 1943. At that time, he was the commander of the 25th Panzer
Greniedere regiment. He was later killed on 10 April 1945, while
commanding the 392nd Croatian Infantry division. At that time,
he had been promoted to General Leutnant and had been wounded
five times. This dagger was owned by one of the great German Panzer
commanders who, to this day, were responsible for the reputation
which will live on through history of these fantastic trained
troops. He was a career officer, having served in both wars. This
is a grand opportunity to own a dagger in which a whole display
could be built around. This dagger comes with a large dossier
detailing Mickl’s career. It is a wonderful artifact and
would make even the most advanced collectors in our community
smile. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!
AOD #27179C PERSONALIZED ARISTOCRATS ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn
This beautiful
Army dagger is a most exciting piece. It belonged to an aristocrat
who may have been a Knights Cross winner as well as an Army General,
but we will get to this in a minute. The dagger itself is a choice-conditioned
example which rates mint throughout. The fittings on this dagger
are the early 2nd style. The early 2nd style cross guard is slightly
different from what I show in my Army book on Page 25, being a
progression of the 1st style which is shown on Page 24. The cross
guard itself depicts a choice eagle design with breast checkering,
which is slightly finer than Page 25, but, yet not as fine as
Page 24. This is the prime difference between these eagles. The
eagle, though, is in fantastic condition and clutches a wreathed
raised out swastika. Even the talons have been hand-enhanced on
this bird. The pommel is a fine 2nd style type having 12 oak leaves
around the perimeter. The ferrule is the 2nd type, being exactly
like I show on Page 25. The grip of this example is a beautiful
darker orange color and the tones are the same throughout. This
grip is in totally perfect condition. Now we want to get to the
engravings that present themselves on this choice dagger. At the
pommel top, taking up almost the complete surface is the engraved
family crest of this original owner. The crest is in a shield
shape being split into four quadrants. Two of the four quadrants
each depict the same scenes and are positioned opposite each other.
At the ten o’clock and four o’clock quadrant are depicted
what appears to be two powder horns. The backgrounds of these
depictions have been nicely lined for a shaded effect. On the
other two quadrants which would run from two o’clock to eight
o’clock, there is a scene of a prancing stag with a good
set of racks. The backgrounds here have a series of random pebbled
designs to give them relief. It is quite rare to see a family
crest on the top of a pommel. On the reverse of the cross guard
is a beautifully engraved five-point crown. Beneath the crown
are the letters “v.N-W.”. These initials and crown belong
to the aristocratic family of “von Nostitz-Wallwitz”.
Unfortunately, there is no first initial in this personalization,
so it is difficult to determine which of the von Nostitz-Wallwitz
family members owned this dagger. There has been research conducted
which accompanies the dagger. The research shows five members
of the von Nostitz-Wallwitz family who could have owned this piece.
One of them was in the foreign service, so it probably would not
be him. Two other younger members were both First Lieutenants
and it is doubtful that the dagger belonged to either of these
two. The two oldest members of the family “Eckhard von Nostitz-Wallwitz”
and “Gustav Adolf von Nostitz-Wallwitz” were the two
oldest and likely one of these was the owner of the dagger. Eckhard
was a First Lieutenant in 1936 and went on in the war to be associated
with a Panzer regiment. He was killed in Russia in 1943. Gustav
Adolf, on the other hand, was a First Lieutenant in 1930 and became
a Major in 1937. 1937 would most likely be the date that Eickhorn
produced this 2nd style variation cross guard, so there is a good
chance that when Gustav Adolf von Nostitz-Wallwitz achieved this
rank, he purchased the dagger. After this, he became a Lieutenant
Colonel with an artillery regiment in 1940 and in 1941, became
a Panzer commander, winning the German Cross in gold. In 1942,
he was in Russia and was involved with the Stalingrad fiasco.
In 1944, he was with Panzer Artillery Regiment 89. At this time,
he won the Knight’s Cross and was promoted to General Major.
In 1945, he was killed on 31 May. So, there is a better than even
chance here that this personalized dagger belonged to a Wehrmacht
General and Knight’s Cross winner. It would be up to the
next owner to conclusively prove this ownership. This is a very
exciting piece, indeed. Getting to the rest of the description,
the scabbard is a standard 2nd style Eickhorn example, having
good pebbled surfaces. The scabbard shows just hints of frosting
in the protected areas around the carrying bands and the throat
area. The thicker throat is retained by a center placed screw
in the reverse. The blade of this example is as nice as they come.
It has a full mirror mint surface with 100% of the original graining.
The needlelike tip is in place and this dagger blade easily rates
in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the
1935-41 squirrel design. The original small brown leather washer
is in place protecting this fine blade. This is a grand opportunity
to obtain an outstanding dagger. If the original owner was indeed
the Knight’s Cross winner, this dagger could be worth far
more than its advertised price. If he was not, it is still a fantastic
piece which would be the highlight of most collections. It is
very rare to find an Army dagger with this aristocratic family
Wappen along with the crown and family name. Very rare offering
here and guaranteed original dagger.
AOD #25186 LATE ARMY WITH GLASS GRIP – AES
This is a rarely seen maker and a most desirable dagger when taken in to consideration that it also has a glass grip. The fittings are the later style gray finished type that were used after the war started. Silvering was not available so the dagger companies had to do the best they could to put out a product. The fittings throughout this dagger are the generic “A” style. They are identical to the Arthuer Evertz piece I show in my Book on page 85 and 86, however the fittings of this dagger are in better condition than those shown in the book piece. The pommel has a good crisp rim showing little usage to the top area. Some of the original frosted material is still in the protected areas. Around the pommel are twelve standing oak leaves with alternating acorns. These oak leaves remain crisp. The crossguard features the generic “A” style eagle. This bird has excellent detail to his head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. This gray finish actually looks quite good when it is in this fine condition. The grip is an outstanding glass type and it is a beautiful amber color. It is in nearly full 100% condition having only one tiny sliver missing from it at the lower right reverse. Other than that, it is perfect and really looks good. This dagger is further decorated with an original thicker cord style army officer portepee. The portepee is in the original tie and is quite set in place appearing to be original to this dagger. The generic scabbard nicely matches the gray finish of the hilt parts. The upper portion of the scabbard which was protected by the in place crossguard shows how nice this finish really looked when new as it was fully protected. The portions below this area have a pleasing gray look also. The bands are the standard generic type, the same as page 85. This scabbard is straight and is still crisp. The throat is retained by a single headless center placed screw in the reverse. The blade of this example is really something to see. It is a quality blade having a mirror nickel-plated finish. It is full mint and could not look nicer. It is complete with its needlelike tip. This blade is marked on the reverse ricasso with a square figure having the capital letters, “AE” over “S”. A very rare sight here! The blade is protected by an in place new-like brown leather washer. This is a great dagger for the “type” collectors out there. I do not remember seeing an Arthur Evertz in this condition.
AOD #23466 LATE ARMY OFFICER – Anton Wingen, Jr.
This later produced army officer is virtually the same as the example I show on page 74 and 75 of my Army Book. The fittings are the generic “B” style exactly as the book example. The pommel is the style which has the threaded stem inside. This pommel type seem to have been produced with the “B” style crossguard. This pommel has a good crisp rim and perfectly smooth upper area. It features fourteen standing oak leaves with alternating acorns. It is in the nickel-plated version we see used during war time. The matching generic “B” style guard is also nickel and it is identical to page 74. If portrays a good-looking noble eagle having excellent detail to his eye, beak, breast feathering, talons, wreath, wing feathering and raised mobile swastika. The ferrule is identical to the book piece. The grip is a typical wartime white example. It appears to be the style which is plaster filled. It is in totally perfect condition throughout and looks good. The scabbard is a silvered style exactly as the book piece. We often see wartime nickel daggers mated with silvered scabbards as there must have been some of this product on hand. This scabbard is an outstanding example being straight throughout and having good silvering. The bands are identical to the book piece having hand enhanced overlapping oak leaves. The throat is retained by a single flush mount headless screw in the reverse. The blade is a fine example still having all of its crossgraining and needlelike tip. There is only the slightest of age in a couple of areas but I think that this would easily clean up with very little effort. This blade easily grades in near mint condition. The reverse blade ricasso is etched with the little knight trademark. Above the figure is the firm’s initials, “A.W. Jr.”. Below is the location city of, “Solingen”. The leather blade washer is in place. A good dagger for the “type” collectors out there. This dagger is still in excellent collectible condition.
AOD #26071C MONOGRAMMED ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn
This This Carl Eickhorn dagger is splendid in all ways. It has quality fittings throughout, being the second style produced by this firm and identical to Page 25 in my Army book. The silvering throughout the hilt fittings is in perfect condition. The pommel has nice patination and shows just the slightest of age in the pommel top, but still having a crisp edge and good standing oak leaves around the perimeter. The eagle is a beauty, being the same as Page 25. This bird has crisp, new like details to his head, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised swastika. The reverse of the cross guard has had a set of initials scribed by a master. The initials are in intertwined “HH”. These initials are staggered and really gives a most impressive effect. The letter sides almost give the look of a German “stone henge. Each letter has dual scribing and the center areas are shaded. The second “H” has slightly different shading, indicating that this is probably the surname “H”, although this is silly, since both are the same letter. The engraver, though, felt it was important in his mind to show which of the letters represented the last name. A very pleasing look here, and absolutely expert in every way. The grip is a nicely toned orange and is just the slightest bit lighter on the reverse. It is in totally perfect condition. This hilt is further enhanced by a fine 42cm aluminum portepee. The portepee shows just a hint of age and usage, but no fraying. The scabbard is a typical Eickhorn second style. It is straight throughout, having absolutely perfect silvering. This mint conditioned scabbard has crisp pebbling, nice detail to the overlapping band oak leaves and the thicker throat is retained by a center-placed screw in the reverse. There are also minor frosting remains around the throat area. The blade is a choice, bright example, having only just the slightest signs of age. There is also just a tiny, tiny nick on the lower edge near the tip, but it is really nothing. This blade still grades in near full mint condition. This fine blade is etched on the reverse with the 1935-42 squirrel trademark. The small style leather washer is in place. A real beauty here, and a great display example if you are into personalized pieces.
AOD #26073C ARMY OFFICER WITH FACTORY ISSUE TAG – Carl Eickhorn
This This Army Officer is in new like, untouched condition. It still has much of its original frosting throughout the silvered fittings. This Eickhorn dagger is manufactured with all second style fittings. These fittings are identical to what you will see in my Army book on Pages 25-27. The pommel is an outstanding example, showing no usage. The rim is completely crisp and the upper surface has no signs of wear. The standing leaves are new like in every way and have nice detail to the veins and the acorns which separate them. This fitting has patinated to a black color, but there is lots of frosted areas which still remain throughout the top surface, the backgrounds of the leaves and the lower areas around the pommel pedestal. The ferrule is exactly the same, completely matching the frosting of the pommel. This ferrule is identical to Page 25. The beautiful Army cross guard also has about 70% of the frosting still remaining. Where air has gotten under the lacquer there is black patination, making for a beautiful effect for those who appreciate the look of daggers in this condition. The Army eagle is just the best you will see, easily better than the one shown in the book. The details to the eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and raised swastika are spectacular. The frosted areas are beautiful the way they swirl around the cross guard quillon ends. The grip also retains its nice, natural yellow color. It is a lemon shade of yellow and is quite beautiful. This grip is in totally perfect condition. The second style scabbard is also the same as Page 25. This scabbard has about 70% of the frosting still showing throughout. Some of the pebbled panel areas have started to turn dark with patination, but they are still sprinkled with frosted areas. The bands are the best you will see, being crisp and new like with hand-enhanced oak leaves. The throat area is totally frosted. The throat is the thick type retained by a single screw in the reverse center area. Attached to the upper carrying ring is the original Eickhorn tag. This tag is missing the paper insert, but the rest of it is in good condition. The string has turned a tan color. The round, two-piece, metal tag itself is a red painted color. It shows some age and usage, but still the details are clear. It is stamped on the obverse with the 1935-41 squirrel logo. The squirrel appears in the center holding a downward pointing sword. Above is the German word, “original”, and below, is the firm’s name, location and the fact that a patent was pending on the design, “Eickhorn/Solingen/Ges. Gesch”. On the reverse is the stamping “Eickhorn/Tradition/Quälität”. As we would expect, the blade is just as nice as the outside. This blade is totally mint, having mirror bright surfaces and showing no usage whatsoever. This blade barely has runner marks! The cross graining is 100% and the tip is needlelike. The reverse ricasso is darkly etched with the 1935-41 squirrel trademark. The brown leather, small sized washer is in place. This is a great opportunity to acquire an unissued Eickhorn Army dagger. There is none better. A very beautiful thing here. Rare to encounter and always a good investment.
AOD #26068C ARMY OFFICER
This This Army Officer is of later construction and its fittings have all completely turned black. The knowing collector will immediately identify these fittings and scabbard. As those produced by the WKC firm. These fittings are identical to the example I show in my Army book on Pages 66 and 64. The pommel and cross guard have a very dark patination throughout. They are so black that they almost look like a dull paint. It might be that this was the finish put on these pieces, as this example was definitely made late and during wartime production. Either way, the finish looks great! The pommel is the WKC style and it shows no usage at all. The top surfaces are completely free of any bumps or dings and the side perimeter has outstanding oak leaf depiction. The cross guard features the “hatchet beaked” eagle being identical to the example shown on Page 66. This bird has good detail to the head, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and swastika. There are a couple of areas where the patina is wearing thin a little, being at the very top of the bird’s head, the top of the wreath and a little bit on the reverse of the cross guard. If anything, these slight wear signs give the dagger a sense of reality. The grip is a pretty off-white color. It is probably the plaster-filled style and it is completely in perfect condition. Wrapped about the hilt is a fine, original Army portepee. This portepee remains perfect in all ways, showing only age and no wear whatsoever. The scabbard is also a WKC style, having the identical finish as the hilt. The pebble patterns are still crisp and the bands reflect highly detailed overlapping oak leaves. The throat has the wider opening we associate with WKC, and it is retained by one flatter head side screw on the right. A fine, mint scabbard here. The blade is also a beauty. It is brand new looking, having mirror finish and all of the original graining. The point is needlelike and this blade is easily in full stone mint condition. It is an unmarked example. The leather buffer is the larger style also used by WKC and it is in place deep within the cross guard recesses. A very fine late example here.
AOD #28654 EARLY PERSONALIZED ARMY OFFICER - Unmarked F.W. Höller
This This Army Officer dagger, despite the fact that the blade is unmarked, is definitely of F.W. Höller pedigree. This dagger is identical to the example I show in my Army book on Pages 33 and 34. The pierce does not look to have been cleaned since the war. The pommel is an outstanding example, having the 12-leaf configuration running about the perimeter of the fitting. These leaves all have fine definition. The top of the pommel is nice and smooth, showing almost no carrying time. The ferrule nicely matches and is the same as the book piece. The Höller cross guard is a beauty, being identical to Page 33. This bird has outstanding detail to his beak, eye, breast feathering, talons, wreath and raised swastika. The wingspread is impressive on these Höller examples. This eagle shows no wear and is very, very impressive. The reverse of this cross guard has the owner’s original initial “H” engraved onto the middle area. The engraving was done by one of those machines that makes little dots. These engravings are never very impressive, but, nonetheless, it is an original example. The grip of this piece is in perfect condition, being a light orange color on the obverse fading to yellow on the reverse. Obviously, the original color was yellow and as we know, light tended to affect the color tones of this early celluloid material. The scabbard is a typical Höller also, having good straight surfaces and fine pebble pattern in the panels. The bands look to be the same as Page 34 or 35, having good detail to the overlapping oak leaves. These leaves are also hand-enhanced with veins in the center. The thinner throat is retained on this early scabbard with two flatter head side screws. This scabbard has full silvering throughout. The blade of this example is mirror mint and is as nice as you will see. It has all of its cross graining and retains the needlelike tip. It is protected by an in-place leather washer. Apparently, Höller sold this piece to perhaps a retail store who did not want the logo of the Höller firm on the blade. A very fine original early example.
AOD #28553 LATE ARMY OFFICER – C. Gustav Spitzer
This Army dagger by Spitzer was purchased directly from the daughter of the Veteran that brought it home. The dagger is in the late nickel finish and it has not been touched nor has it been taken apart. It is what it is, and it has some interesting qualities about it for those of you out there that study these things and are “type” collecting army daggers. The hilt fittings are the generic “A” type with the exception that the pommel is not from this same late era. The pommel appears to be the type I show as “E” style on Page 115 of my Army book. This pommel is silver finished as opposed to nickel and it does have some lifting at the center area of the top as well as around the edges. It is a 12-leaf type and does show hand-rendering to the veins and to also the areas where there were casting flaws. But, at this late period, we have to think that any pommel would have done the trick. The pommel has never been off of the dagger and this is what came with it. The cross guard and ferrule are the typical later nickel style generic “A” variety. These fittings look very much like the ones shown on Page 89 of my Army book. They are in excellent condition throughout and have no flaws. The grip is an off-white plaster filled type. It gives a nice ivory look and is just slightly darker toned on the obverse than on the reverse. A good looking hilt here. The scabbard is also done in the nickel finish and it is straight throughout and in very fine, near mint condition. This scabbard looks to be the same as the one I show on Page 89, except that the screws are dome head on this piece and were flush mount on the book piece. At any rate, the bands appear the same, having excellent detail to the oak leaves and lots of hand-enhancing visible too. A very nice scabbard here. The blade of this example is installed with the reverse side upward. This blade is in full mint condition, having beautiful cross graining throughout and needlelike tip. The maker’s mark is the 2nd style trademark used by Spitzer. It is slightly smaller than the one I show on Page 60, but still has the same depiction. This trademark has a circle which encloses the prancing lion with flickering tongue and curved tail. Around the perimeter of the circle in block capital lettering is the name and location of the firm “C. GUSTAV SPITZER SOLINGEN”. It is also interesting to note that there are two newlike brown washers which separate the blade shoulders from the cross guard. This was probably the way pieces were made at this later period as the craftsmanship to fit them nicely may not have been there and this was an easy remedy. At any rate, these two washers are in place and have not been moved since the war. A good study here of an unaltered late period army officer’s dagger.
AOD #28434C DOUBLE-ETCHED ARMY OFFICER WITH IVORY GRIP
This beautiful army dagger is in untouched, as-found condition. It has a very desirable heavy patination over all of its silver fittings. The silvering is 100% throughout the hilt and scabbard mounts. The dagger is fitted with the generic “A” style fittings. You can see these fittings in my Army book on Pages 78 and 79. This eagle looks identical and is in choice condition, reflecting crisp details to the head, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised out swastika. The pommel is the matching type, having a good, smooth upper surface. There are a couple of extremely minor wearing signs around the pommel rim, but they are not nicks and are not a detract. This pommel has the traditional 12 standing oak leaves separated by acorns. The details are also outstanding throughout. This dagger is also equipped with a most beautiful genuine ivory grip. The ivory is different from the type used by Voos and other makers. In looking through my book, it appears to be most like the type that the Carl Eickhorn firm produced. This grip is very similar in rib construction, age toning and shape to the example shown in color on Page 11 of my Army book. The ivory has a nice golden hue on the obverse area and the reverse is not quite as golden. It is obvious the grip has been sitting in an upward position all these years. The grip appears to be nearly perfect throughout, having no chips and just one extremely small hairliner at the right side of the lower rib. There is an original aluminum army portepee wrapped around the hilt in the proper tie. This portepee shows no fray and is in excellent condition. Looking at the metal fittings, the portepee seems to have always been in place. The scabbard is also a generic variety. It is identical to the example I show on Page 120. This scabbard is straight as an arrow, having fine, even patination. The bands have excellent oak leaves in relief. The thin throat is retained by a single flush mount, headless screw in the reverse. A perfect-conditioned scabbard here. The blade is a magnificent double-etched specimen, being in full mint condition. The nickel plating is the best that you will see and the frosted backgrounds are 100%. This mirror finish blade easily rates in full mint condition. The reverse is etched with a floral pattern design known as arabesque. The obverse of the blade has the same etch but there is an open panel in the center which features an army eagle clutching a swastika in relief. The eagle is an art-deco design having 45° cut wings with plain detail to the head, breast feathering and wreath. The mobile swastika is highlighted by beautiful frosting in the rear, giving it the look of flotation. Below each wing, there is a sprig of oak leaves. This blade is the best condition you are likely to see and it appears completely factory fresh. The blade is identical to the examples seen on the Voos daggers. If you look in my book on Pages 133, 133 and 135, right-hand side, this blade is identical. The blade has been protected by an in-place larger size leather buffer. This is an investment quality piece here and the first time it has been offered in the United States.
AOD #28396 LATE ARMY OFFICER
This army officer was produced during the wartime period and has the nickel plated surfaces. The nickel has taken on a fine patination and is a desirable dull color throughout. The hilt fittings are the generic “B” type, as is shown in my Army book on Page 99. The pommel has no wearing signs along the rim and its top is perfectly smooth. The 14 standing oak leaves and alternating acorns are all there and have a good detail. The pommel is the style with stem in the center area. The cross guard is identical to Page 99. It features a noble eagle with outstanding detail to the brow, eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and raised swastika. The plating is still in perfect condition and exactly matches that of the pommel. The ferrule is the same as is shown in the book piece. The grip is an attractive off-white color, looking almost ivory. It is most likely the plaster filled variety but I don’t want to take this dagger apart, as it has not been disturbed since the war. The scabbard is nice and straight throughout, having exact patination to its nickel finish. This scabbard resembles the one that is shown on Page 92, right, of my Army book. The scabbard is straight throughout and still has good pebbled patterns. The bands have good detail to the overlapping oak leaf depiction. The throat is the thinner variety and it is retained by a single headless, center placed flush mount screw. The blade is nice and bright and still has its original cross graining. Other than just a few normal stains here and there, the blade is in near full mint condition. A nice blade here! The blade has been protected by an in-place, newlike brown leather small washer. This example was recently purchased from a Florida veteran and it is in completely untouched condition. This dagger has never been in a collection, nor has it been apart.
AOD #28340 UNTOUCHED ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn
This untouched army Eickhorn was recently purchased from a Veteran source. The cross guard and fittings are the 2nd style. This dagger does not appear to have ever been apart, nor has it been cleaned. These fittings have a nice patination which extends throughout the hilt and scabbard. The pommel cap is an outstanding example, showing no damage to the rim and beautiful silvering throughout. The standing oak leaves are crisp and impressive. The ferrule nicely matches. The cross guard is the same as is shown as on Page 25 of my Army book. This cross guard portrays a fine mobile eagle looking to the viewer’s left with full detail to his head, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised mobile swastika. There is a little bit of bubbling just at the left quillon, but no loss of silvering. There is also some minor freckling on the reverse of this cross guard, but again, the silvering is all in place and the very dark patination covers these flaws. The grip is an extremely dark example. This grip is as dark as a pumpkin and is in nice condition throughout. It is slightly lighter on the reverse and maybe in the areas where a once-present portepee was around the upper and lower sections of the grip. A nice looking hilt here. The scabbard is also a fine example, having perfect silvering and being identical to the ones I show on Pages 226 and 227. This fine scabbard has crisp pebbling and the bands are nicely done. The throat is the thicker variety, having a center-placed flatter style screw in the reverse upper area. The blade of this example is still bright, having all of its original cross graining and needlelike tip. There are a couple of extremely mild spots, but still, the blade easily rates in near mint condition. The reverse ricasso has the stamped 11935-41 squirrel trademark. This stamped mark is identified as 1940 wartime vintage. The blade is protected by an in-place, small style leather buffer. A nice army dagger here, and especially if you like the untouched pieces.
AOD #28174 ARMY OFFICER WITH EARLY OVAL TRADEMARK - Carl Eickhorn
This first style Carl Eickhorn is the same as I show in my Army Book, on page 24. It has all-brass hilt fittings, as well as scabbard. The fittings have totally perfect silvering throughout. The pommel is the very early 14-leaf variety. Each of the leaves has hand enhancing, and at the areas where the casting flaws occurred, the leaves are virtually hand engraved. It is very rewarding to look at this kind of period art work! The pommel top shows a little bit of usage, and a few minor hits along the ridge, but the beautiful patination pretty much covers it. It still gives the viewer a small glimpse into this dagger’s history of wear. The crossguard is in choice condition, easily being as nice as the piece pictured in the book on page 24. The patination is also a coal black, and really gives the details of this bird a great look. The head, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath, and raised swastika are all finely detailed. The rest of the crossguard has a fine smooth surface. The ferrule is the early style, just like in the book piece. The grip is an outstanding pumpkin colored orange. It is really beautiful, having ribs that run downward from right to left. This grip is in perfect condition. It has one little period hit in the surface of the third rib up from the bottom on the reverse, but it barely shows, and again, is more of a record of this dagger’s history than any kind of a flaw. The scabbard is as straight as an arrow. It also has perfect silvering and a beautiful rich patination. It is rare to see one of these brass based scabbards in this condition, as the material is quite fragile. The pebbled patterns in the surfaces are still crisp, and on these early scabbards the pebbles per inch are much more intense than the later types. The bands are beveled, just like the book piece, and they have fine hand engraving evident throughout. The throat is a thicker variety, and it is so early that Eickhorn was still using two side screws to secure the throat. Eventually Eickhorn would go to the single reverse screw method of throat retainage. The blade of this piece is as nice as we could imagine. It has mirror-like surfaces, and all of its cross graining is still visible. The needle-like tip is there. This outstanding blade is the type that would have a tapered tang, and I’m sure the next purchaser would find this to be the case if he chooses to disassemble this dagger. To me, I would rather leave it just as it is. The reverse of the blade ricasso is etched with the early small oval trademark used from 1933 to 1935. These ovals trap the firm’s name and location, “Carl Eickhorn, Solingen”. Inside is a seated squirrel, having a serrated tail. The small style brown leather washer is in place. A truly great dagger here for the “type” collectors out there, or for someone wanting to add an early oval to a collection. These daggers are quite rare with this blade, and extremely rare in this fine condition.
AOD #28168 ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn
This Army Officer has the stamped 1935 through 1941 trademark that was used during wartime, during 1940. We do not see this marking too often, so it makes daggers of this vintage slightly rarer. The hilt fittings are the 2nd Style. They are nicely patinated throughout, and are the same as is shown in my Army Book on page 25. The pommel is in choice condition throughout, showing no hits to the rim and fine detail to the 12 standing oak leaves with alternating acorns. The matching patinated crossguard is also a fine example, being the same as the book. This crossguard has excellent detail to the eagle’s eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath, and swastika. The ferrule is also the same as the book, nicely matching the patination. The grip is an orange example, being about the color of a tangerine. It is in perfect condition throughout, having slightly darker tones in the ridges of the ribs. A nice look here! The 2nd Style scabbard is also in good condition. It has only the most signs of age, still having perfect silvering throughout. The bands are excellent, being the same as page 25. This scabbard has a slightly lighter patination than that of the hilt fittings, but given time, it will all match. It looks as though someone cleaned this scabbard up a few years ago. The throat is retained by a single flat head reverse screw. The fine blade is as nice as you will see. It is mirror-bright, and has all of its cross graining. The needle-like tip is in place. As mentioned above, the trademark is the stamped 1935 through 1941 variety. The small leather washer is in place, protecting this mint blade. A nice Eickhorn dagger here.
Near Mint. $995.00
AOD #28040 ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn
This is an initial production Carl Eickhorn, having the 1st Style fittings. The fittings and scabbard are all of brass base, having fine silvered finish. The pommel cap is the style with 14-leaf depiction. There is much hand work to be seen enhancing these leaves, and the rim area shows little to no usage. The crossguard is the same as I show in my Army Book on page 24. The eye and the beak are still visible in the bird, as are the cross grains against the breast feathering of the bird’s chest. The wing feathering is crisp, the wreath is crisp, and the swastika inside is nicely vaulted with a good looking black background. The ferrule is the early style, the same as page 24. Beautiful silvering here, all with nice patination. The grip really stands out against the fittings, as it is a very pleasing pumpkin orange color. The color tones are the same on both sides, and this grip is in perfect condition. There is an original-to-the-piece Army 42 CM aluminum portepee still in the original tie. This knot shows just a tad of fray where it comes out of the cord, but otherwise, it is in nice perfect condition. A very fine hilt here! The silvered brass 1st Style scabbard is also a beauty, being in perfect mint condition, and having nice patination matching the hilt. The pebble pattern is the finer type, seen on these 1st Style scabbards. The bands are the convex type, having good detail to the oak leaves, and lots of hand work visible. The thick style throat is retained by two flatter head side screws. This early scabbard was made prior to Eickhorn adopting the one screw retainage method used later on. A fine scabbard here. The blade is as nice as you will see. It is completely mirror-bright, and has all of its crossgraining. There are a couple of extremely minor signs of smudge, but they are really nothing and could clean out with very little effort. This blade still rates in mint condition, having its needle-like tip and 100% crossgraining. It is a high quality blade, and is equipped with the early tapered style tang. The reverse ricasso features the double oval used from 1933 through 1935. These ovals trap the firm’s name and location, “Carl Eickhorn, Solingen”. Inside is a seated squirrel, having a serrated tail. The original small brown leather buffer remains in place. An extremely nice 1st Model Carl Eickhorn dagger here.
AOD #27157C PERSONALIZED ARMY DAGGER WITH DEDICATION - Robert Klass
The cross guard
of this example shows much hand-enhancing. It is the same as the
one pictured at the lower on Page 47. It is obvious to me that
the same in-house artist did both of these eagles. The feathering
throughout the open wings has been hand-cut and the breast feathering
and legs of the bird have had very close work performed for the
cross sectioning of these parts. The head has a fine eye and beak
design and the wreath itself also has hand done engravings. It
nicely accents the raised out mobile swastika which has lots of
black patination behind it. It is always fun to examine these
highly embellished cross guards. It is rare to see one with this
much hand work. Obviously, the chisler knew it was going to have
a dedication also so he did his best to add his expert influence.
The reverse of the cross guard has the three-line dedication all
in capital letters “ZUR BEFÖRDERUNG/Z. LEUTNANT/GEW.V.
2. ZUG”. This dedication would translate to “A GIFT
FROM THE 2ND PLATOON FOR YOUR PROMOTION TO LIEUTENANT”. Obviously,
the officer “RP” was promoted and received the dagger
from his underlings, who must have been proud of him. The ferrule
is identical to the same shown on Page 47. All of these mounts
have fine black background patinations. The grip is a deep egg-yolk
yellow color. It is in perfect condition throughout and is evenly
toned. The scabbard is a typical Robert Klass example. It has
all of its silvering and nicely matches the patination of the
hilt fittings. The pebble pattern is crisp and the oak leaves
of the carrying bands are nicely done. These oak leaves also have
hand-enhancing, and as is the usual for this in-house engraver,
the asterisk design has been added to the end portion of both
of these bands. This design can be seen in my Army book on Page
119. The thicker style throat of this example is retained by two
flatter head side screws. The blade of this example is a mirror
bright, nickel plated type. It has all of the mirror plating on
the obverse and on the reverse, the plating is just beginning
to thin a little on the center blade segment. It is minor, though,
and if the blade is kept out of the dagger from now on, it should
not get any worse. Other than this minor thinning, the blade remains
in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the kissing
cranes trademark. Beneath this is the firm’s name “Robt
Klass/Solingen”. The small leather blade buffer is in place.
A very fine example here, and difficult to find Army daggers with
not only a dedication, but the recipient’s initials on the
pommel also.
AOD #27959 ARMY OFFICER - Alcoso
This Army Officer shows some usage of the time, but overall, it is still in pretty good collectable condition. The pieces are the 3rd Style Alcoso, being the same as I show on page 21 of my Army Book. The pommel cap is the style that flares upward, and its perimeter is treated with alternating standing oak leaves and acorns. The pommel top shows a little bit of flaking to the plating, but it is very nominal. The crossguard is the same as page 21, lower. There is some wear to the bird’s head and breast feathering, but these features are still visible. The eagle’s outstretched wings have good feathering, and there is fine detail to the wreath and raised out swastika. The ferrule is the same as the book piece. The grip is a pleasing tangerine orange color. This grip is in totally perfect condition and looks very good. The scabbard is a fine matching example, having perfect silvering throughout. The bands are exceptionally nice, with lots of hand accenting to the oak leaves. The throat is retained by two dome head screws. A nice scabbard here, in near mint condition. The blade is a beauty, being nice and bright, and having most of its crossgrain. There is virtually only the slightest bit of age noticeable in this blade, but it still grades in near full mint. The reverse ricasso is etched with the scales, having the firm’s initials interspersed, “ACS”. Above the scales is the firm’s name in block letters, in an arch form, “Alcoso”. Below is the location town of “Solingen”. The large size brown leather washer is in place. A decent Alcoso dagger here, which is priced to sell, and will clean up nicely.
AOD #27775 DOUBLE ETCHED ARMY OFFICER
This is the
double etched variety that, if you can’t afford the Voos
type, the unmarked blade variety is what you want. This is a classic
example throughout and is of highest quality and choice condition.
The fittings are early silver type and they are the generic “A”
variety, the same as used by Voos. You can see these fittings
on Page 132 of my Army book. The pommel has a fine upper area
with good, crisp circumference around the top with no hits. The
12 standing oak leaves are all crisp, separated by upward pointing
acorns. The backgrounds of the leaves have good patination, as
does the upper portion of the pommel. The cross guard is the generic
“a”, featuring a fine looking eagle with good, crisp
definition to his brow, eye, downturned beak, breast feathering,
wing feathering, talons, wreath and raised mobile swastika. This
bird is every bit as detailed as its counterpart shown on Page
78 of my Army book. The ferrule is the matching type and is also
the same as Page 78. The grip of this example is an appealing
lighter orange color on the obverse, fading just slightly on the
reverse, but not much. As an added touch, there is some beautiful
graining which appears in the lower rib sections of the obverse
grip and runs up a little higher on the reverse grip. This graining
gives the grip a look of ivory. It was caused by something natural
though, as we don’t see it in most celluloid grips. This
grip is in perfect condition throughout and has much appeal with
this dagger. The scabbard is a good example, having excellent
silvered surfaces throughout and also has fine pebbling throughout
the panels. There are good looking carrying rings which have oak
leaves running toward the rings rather than away. Sometimes we
see this technique, and it is interesting to notice it when it
occurs. The oak leaves are in choice condition throughout and
have deep hand-done veining enhancement. The throat is a fairly
thick variety and it is retained by two flathead style screws.
These screws appear unturned, having a little bit of old cleaning
polish still clinging to their sides. There are also signs of
this old polish around the cross guard and pommel areas. People
used to use a product called “glass wax” to clean things
and quite often we see residue still left from this cleaner used
years ago. This scabbard still is in near full mint condition
and is straight as an arrow. The blade of this example is quite
beautiful. It is of quality nickel plated construction and it
is still mirror bright. The raised portions of the double etch
are really spectacular because of their crispness. The frosting
is also 100%, which adds to the fine creation of relief. The blade
is laid out with a center panel on the obverse, having floral
designs flanking it. The center panel features a raised out art-deco
style eagle which shows no feathering and grasps a plain wreath
with mobile swastika inside. The bird has sprigs of oak leaves
under each wing. An absolutely beautiful design here, being identical
to the blade etch I show on page 135 of my Army book. With this
particular etch, the arrow ends the last panel but then there
are two droplets which continue past the point. The reverse of
the etch eliminates the center panel and is covered with the floral
designs. This blade is in full mint condition and is guaranteed
to bring a smile to the face of even the most advanced collectors.
There is no sign of any lifting of the nickeling here, which often
we do see on these unmarked or Voos marked pieces. The blade has
been protected by an in-place brown leather washer. The tang of
this example is the style with the thicker type threads. I show
this style tang in my Luftwaffe book on page 237. We only see
this thicker style thread used on double-etch blades. The Luftwaffe
blade with this style large thread also has the droplets after
the point at the end of the etch. This is an outstanding textbook
dagger of investment quality. If you have been looking for one
that you don’t want to have to upgrade, this one should fill
the bill.
AOD #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.
AOD #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.
AOD #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.
AOD #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.
AOD #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.
AOD #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.
AOD #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!
AOD #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.
AOD #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.
AOD #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.
AOD #27032 ARMY OFFICER - 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.
AOD #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.
AOD #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.
AOD #25474 ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn
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.
AOD #25531 ARMY OFFICER WITH "OVER THE SHOULDER" LOGO - Carl Eickhorn
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. $995.00AOD #26467 ARMY OFFICER - Umarked Alcoso
Despite the
fact that the blade is unmarked on this Army Officer, all fittings
and scabbard are textbook Alcoso. The silvering throughout the
hilt fittings is excellent. The pommel cap is the style which
is flared outward, typical of this producer. This pommel cap has
a few wearing signs along the rim edges, but it is not bad. The
standing oak leaves are nicely done and have fine, pronounced
veins and acorns in between. The cross guard is the third type
used and is the most often seen. This cross guard appears on Page
21 of my Army book. As is often seen with this guard, most of
the details are worn from the head of the eagle. The breast feathering,
though, still remains as does the wing feathering, wreath and
raised swastika. The ferrule nicely matches and is identical to
the book example. The scabbard is the same as is shown on Page
121, far left. It is the thinner style used by this firm. The
pebble pattern is still very crisp throughout the panels. The
overlapping oak leaves are well done and have good hand-enhancing.
The throat is retained by two flatter head screws, the type of
which have a very small bore. The blade of this piece is nice
and bright. It has all of its cross graining and would be in full
mint condition were there not just a little bit of a ripple sign
at the very tip. Other than this, though, this is a very attractive
unmarked blade. The blade is protected by a large size leather
washer. This dagger is absolutely all Alcoso and probably was
produced for a specific run for the German army, thus the no maker
mark.
AOD #26738 ARMY OFFICER WITH SMALL DOUBLE OVAL LOGO - Carl Eickhorn
This Army Officer
dagger is of initial 1935 production. The hilt fittings are in
extremely fine condition, having a beautiful black patination
across them. The pommel is the very early style, being a brass
base. It features fourteen oak leaves with alternating acorns
running about its perimeter. Considering the age of this piece,
it is amazing that the rim of the pommel is also nearly flawless.
The upper part shows little to no wear. This pommel is the same
as the style “I” as I show on Page 116 of my Army book.
The cross guard is a matching beauty, also having all of the silvering
and choice dark patination. It is the same as Page 24. This cross
guard eagle has outstanding cross-checkering across its breast,
and its eye and beak also appear to be hand-done and still all
there. The outstretched wings, talons, wreath and swastika are
as crisp as the day they were made. Outstanding first style fittings
here! The ferrule is also the first style, the same as Page 24.
This grip is an extremely pretty dark orange color. It is even
darker on the reverse. The grip is in perfect condition, and very
pleasing to the eye. There is a very fine portepee wrapped around
the hilt in the early style tie. This portepee is a fine original,
most likely being the one that was worn with this dagger. This
portepee is in mint condition. The scabbard of this example appears
to be a WKC type, as the throat is retained by one flatter style
side screw. The scabbard itself, though, is a choice silvered
example and has exact patination matching the hilt fittings. It
does appear that this dagger has always been with this scabbard.
The bands very much resemble the type that are shown on Page 65.
They have outstanding, overlapping oak leaf depiction and have
been hand-enhanced to the veins. This choice scabbard, although
technically not the correct one, looks great with this dagger!
Attached to the scabbard rings is a fine set of Army hanging straps.
These straps have good, bright brocade fronts and high-pile green
velvet backs. The top clip is a plain style closed box clip. The
ovaled buckles still have their silvering with fine raised out
oak leaves. The slides have the same oak leaves, but have lost
most of their silvering and the push-in style pebbled snaps at
the lower, have signs of the original silvering, but most of it
is gone. Make no mistake, though, this is a fine set of hangers
and they go nicely with this dagger. The blade of this piece is
still nice and bright, has its original needle pointed tip and
has all of its cross graining. There is a slight amount of very
light smudge which appears around the center area of the obverse
and a tiny bit at the lower area on the reverse. With a little
work, this could be polished out, as the rest of the blade is
easily in a near full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is darkly
etched with the 1st trademark used on Third Reich Army daggers
by Eickhorn. This trademark is the double small ovals which enclose
the firm’s name and location “Carl Eickhorn Solingen”.
In the center is a seated squirrel having a serrated tail. The
small style brown leather washer is in place protecting this fine
blade. We do not see many Army daggers bearing this early double
oval trademark, as it was almost immediately changed to the 1935-41
example normally seen. This is a fine dagger for the “type”
collectors out there.
AOD #26437C ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn
This Army Officer
dagger has the classic type two fittings and scabbard. These fittings
are the same as I show in my Army book on Pages 25 and 26. The
pommel top has a good ridge, showing only the mildest of usage.
The upper portion of the pommel has a little bit of frosting still
evident at the very peak. The standing oak leaves are excellently
done throughout the perimeter. The cross guard features the good-looking
eagle preferred by Eickhorn. This bird has outstanding detail
to his brow, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath
and raised out swastika. The silvering is excellent throughout
this piece and there is also some mild frosting residue around
the ferrule. The ferrule is nicely patinated, exactly matching
the tone of these fittings. These fittings do not look to have
been cleaned since the war. The grip is a good-looking egg-yolk
yellow color. It is still in perfect condition. The scabbard is
the second style, the same as the book piece on Page 25. This
scabbard has still-crisp pebbled panels and the overlapping oak
leaf design bands are in choice condition. The upper area as well
as some of the areas around the bands have frosting matching that
of the hilt fittings. The thicker style scabbard is retained by
one center placed, flatter head screw in the reverse. The blade
of this example is mirror bright. It has all of its cross graining
and retains its needlelike tip. It is stamped with the 1935-41
trademark, but it is the small variety which is stamped rather
than etched. It is the same as the example I show in color in
my Army book on Page 151. This stamped trademark was known to
have been used in 1940. The original leather washer is in place
nicely protecting this fine blade. A good, untouched, uncleaned
dagger here.
AOD #26343 EARLY ARMY OFFICER - Unmarked WKC
This Early
Army Officer, although having an unmarked blade, is definitely
the work of the W.K.C. firm. The dagger has never been cleaned
and has an all-black patination throughout. In fact, the dagger
looks like it just came out of someone’s closet or cellar.
The pommel is the early style, being a brass base type. It has
fourteen oak leaves which run around its perimeter and there is
lots of hand-enhancing to be seen on the veins of these leaves.
The rim and upper surfaces of the pommel show some mild usage,
but no serious defects. The cross guard is the same as the example
I show on Page 65 of my Army book. This cross guard features a
good-looking bird with very close-grained breast feathering. The
detail is still there throughout his head, breast, wing feathering,
wreath and raised out swastika. The silvering is also completely
intact throughout this cross guard. The grip is one of the slant
types. It looks very similar to the grip I show on the W.K.C.
dagger on Page 64, right, or 63, right. This beautiful slant grip
is a deep orange pumpkin color and could not look better. It is
in totally perfect condition. Gracing the hilt of this nice piece,
is the original portepee. This portepee is completely set in place
in the Army tie. It shows some usage signs, but no fraying. The
aluminum at the lower bullion knot is nice and tight and of good
quality throughout. Nice portepee here! This is a very attractive
early hilt! The scabbard is the same as I show on Page 63, right.
This scabbard, though, has never been cleaned and therefore is
quite dark. It has excellent silvering and finely grained stippled
panels. The oak leaves on the scabbard bands also show hand-enhancing.
The throat is at the thicker style and, like the scabbard on Page
64, right, it has two screws which retain it. Other than a tiny
pinch at the very bottom of the chape, the scabbard appears in
perfect condition. The blade of this piece is also a beauty. It
is of high quality throughout and has choice 100% of the cross
grain remaining. It has needlelike tip and great, bright finish.
This blade is mint. It has the original tan colored new-like large
style leather washer in place. A really great Early dagger here,
despite the unmarked status.
AOD #26084C PERSONALIZED ARMY OFFICER - SMF
The SMF firm
produced a lot of Luftwaffe etched weapons, but their Army production
was very small. No one seems to know the reason for this, but
it is a fact, and most collections are missing this particular
brand. This dagger is identical to the example I show on page
56 and 57. It has some very nice extra work, which has been rendered
throughout the crossguard bird, but I’ll get to that in a
minute. The pommel is the early brass variety, having fine oak
leaves running around the perimeter. There are 14 of them, and
many of them show hand enhancing. The silvering is just beginning
to thin a little over the upper areas, but at the lower points
the silvering is fine. This pommel top also shows some mild usage.
The crossguard bird is the same as page 57, with the exception,
the tops of the wings (where they border) have hand done feathering.
This is a nice touch, and gives a deluxe look to the bird. The
unique bird has a very pointy beak, and the details to his head,
cross-checkered breast, wing feathering, wreath, and raised swastika
are still excellent. The reverse has been professionally engraved
with the original owner’s surname. Unfortunately, it is
quite a common name negating any research on this officer. It
is, “Müller”. The lettering is the Gothic type,
and is beautifully rendered. The grip is a pretty orange popsicle
color. It is the early “slant” type, which we seldom
see. The grip is nearly perfect on the obverse, having a hairliner,
which runs down from the top along the right edge, and a little
bit into the 4th and 5th rib. This hairliner is hardly noticeable,
however. There is also a small one at the lower right edge, down
by the ferrule. But from the obverse, none of this shows. The
scabbard is also a textbook SMF type, being the same as page 56
and 57. The scabbard is straight throughout, but does have some
mild age in the surfaces. The silvering is showing some wear,
particularly along the edges. The oak leaf bands have good hand
rendering throughout. The throat is retained by two flush-mount
headless screws. The blade of this example is still mostly bright.
It shows a little bit of smudge in the surfaces, which someone
has mostly removed a while ago. The needle-like tip is still
there, and all-in-all, the blade grades at about excellent plus.
The reverse is marked with the well known seated king trademark.
The king holds a sword pointing upwards, while he sits on the
initials of the firm, “SMF”. Below, in an arch shape,
is the location town of, “Solingen”. The large style
leather washer is in place. A pretty nice example here, of a
rarely seen Army type, and the personalization also makes it nice.
AOD #26079C PERSONALIZED ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn
This good looking
Army Officer example has the early style hilt fittings, all having
good silvering throughout. These fittings are the same as I show
on page 24 of my Army book. The pommel cap is the style having
14 leaf depiction. Each and every leaf has good hand enhanced
veins throughout. The pommel top shows some usage around the
edges, and a few taps into the surfaces, but if anything, it gives
it a sense of realism. The crossguard is in perfect condition.
It is the same as page 24. It has outstanding detail to the
early bird head, close checkered breast feathering, wing feathering,
wreath, and raised-out swastika. The reverse of the crossguard
is nice and smooth, and new-like, having a fine patina finish.
The grip still has a nice yellow look to it. It has a couple
of lighter spots, where it has been protected by the in-place
portepee. There are a couple of hairliners at the top right area,
and also the reverse center area, but they are not threatening
and are very small. The ferrule is the early type, the same as
shown on page 24. The portepee is an aluminum 42cm variety, having
just a little bit of slight fray, but hardly any at all. It is
the thicker cord style, and is still in the Army tie. The scabbard
of this example does not appear to be an Eickhorn type to me,
but rather it is the Robert Klaas version, as it has the well-known
asterisk carved into the ends of the bands. These bands really
look neat, as they have well veined oak leaves, but the plating
has worn from them, exposing the brass base underneath. It contrasts
nicely with the silvering of the scabbard. The scabbard is nice
and straight throughout, having a fine pebbled finish. The throat
is the thin type, and it is retained by two flush-mount headless
screws, however, one screw is missing on the right. (If you want
us to put one in for you, please let us know, and we will do so
for a small fee.) This Robert Klaas scabbard is similar to the
ones I show on page 48. The blade is a mirror-bright example,
having nice needle-like tip, and fine crossgraining in its surfaces.
There are a couple of very tiny smudges in the surface, but they
are not enough to keep it from its full mint rating, and I’m
sure these would clean out with minor work. Scratched into the
center segment of the blade obverse, is apparently the owner’s
name and his original profession. It is engraved, “Otto
Kahle Waffenmeister”. Apparently, Herr Kahle was a weapons
maker, prior to being drafted into the Army. The scratching is
very nicely done, but not particularly professional, but certainly
neat and precise, considering the hardness of these blades. The
reverse of the blade is etched with the 1935 through 1941, squirrel
trademark. The small leather washer is in place. A fine example
here, with some research possibilities.
AOD #27466 ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn
This Army Officer
does not look to have been ever cleaned and it has a very choice
dark patination across all of the silvered fittings. It is the
2nd type fittings and scabbard and is identical to the example
I show in my Army book on Pages 25 and 26. The pommel has one
tiny usage sign around the rim, but the upper portion is perfect
and flawless. The oak leaves which run around the circumference
are crisp and shiny black. The same is true of the ferrule below.
The Type 2 cross guard is a real beauty, having great definition
to the bird’s head, eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering
and wreathed swastika. The reverse of this cross guard shows just
the slightest of freckling in the surfaces, but the patination
covers it for the most part. There is also frosting evident in
the areas around the ferrule. The grip is a very beautiful light
orange color. This color is just the slightest bit darker on the
reverse. This grip is in completely perfect condition. The 2nd
style scabbard is also a beauty. It has 100% silvering, crisp
pebbling and is completely dent-free. The overlapping oak leaves
on the bands are crisp. The thicker style throat is retained by
a center placed, flatter head single screw. Beautiful scabbard
here! The blade of this choice example is as nice as you will
see. It is mirror bright and has all of the cross graining. It
is in mint condition and is darkly etched with the 1935-41 squirrel.
This squirrel holds a downward pointing sword. The leather washer
is in place. An extremely nice, untouched Army Officer dagger.
AOD #26090C UNCLEANED ARMY OFFICER
This outstanding
Army Officer dagger has choice early silvered finish, which does
not appear to have been cleaned since the war. The hilt and scabbard
have developed a fine dark even patination. The hilt fittings
are the generic “B” type, and are identical to the ones
I show on page 99, in my Army book. The pommel cap is the style
having 14 oak leaves around the perimeter, and the interior is
the threaded-stem variety. The oak leaves have outstanding definition
throughout. The crossguard portrays the mobile generic “B”
bird, exactly like the book piece. The details to this bird are
outstanding to his head, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering,
talons, wreath, and raised-out swastika. Beautiful hilt fittings
here! The ferrule is the same as the book example. The grip
is still the original nice lemon-yellow color. It has hardly
experienced toning at all. It would be in perfect condition,
except for a hairliner at the top obverse, and also at the reverse.
They are nothing, however, and are mostly covered by the in-place
42cm portepee. This portepee is still in fine condition, remaining
in its original tie. There is no fraying, and this knot looks
very good, being the thinner cord variety. The scabbard is the
same as the one I show on page 99. The pebble panels are still
crisp, and the bands are outstanding, showing good handwork to
the oak leafing. This mint conditioned, nicely toned scabbard
is a pleasure to gaze upon. The throat is the thinner variety,
and it is in a natural metal tone. This throat is retained by
two domehead side screws, which are unturned. The unmarked blade
is as nice as you will ever see. It is mirror bright, having
beautiful needle-like tip, and full factory pristine graining.
A mint conditioned example here! This blade has been protected
by an in-place, larger style leather blade washer. A very nice,
high-quality, dagger here.
AOD #25188 ARMY OFFICER
This Army Officer
is equipped with generic “A” fittings. These hilt fittings
are identical to the examples I show on Page 78 of my Army book.
The pommel and cross guard have outstanding silvering and they
are beginning to develop a nice patination. The pommel top is
perfect, as are the edges of the rim. The oak leaves running about
the perimeter are finely detailed, and have a nice black background
giving good accent. The cross guard is in outstanding condition,
having perfect detail to the noble eagle’s head, checkered
breast, wing feathering, wreath and raised out swastika. This
cross guard is a beauty. The ferrule is identical to the one shown
on Page 78, and this fitting also matches perfectly. The grip
is a beautiful candy stick-looking type, having a darker egg yolk
color but also having some brown subtle swirls in the tones. The
grip is slightly darker on the reverse than the obverse, and,
I must say, it is quite beautiful throughout. Other than two very
tiny hairline cracks at the obverse left and reverse right, this
grip is in pristine condition. A fine hilt here. The scabbard
is the typical generic type, being identical to Page 120. This
scabbard is straight throughout and has good silvering with only
the most modest of age visible anywhere. The pebbling is still
crisp. The bands feature good looking oak leaves and the throat
is a thinner type, having a center-placed flush mount headless
screw retaining it. The blade is nice and bright, having a needlelike
tip. This blade is a high-quality example, having a bright nickel
finish. The plating is perfect, and the blade easily rates in
mint condition. It is protected by an in-place leather washer.
It is the type of washer that is too big for the blade shoulders.
(We see these, for some reason, used all the time). The age and
pressure against the leather apparently keeps it in place against
the recessed cross guard. I am sure Army type collectors have
also seen these type of original leather washers. A fine example
here, and a good one for someone looking for a nice display dagger.
AOD #27336 ARMY OFFICER - Richard Herder
This is a classic
wartime produced Richard Herder dagger. It is identical to the
example I show in my Army book on Page 31. This example is textbook
in every way. The hilt fittings are the late wartime nickel plated
type. They are the generic “b” variety, being identical
to the cross guard I show in full length on Page 100. The pommel
is in good condition having intact plating throughout. It has
one wearing hit on the rim edge, but it is nothing. This is the
14-leaf variety pommel that we normally see with the generic “b”
cross guard. It is a style that has the threaded separate stem
in the center inner area. The ferrule nicely matches the plating
and texture of the pommel. The generic “b” cross guard
is as nice as the book example. There is some minor age evident
under the plating of both of these fittings, but this is almost
a normal sight on these late-made fittings. The details are all
there to the mobile bird’s head, breast feathering, wing
feathering, talons, wreath and raised mobile swastika. Contrasting
with these nickel fittings is a fine dark orange grip. This grip
is as orange as a pumpkin on the obverse, turning slightly lighter
to that of an orange fruit on the reverse. This grip is in totally
perfect condition and really looks great. The straight scabbard
is the generic variety, being identical to the one shown on Page
31. The late nickel plating exactly matches that of the hilt.
The pebble pattern is still nice and crisp. These scabbards were
the ones that the Spanish copied exactly on the army daggers made
as reproductions in the 1970s. The bands on this example are in
excellent condition; the upper one retaining all of the plating
while the lower one has most of the nickel plating gone and is
down to the gray metal. The detail, though, is still all there
and this is something we see quite a bit on late produced pieces.
The blade of this example is nice and bright and has all of its
graining. This blade still has its needlelike tip and is in mirror
bright, mint condition. The reverse has the double oval trademark,
the same as is shown on Page 31. The ovals trap the firm’s
name and location “Rich.Abr.Herder Solingen”. Inside
is the diamond shaped logo used by this producer. The brown leather
washer is the large type and it has a pebbled finish. A nice example
of a late-produced, hard to find maker.
AOD #22304 ARMY OFFICER
This Army officer
is equipped with fittings that we seldom see. I’m not sure
of who actually made them but I do show the crossguard style in
my Army Book on page 40. In the book, this crossguard is fit to
a Hörster dagger, but the Hörster company also bought
many parts from other producers. Whatever the pedigree of this
crossguard, it is a fine example and a definite “must”
for those out there collecting by “type”. The pommel
is also a beauty being very similar to the Pack styles we see.
This pommel looks identical to the one shown on page 51, except
it is finished in silver plating which has patinated to nicely
match the crossguard. This pommel has fourteen oak leaves which
run around its base, each and every one being hand-enhanced. There
is also dot patterns put into the plain areas above the leaves.
The top of the pommel shows just the most nominal of usage and
all silvering is intact. The crossguard features a vulture style
head on the eagle. The details are quite good and the breast feathering
is finely checkered. The wreath has good detail and the swastika
is nicely raised out. This bird, as indicated above, is identical
to page 40. The ferrule is also the same as is shown on the book
piece. The reverse of the crossguard has the original owner’s
initials lightly scratched into the reverse. They are, “WH”.
The grip is a beautiful darker yellow type which is lighter on
the reverse. It is about the color of an egg yolk. This grip is
in totally perfect condition. The scabbard looks identical to
the example shown on page 41 with the exception of the throat
screws. This scabbard has the same style carrying bands and pebble
patterns. It is straight, except for just a tiny carrying sign
at almost the bottom obverse. It is nothing, however. The silvering
has just the slightest bit of under-the-surface movement on the
edges, but none is missing. The throat is a thicker style and
it is retained by two dome head screws. The blade of this piece
is a real beauty. It is completely bright throughout having outstanding
factory graining visible throughout its surfaces. It still retains
its needlelike tip. This blade is easily in a mint condition.
The large size brown leather blade buffer is in place. A fine
dagger for the “type” collectors out there. I do not
remember having these fittings since the piece I featured in my
Book some ten years ago.
AOD #26082C ARMY OFFICER WITH SIMULATED IVORY GRIP
This beautiful
Army Officer dagger is of high quality construction throughout.
The fittings are the generic “A” variety, identical
to the examples I show on page 78 and 79, of my Army book. The
fittings are beautifully patinated, and do not look to have been
cleaned in many years. The pommel is the 12-leaf standard variety,
we see with generic “A” crossguards. The leaves are
nicely detailed, with good black backgrounds. The pommel top shows
little usage, and good crisp rim. The crossguard is also a beauty,
being the same as page 79. This beautiful bird shows no wear and
has outstanding detail to the head, breast feathering, wing feathering,
wreath, and raised-out swastika. The ferrule above is the same
as page 78. The off-white grip is very beautiful, being the identical
color of ivory. It has simulated graining, which runs evenly throughout
its surfaces. If you did not take the grip apart, you would swear
it was a real ivory example. Unlike many of these plaster-filled
grips, there is no tell-tale molding line along the edges. A very
beautiful hilt here! The scabbard is the generic variety, being
identical to Page 120. This scabbard is highly patinated and exactly
matches the hilt fittings. This scabbard is in completely perfect
condition and easily rates mint. The scabbard has a thinner throat
and it is retained by a headless flush mount single screw in the
center reverse. The blade is as nice as they come. It is an unmarked
variety with mirror bright finish. This full mint blade easily
has all of the cross graining in its pleasing surfaces. The blade
is protected by a large type black leather blade buffer. A very
beautiful dagger here, and these simulated ivory grip types should
be part of every advanced Army “type” collection. This
one is a real killer!
AOD #27500 ARMY OFFICER - Rudolph Büchel
This army officer
is of most likely wartime construction, as it reflects both silvered
parts as well as a nickeled cross guard. It comes from a Veteran
source, so it is what it is. The pommel is a fine silvered example
showing nearly all the plating except for the sharp areas around
the rim where a little bit of the white metal base shows. The
top of the pommel has all silvering and the standing oak leaves
are in excellent condition, having good blackening around the
surfaces. The entire pommel is nicely patinated and matches the
finish of the silvered scabbard. The cross guard is the nickel
plated generic “b” variety being identical to the Büchel
piece I show in my Army book on Page 102. The ferrule is also
the same as the book piece. The grip of this example is a very
rich, deep colored orange on the obverse. It has a pleasing sheen
to the surfaces. The reverse is also quite lovely, having a slightly
lighter color orange, but not yellow. This fine grip is in perfect
condition. The scabbard, as mentioned above, has a good silver
finish. The pebbling is nicely done and the scabbard is straight
throughout. The bands have excellent overlapping oak leaves and
acorns. In fact, this scabbard is identical to the one that I
show with the Büchel piece in my book on Page 102. The throat
is a fairly thick variety and it is retained by two dome head
screws which are located fairly far down, just like the book piece.
It is also interesting to note that the screw on the right edge
is slightly lower than the example on the left edge, also the
same as the book piece. This is a nice scabbard here! The blade
is also a beauty. It is mirror bright and has 100% of its cross
graining. It shows virtually no age and has good needle point.
This blade is in mint condition and is a pleasure to gaze upon.
The reverse ricasso is etched with the oval trademark of this
company. The firm’s name and location is in block letters
around the circumference, “Ruldolph Büchel Solingen
- Merscheid”. Inside is a series of geometric figures, all
within each other. There is an oval, a diamond and a 4-pointed
star grouped together and in the center is a large “b”
letter with the letters “r” and “s” on either
side. The original large size brown leather blade buffer is in
position. A nice army dagger here for those out there collecting
“types”.
AOD #27817 ARMY OFFICER
This wartime
produced army officer bears the nickel plated finish throughout
the hilt and the scabbard. The fittings are the generic variety,
being the “a” style. These fittings and scabbard are
the same as is shown in my Army book on Page 87. The pommel top
has good nickel plating, showing a little bit of carrying time
at the top area of the pommel. The standing oak leaves are in
good condition throughout. The cross guard eagle has excellent
detail to his brow, eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering,
wreath and raised swastika. The plating is also good to this fitting.
The ferrule is the same as the book piece, reflecting perfect
plating. The grip is the late war style off-white celluloid variety.
This grip is filled with plaster, an economical method used during
the war. By filling the grip with wet plaster, it was an easy
task to position the grip over the blade tang, requiring no additional
fitting. Once the plaster dried, the product was set in place.
The scabbard is a matching nickel plated type, being in perfect
condition. This scabbard has 100% plating and is straight as an
arrow. This generic style mint scabbard has a thin throat and
a flush mount, headless retainer screw in the reverse. The blade
of this example is still bright, having most of the cross graining.
There are a few in-and-out marks toward the lower end of the blade
and also a tiny bit of smudge, but it is not really anything to
detractive. This blade easily grades excellent plus plus and may
clean to near mint. The blade has been protected by an in-place,
large size leather washer. A good starter dagger here, or a nice
one for someone looking for wartime production in good condition.
AOD #27835 WARTIME ARMY OFFICER
This army officer
was built during wartime and thus, has the nickel plated generic
“a” fittings. These fittings are the same as I show
on Page 87 of my Army book. The pommel has excellent detail throughout
the standing leaves and the perimeter shows little carrying wear.
The cross guard is a generic “a” variety, the same as
Page 87. It has good plating throughout the obverse, with just
a hint of age on the reverse, but nothing that wouldn’t come
out. The ferrule nicely matches the hilt parts. The grip on this
example is a solid off-white type which does not appear to be
the plaster filled variety, as it looks very solid from the outside.
This is a very fine grip, being in perfect condition showing some
signs of age, fading and lightening in the finish. The generic
scabbard is the same as the pictured example. This scabbard has
perfect nickel finish with the traditional generic style carrying
bands. The scabbard is in a full mint state. The throat is a thinner
type being retained by a headless, flush mount screw in the reverse.
The unmarked blade is as nice as you will see. It has mirror finish
with 100% of the original cross graining. It is nicely formed
and has fine, needlelike tip. This blade is in full mint condition.
The washer is a lighter tan color and appears newlike. This dagger
has never been apart. It was recently purchased from a gun dealer
who found it in with a collection he purchased. This is a nice,
good quality wartime piece.
AOD #27729 EARLY ARMY OFFICER
This is a high-quality,
early produced army officer having the generic “b” style
fittings. These fittings are the same as I show in my Army book
on Page 99. The pommel and cross guard have never been cleaned
and have a fine, black patination. The pommel has good formation
throughout, showing little carrying time to the edges. The standing
oak leaves are the 14 variety type and this pommel is the style
which will have the threaded stem in the center. This style pommel
seemed to always come as a set with the generic “b”
cross guard. This guard is as nice as the one that is shown in
the book. It has outstanding detail to the bird’s noble head,
breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised swastika.
The silvering is perfect and nice and black. The ferrule is the
same as the book piece, also having good patination. Contrasting
beautifully with these dark fittings is a tangerine color orange
grip. This grip is in perfect condition throughout and is just
a tad lighter on the reverse. A beautiful, high-quality hilt here.
The matching scabbard also has all the silvering and it appears
as though whoever produced this piece purchased this scabbard
from Carl Eickhorn. This is a 2nd style Eickhorn scabbard, but
since the black patination exactly matches that of the hilt, there
is no question the scabbard has always been together with the
dagger. The pebble pattern is still crisp and the scabbard shell
is straight as an arrow. The throat is the thicker style and it
is retained by one center-placed reverse screw. A mint scabbard
here. Taking the dagger out of the scabbard is also a treat, as
the blade is a high-quality nickel plated type. This blade has
a mirror finish throughout with needlelike tip. It is easily in
full mint condition. It is most impressive and has been protected
by an in-place, small size tan leather washer. A fine quality
army dagger here, despite the unmarked blade.
AOD #27830 ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn
This army officer
has all 2nd style Eickhorn fittings and scabbard, being the same
as I show on Page 25 of my Army book. The pommel and cross guard
are outstanding. The pommel still has the original frosted finish
at the upper top area and there are no hits around the circumference.
The standing oak leaves are in excellent condition, having black
backgrounds. The cross guard also has choice silvering. There
is a little residue from the old “glass wax” polish
that was used by our mothers to clean windows and silver. This
residue is throughout the recesses of the eagle as well as the
under qullion areas, but it could be cleaned out easily enough
if someone wanted to do it. I personally think it gives some nice
character to the dagger. The ferrule is also nice and dark, being
the same as Page 25. The grip, though, really sets this dagger
off. The obverse is an extremely deep pumpkin color. It has very
rich tones to it, being just the slightest bit lighter at the
top and bottom where, apparently, there was a portepee worn with
this example. The reverse is just a slightly lighter color orange
but still a good, deep tone. The scabbard is straight throughout,
having excellent pebbled finish. The scabbard bands have the overlapping
oak leaf configuration. This straight scabbard is in mint condition,
having patination matching the hilt fittings. The thicker style
throat is retained by a center placed flathead style screw. The
blade of this example, when I acquired it from the son of a Veteran,
had lots of old, dried up grease on the surfaces. At first, I
thought the blade was in mint condition, and it is all the way
down to the tip area, but, underneath the old, hardened scum,
there was some deterioration to the blade surfaces. These look
as though they were water droplets or some type of moisture. Unfortunately,
it spoiled the blade a little, but, still, 85% of the blade is
in perfect, mint condition, being mirror bright and having all
of the graining. The needlelike tip is also still there. The reverse
ricasso is dark etched with the 1935-41 squirrel trademark. This
blade is protected by a small style leather washer. A nice Eickhorn
army dagger here, not being perfect but it is priced accordingly.
AOD #25745 ARMY OFFICER - No Maker
This Army Officer
dagger is in nice condition, having very fine silvered fittings.
It features the generic "A" style fittings and these
are the same as I show on Page 78 of my Army book. The pommel
and cross guard are deeply patinated and perfectly match. This
pommel has almost no wearing signs to the upper surfaces and has
good detail to the standing oak leaves. The cross guard is an
outstanding example, having perfect silvering The ferrule is the
same as is shown on Page 78 and has matching patination. The grip
of this example is a pleasing yellow color, being exactly like
that of a grapefruit. The tones are even colored throughout the
obverse and reverse and this grip is in perfect condition. The
scabbard is one of the generic types also. This scabbard has perfect
silvering and nicely matches the patination of the hilt fittings.
It is straight throughout and has crisp, pebbled panels. The bands
are particularly nice, having outstanding hand-enhancing to the
oak leaves. This hand-enhancing is very well done and extremely
noticeable. The silvering to this scabbard is in mint condition.
The throat is retained by a single flush mount, center placed
screw in the obverse. (Sometimes we see period obverse mounted
screws on later scabbards.) A nice scabbard here! The blade is
a fine, bright example, having all of the original cross graining.
This blade is about as nice as you will see and it is in mint
condition. It has been protected by an in-place large style leather
washer. A fine dagger here.
Uncleaned, Mint Minus. $695.00AOD #25813 PERSONALIZED ARMY OFFICER - Alcoso
This Alcoso
Army Officer is a textbook example and has been meticulously cleaned
by the previous owner. The dagger is identical to the type I show
on Pages 21 and 22 of my Army book. The silvering throughout these
hilt fittings is perfect. The pommel cap is the flared out upward
type. It has beautiful standing oak leaves which are separated
by acorns running about the perimeter of the pommel. At the top
area, it shows only the most modest of wear. Beautifully and professionally
engraved at the upper pommel surface is the original officer’s
monogram, “A.L”. These letters have been enhanced with
double-spacing and the areas in between the double scribing have
been perfectly shaded. Although there is not enough here to do
any research, this monogram certainly does give a good look to
this dagger. As most collectors know, pommels with initials are
quite rare to encounter. The cross guard is the third style used
by this producer, being identical to Page 21, lower. The guard
features a bird looking to the viewer’s left, but still having
the detail to his eye and beak area (this is often missing on
Alcoso cross guards of this vintage). The detail is also still
there to the breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised
out swastika. The matching silvered ferrule is the same as Page
21. The dagger is equipped with a fine looking, deep orange grip.
This grip is about the shade of a pumpkin. It is in perfect condition
throughout. The matching Alcoso scabbard is the traditional type,
being the same as Page 23, right. This scabbard is straight throughout
and has perfect silvering with no lifting or problems. The pebbled
panels remain crisp. The oak leaves to the carrying bands show
good hand-enhancing. The throat is retained by two flathead side
screws, being the small bore variety used by this producer. The
blade is a beauty. It is bright and mint throughout, retaining
its needlelike tip and full cross graining. The reverse ricasso
of this mint blade is etched with the scales trademark. The scales
have the firm’s initials, “ACS”, interspersed.
Above the scales in an arch shape, is the block-lettered name
of the company, “Alcoso”. Below is the location of the
firm,” Solingen”. The blade has been protected by a
large style brown leather washer. A very fine dagger here in top
condition.
AOD #25766 ARMY OFFICER WITH "HI-LIFT" GUARD - Alcoso
This Army Officer
is the desirable “hi-lift” guard style. It is identical
to the example I show on Page 22 of my Army book. The fittings
throughout this piece reflect 100% silvering and really look good.
The pommel is the typical flared style used by this firm. The
upper areas of the cap show little usage. The sides reflect the
standing oak leaves and acorns in relief. Each has deep accent
veining. The cross guard features the bird with the upper wing
area vaulted outward. It gives the look that the bird is about
ready to take off from its position guarding the cross guard.
This bird has excellent detail remaining to his head, breast feathering
and open-wing feathering. The wreath shows a little bit of wear
and the swastika is okay. The bird is identical to the depiction
shown on Page 22. The ferrule also matches the photograph. This
dagger is equipped with an off-white grip. The grip is in perfect
condition throughout and is the type which is plaster-filled.
The scabbard is nice and straight with the exception of a tiny
stone type ding near the bottom. It is very minor, however. The
silvering is perfect throughout the scabbard. The bands are the
same as is shown on the piece on Page 22. The thinner style throat
is retained by a reverse screw. There is no groove in the reverse
screw as apparently it was removed when the factory originally
fitted the dagger to this scabbard. The blade is nice and bright
throughout, having a needellike tip. It also has all of the cross
graining. There are a couple of small scars on the center blade
edge where the runners were pressed up against the blade. Other
than this, the blade is in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso
is etched with the sideways style trademark. This was the last
trademark used by this company. It features a set of scales with
the firm’s initials interspersed “AWS”. To the
right of the scales is the firm’s name written in script
“Alcoso” over “Solingen”. A large style leather
washer is in place. A nice example here of a “Hi-Lift”
dagger.
AOD #25562C EARLY ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn
This early
Army Officer by Carl Eickhorn was probably made about 1936. It
is the same as the dagger I show on Page 24 of my Army book. All
fittings are in perfect silvered condition and are nicely patinated.
The pommel is the second style and it has little signs of usage
throughout the edge of the rim. The upper area is also in nice
condition. The sides of the pommel have perfect standing oak leaves
with acorns in between. The cross guard is a choice first style
example exactly like the book piece. The bird has still all of
the detail complete to his head, beak, breast feathering, wing
feathering, wreath and raised swastika. A beautiful cross guard
here. The ferrule is exactly like the book piece and matches nicely.
The grip has the look of a candy stick. It is a yellow-orange
color on the obverse and on the reverse is a more yellow tone.
There are also signs that a portepee was worn with this dagger,
as there is a distinct lighter color tone line that runs the length
of the left grip edge. Very interesting things here, and a fun-to-examine
dagger. This grip is about as nice as you will see and is in totally
perfect condition. The scabbard is also the early type and it
is of brass construction. The silvering is perfect throughout
the scabbard and the pebble patterns still remain crisp. The first
style bands are identical to the book piece. These bands have
excellent detail to the veining hand-enhancing throughout the
oak leaf construction. The throat is retained by a single flatter
head type screw placed in the center reverse. This scabbard is
in full mint condition and is patinated to exactly match the hilt.
The blade of this piece is indeed a beauty. It is completely mirror
bright and easily has 100% of the original graining. The needlelike
tip is there. This blade grades a full mint. The reverse ricasso
is etched with a dark 1935-41 Eickhorn squirrel depiction. The
small style leather blade buffer is also in new-like condition.
This dagger does not look to have been worn much. A real beauty
here, and a great one for the fussy collector out there just wanting
to have a nice Eickhorn to add to his collection. None better!
AOD #23491 EARLY ARMY OFFICER - WKC
This early
Army officer is of initial production, the fittings and scabbard
being of brass base silver-plated finish. The silvering still
remains perfect throughout this piece and, in fact, there is even
some frosting remnants here and there around the crossguard. The
beautiful pommel shows a little bit of true wear time, but not
much. It is the early fourteen-leaf type identical to the example
I show in my Army Book on page 61. This choice pommel is nicely
patinated and has hand-enhancement to each and every one of the
oak leaves. The oak leaves which fall along the two casting flawed
areas are both works of art. The plain areas above the leaves
have been hand peened. A great pommel here! The patination exactly
matches that of the crossguard and the scabbard. This crossguard
reflects the initial eagle motif used by this prestigious company.
It is identical to page 61 having all details to the intricate
breast feathering, eye, beak and head areas of the bird. The vaulted
swastika looks great within the hand rendered wreath. The crossguard
silvering is 100% and has the initials of its original owner lightly
scratched into the reverse, "WD". The fine grip is a
deep pumpkin orange type being in perfect condition. This beautiful
deeply toned grip is just the slightest bit lighter on the reverse.
There is an original 42 cms aluminum portepee which looks like
it has always been with this piece. It is in the Army tie and
other than just a little fraying where the cording comes out above
the left crossguard arm, it is perfect. The scabbard is nice and
straight throughout showing just the slightest of usage signs.
Given that it is a brass-based type, though, it is remarkable
it has survived in this fine of a condition all these years. This
choice scabbard is the same as the one I show on page 61. It has
very fine pebbling which is different from the later vintages.
The throat is retained by two flathead screws as WKC did in the
beginning. (Later they went to just one.) The bands also reflect
handwork to the oak leafing. A great scabbard here! The blade
is the best you will see. This early blade has mirror bright surface
and easily 100% crossgraining. It retains its needlelike tip and
is mint. The reverse ricasso is deeply etched with the knighthead
over the firm's initials and location, "WKC Solingen".
The original large style brown leather washer is in place protecting
this great artifact. A very choice early WKC and perfect for the
Army type collectors out there.
AOD #23652 ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn
This example
does not appear to have been cleaned in some time. It is a textbook
Carl Eickhorn piece showing some wear from the period, but no
abuse. The second style fittings are the same as I show in my
Army Book on page 25, 26 and 27. The hilt fittings have good dark
patination evenly spread throughout. The pommel shows a little
mild wearing time, but its rim edges are still fairly crisp. The
oak leaves surrounding its perimeter are in excellent condition.
The crossguard is the second style being identical to page 25.
It has fine silvering throughout and has excellent detail to the
bird's head, beak, breast feathering, wreath and raised out swastika.
The ferrule is also the second style matching nicely. Contrasting
with these darker toned fittings is a choice deep colored orange
grip. This grip is about the color of a pumpkin and is just the
slightest tone lighter on the reverse. The grip is in perfect
condition. The scabbard is also a matching second style being
straight throughout. The silvering is still near 100% having just
a tiny bit of age noticeable in some of the pebble pattern between
the carrying bands and a little further down. This could easily
be erased however with a mild cleaning. The bands are good and
crisp and the throat is the thicker variety associated with this
producer. This throat is retained by a reverse mounted center
placed flat head screw. The blade remains nice and bright having
100% of its crossgraining. The needlelike tip is also perfect.
The etched 1935-41 squirrel logo is very dark. Other than some
slight in and out marks this blade remains in mint condition.
A good sound conditioned Eickhorn here.
AOD #23911 UNTOUCHED ARMY OFFICER - Alcoso
This Army Officer's
dagger is in untouched condition and quite honestly has been in
my personal collection since 1966. I originally bought this piece
from a coin dealer in the Moorestown Mall and since I liked it
so much I have kept it all these years. I no longer need it and
it is time to move it onto someone else who would like a nice
Army example. This piece, to my knowledge, has never been apart,
nor has it been cleaned. Although it is an Alcoso dagger, it is
fitted with the generic "A" style hilt fittings identical
to page 79, upper of my Army Book. The pommel and crossguard both
still have much of the original lacquer coating across their surfaces.
Black patination, however, has appeared throughout, but you can
easily see where the lacquer remains. The pommel shows just a
nominal amount of usage at the very top, but its rim is still
nice and smooth. The standing oak leaves are in excellent condition.
The crossguard eagle is as nice as the book example. It shows
no wear having perfect condition to the eagle's head, breast feathering,
wreath and raised out swastika. There is lots of lacquer remaining
on the reverse and upper portions of this guard. The grip is one
of the plaster filled types. It is a appealing off-white color.
It is in perfect condition throughout. The grip is wrapped with
its original 42 cms portepee. This portepee has never been off
the dagger and is tied in the original regulation method. It shows
some fray where the cording comes out of the knot and also on
the reverse where it rubbed the original wearer's tunic a little.
If anything, it gives lots of character to this piece and is a
testament of the time period the dagger has been carried through.
The scabbard is also a real beauty being jet black. It is a textbook
Alcoso type having the identical band style as is seen on the
piece on page 22, upper. This scabbard has crisp pebble design
and is easily in full mint condition. It is entirely black, however,
and really looks good with the matching hilt fittings. The throat
is retained by the flathead style Alcoso screws which are unturned
and have the small bore threading. The blade of this piece is
nice and bright throughout and easily has all of its crossgraining.
There are a couple of very light age stains here and there, but
I don't think they're bad enough to worry about as they look the
same now as they did some forty years ago when I first acquired
this dagger. This blade is easily in near full mint condition.
The reverse is marked with the Alcoso trademark featuring the
arch shaped block style lettering over top of the scales. The
scales have the firm's initials, "ACS" interspersed.
Below is the producing town of Solingen. The large style brown
leather blade buffer is in place. This is an extremely nice dagger
and I'm sure that the new owner will enjoy having it in his collection
as much as I have all these years.
AOD #27532 ARMY OFFICER - F.W. Höller
This army officer
example is a rarely seen Höller version which is identical
to the piece that I picture on Page 35 of my Army book. The cross
guard is identical to the pictured piece. All of the hilt fittings
have outstanding silver and they have developed a good patination.
It does not appear as though this piece has been cleaned in many
years. The pommel is as style which has 12 standing oak leaves,
but each one has hand-enhancing to the veins as well as the outside
perimeter. Also, there is some nice pebbling in the backgrounds.
This is a very fine pommel here. The ferrule is also a choice
example, being identical to the book piece. The cross guard eagle
has outstanding detail to the bird’s head. There is hand-done
enhancing to the brow, eye and beak area as well as hand-checkering
to the breast area. It is obvious to me that the same jeweler
worked on this piece as well as the book piece. The bird clutches
a wreathed raised out swastika showing lots of detail. Setting
off these fine silvered fittings is a most appealing orange grip.
This grip has turned a dark pumpkin color on the obverse fading
slightly to almost an egg-yolk color but still a little darker
than that on the reverse. This beautiful grip is in completely
perfect condition. The scabbard of this piece is also identical
to the book piece on Page 35. The pebbling is very close-grained
and the scabbard is straight as an arrow. The carrying bands are
treated with detailed oak leafing which has hand-enhancing to
the veins. The thinner throat is retained by one center-placed,
headless screw. This scabbard is in mint condition. The blade
of this example is also quite nice. It is bright throughout, showing
only the most modest signs of in-and-out wear but still grading
easily in near full mint condition. It retains its needlelike
tip. The reverse ricasso is etched with the double ovals which
trap the firm’s name and location “FW Höller Solingen”.
Inside is the thermometer trademark having too many digits to
ever count. The larger size leather washer is in place. A very
fine dagger here for the “type” collectors out there,
or just for someone who wants to add a nice piece to his collection.
AOD #27519 ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn
This army officer’s
dagger was recently Vet purchased by me and it does not appear
to have been cleaned since the war. It is equipped with the 2nd
style fittings and scabbard. This dagger is the same as I show
in my Army book on Pages 25 and 26. The silvering beneath the
patination is in first rate, 100% condition. The pommel is still
nice and crisp with its standing oak leaves running around its
perimeter. There are no wearing hits to the edges. The cross guard
is also in great condition. The eagle is crisp, having perfect
details to his eye, beak, brow, breast feathering, wing feathering,
talons, wreath and raised swastika. The ferrule is also the proper
matching variety, being the same as Page 25. These dark shiny
fittings are set off by a most beautiful color. The grip is a
beautiful lemon yellow color, being in totally perfect condition.
This color almost looks like stick candy, having much appeal.
The scabbard of this example is the 2nd variety. Its patination
and silvering exactly match the choice condition of the hilt fittings.
This scabbard is straight throughout and is in full mint condition.
The bands have excellent detail to the overlapping oak leaves.
The throat is the thicker type and it is retained by a center
placed flathead screw. The blade of this example is nice and bright
throughout and has all of its cross graining. There are a couple
of extremely minor age stains in the surfaces but I am sure they
would clean out easily enough with a little semi-chrome. The blade
still remains in mint condition with its needlelike tip. The reverse
ricasso is dark etched with the trademark used from 1935 - 1941
featuring the squirrel with downward pointing sword. The blade
has been protected by an in-place leather washer. A very fine
army officer dagger here and if you are only going to buy one
piece, this one should suit you fine.
AOD #27181C ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn
This army officer
is in top condition throughout and is a textbook example. The
dagger displays the 2nd style hilt fittings and scabbard, being
the same as I show in my Army book on Pages 25 and 26. The pommel
shows no hits along the rim and the upper area is also still in
choice condition with full silvering. It features the 12 standing
oak leaves which run around its perimeter. The cross guard is
a beauty throughout. The silvering is perfect and there are frosting
signs which are clinging about the ferrule area and also in the
recesses protected by the swirls of the quillon arms. The cross
guard eagle is in choice, crisp condition with fine detail to
the brow, eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons,
wreath and raised out swastika. The ferrule features the crossed
oak leaves identical to Page 25. This dagger is equipped with
an appealing grip, being the color of a butterscotch candy stick.
This grip has slightly deeper tones in the recesses of the ribs,
giving this candy-like look to the surfaces. A very fine hilt
here which has a deep patination across its surfaces. The 2nd
style scabbard matches the patination exactly. The silvering is
totally perfect throughout and this scabbard also has frosting
apparent around the edges, around the throat and also on the areas
protected by the bands. The bands have excellent detail to the
overlapping oak leaves. The thicker throat is retained by one
center placed, flathead screw. A fine, mint scabbard here. The
blade is also as nice as you will ever see. It is mirror bright,
having fine needlelike tip. This blade has 100% of the original
cross graining still in its surfaces. The reverse ricasso is darkly
etched with the trademark used from 1935-41. It features the squirrel
holding a downward pointing sword. The small style leather washer
is in place. If you are looking to buy just one army dagger, this
one should fill the bill. It really has everything!
AOD #26158 ARMY OFFICER - WKC
This Army Officer
is a fine example, being nicely patinated throughout and almost
looking in unissued condition. There is lots of frosting still
throughout the scabbard and hilt fittings. This is a classic WKC
piece and is identical to the examples I show on Pages 64 and
66. The pommel rim is still crisp, and the upper part is in full
silvered condition, having about 80% frosting. The standing oak
leaves are crisp, having good black backgrounds. There is frosting
evident throughout the pedestal of this pommel. The cross guard
is the hatchet beak eagle, exactly as per Page 66. This bird has
newlike, crisp detail to its head, eye, breast feathering, wing
feathering, talons, wreath and raised swastika. There is about
70% of the frosted finish remaining throughout this bard. The
ferrule is the same as Page 66 and this also has frosting. The
grip is a pleasing lighter orange color. There is a tiny sliver
that is missing from the upper obverse segment, but it is nothing
and is hardly noticeable. A portapee would easily cover this minor
flaw. Other than this, the grip is in completely perfect condition.
The scabbard is a textbook WKC. This scabbard has at least 95%
of the original frosted look in the silvering. The panels are
perfect and the bands are nicely detailed. As is the case with
WKC scabbards, the throat is retained by a single flatter head
style screw which is positioned on the right side. The blade is
as nice as you will see. It has a mirror finish with needlelike
tip and 100% cross graining. This blade is in mint condition.
The reverse ricasso features the etched knight’s head logo
beneath which is the firm’s initials and location, “WKC
Solingen”. The larger size bound leather washer is in place.
A fine dagger here for someone looking for something untouched
and in the best of condition.
AOD #26171 ARMY OFFICER - E. & F. Hörster
This Hörster
dagger is fitted with the classic mounts being the same as those
seen on Pages 40-43 of my Army book. As was often the case with
Hörster, the silvering is not as good as it could be and
there are areas throughout the mounts and scabbard where there
is some gray metal showing where the plating wore off. The pommel
has approximately 40% to 50% of the original plating. The upper
area has a crisp rim, but it is mostly gray on the top portion.
There is also some gray appearing on the raised lines around the
pedestal. The oak leaves have most of the silvering and still
look good. The cross guard has the style which very much resembles
the Eickhorn type. It is not though, it is the Hörster, and
it is the same as Page 43, upper. This eagle has outstanding detail
to his head, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and swastika.
The silvering is probably about 80% on this cross guard, beginning
to thin on some of the higher areas. The ferrule is the same as
Page 42 and this does have all silvering. The grip is a fine,
off-white example. It has a nice appearance to it, having the
wider style segments. Taking a look inside, it is the plaster-filled
type but the outside celluloid has a thicker coating than is normally
seen. A fine looking hilt here! The scabbard is the generic variety
and is identical to Page 120. Apparently, Hörster did the
silvering on this example, too, as there is a little bit of gray
metal which shows through on the high points of the oak leaf bands.
The scabbard shell, though, still is in perfect condition throughout,
having good silvering. The thin throat is held by one reverse
placed center-positioned screw. The blade is a beauty. It is nice
and bright and has all of its cross graining and is complete with
a needlelike tip. This blade is mint. The reverse ricasso is etched
with the familiar logo of this company. It consists of two ovaled
circles which contain the firm’s name and location “E
& F Hörster Solingen”. Inside is a large “h”
letter with smaller “h” and “s” letters being
pierced with a sword. The leather blade washer is in place. A
fine textbook Hörster dagger here. These are not all that
common to find.
AOD #26092C ARMY OFFICER WITH GLASS GRIP - Carl Eickhorn
This Army Officer
is a traditional Eickhorn piece, having the Second style fittings.
They are the same as is shown on Pages 25 and 26 of my Army book.
The pommel is in outstanding condition, having good, crisp rim
and little use shown at the top area. The standing oak leaves
which surround the pommel are crisp and have excellent black backgrounding.
The Second style cross guard is as nice as the book piece shown
on Page 25. The eagle has perfect detail to the head, breast feathering,
wing feathering, wreath and raised out swastika. The ferrule is
the same as is shown on Page 25. The interesting part about this
dagger is the fact that it has one of the rarely seen “glass”
grips. This grip is the exact color of amber and is extremely
beautiful. This grip is about as perfect as you will ever see
with this material. There are a couple of tiny flecks missing
just where the pommel sits on the grip upper portion. The rest
of the grip is totally perfect - this is very unusual to see.
This is also very desirable! The scabbard on this example for
some reason is not an Eickhorn version. It appears to be a WKC;
however, this scabbard appears to have always been with this piece.
This scabbard is nice and straight and has a good patina in the
backgrounds. The panels have crisp pebbling and the overlapping,
oak leafed carrying bands have excellent hand-applied detail to
the veining. The throat is retained by a single flathead screw
at the right side. The next owner may want to swap this scabbard
out with someone who has a matching Eickhorn example, as there
would be no harm done here and, perhaps, two pieces could be put
totally right. On the other hand, it is possible that this scabbard
has always been with this dagger and came back from WWII this
way. Either way, the choice is up to the next owner. The blade
of this example is in choice, bright condition. Most of the graining
is still visible, and the needlelike tip is perfect. This blade
shows only the most modest of age and still grades at near mint
condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the 1935-41 squirrel
trademark. The brown leather washer is in place. An interesting
dagger here, and very rare with this fine glass grip.
AOD #26170 ARMY OFFICER WITH "HI-LIFT" CROSS GUARD - Alcoso
This is a fine,
classic “high-lift” Alcoso Army dagger. The pommel is
nicely patinated and has excellent detail to the oak leafing.
The rim shows a couple of minor carrying signs, but the top is
still in perfect condition. The cross guard is taking on a patina
and it features the “high-lift” wings on the bird. This
bird is the same as I show on Page 22 of my Army book. The detail
is fairly good to the bird’s head and breast feathering,
but is better to the wings, wreath and swastika. The patination
of this fitting gives an interesting effect to the swastika, as
it almost looks gold as it nestles within the wreath with dark
backgrounding. The ferrule is the same as Page 22. The grip is
a fine, deeper orange color, being just the slightest bit lighter
on the reverse. This grip is in complete, perfect condition. The
scabbard is a fine example, being nice and thin like the Alcoso
pieces usually will be. It has nice patination and good, sharp
pebbling. The scabbard bands are the same as those shown on Page
22, however, they are a brass color, contrasting nicely with the
complete silvering of the scabbard shell. The throat is retained
by a single, center-placed headless flush mount screw in the reverse.
Nice scabbard here! The blade is still nice and bright and has
most of its cross graining visible. It retains its needlelike
tip. This blade is in mint condition. It is marked on the reverse
with the last trademark used by this company. It features the
sideways placed scales having the interspersed initials of the
company “AWS”. To the right of the scales is the firm’s
name written in script over a block-lettered location town “Alcoso
Solingen”. The large size leather washer is in place. A fine
example here.
AOD #23465 ARMY OFFICER - Alcoso
This is a textbook
Alcoso piece and is identical to the example I show in my Army
Book on page 21. The crossguard is the third type used by this
firm. This guard still has fairly good detail but like most of
them it does show some wear to the head details as well as the
breast feathering. The wreathed swastika, though, is still nice
and crisp. I tend to think that this depiction was probably not
very crisp when these crossguards came out of the mold. All of
the silvering is there, however, and the guard has taken on a
nice patination matching that of the rest of the dagger. The pommel
is the typical flared out type being the same as those shown on
page 23. This pommel has good silvering throughout which is maybe
thinning a little along the rim. The oak leaves are very precise
and there is good blackening in the areas between and above them.
The ferrule is the same as is shown on page 22. The grip is a
fine orange example which is in perfect condition. It is a little
darker orange on the reverse than it is the obverse. There are
also signs of lighter coloring at the upper and lower portions
of the grip, an indication that it once had a portepee on it.
Also, this grip most certainly was a yellow color when it was
originally produced. This scabbard has 100% silvering and a matching
patination. It is straight throughout having fine pebbled patterns.
The throat is a thicker type and is retained by two side screws.
It looks identical to the example on page 23, right. The oak leafing
to the bands is nicely done with lots of hand-enhancing. Two small
bore flathead screws retain the throat. A very fine scabbard here.
The blade of this example is still nice and bright and has 100%
crossgraining. This fine blade retains its needlelike tip and
is in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the trademark
that was used from 1940. This logo consists of the
scales having the letters, "ACS" interspersed. Above
the scales in an arch shape is logo in the script style. Below is the town, "Solingen".
The original large size leather washer is in place and has nicely
protected this fine blade. A choice textbook Alcoso dagger.
AOD #23459 ARMY OFFICER - Richard Abr. Herder
This fine textbook
example is the same as I show on page 31 as well as page 99 and
100. The dagger has the generic "B" style fittings and
as is the case with most Herder army daggers it was probably made
after the war started. The generic "B" fittings are
the silvered type, though, not the nickel plated version. The
silvering is starting to fail on the high points of the pommel
perimeter rim as well as in a couple of areas on the crossguard
reverse. The pommel is the style which has the threaded stem inside.
The top has still fairly good silvering but it is beginning to
deteriorate and rates at maybe 90%. The perimeter oak leaves still
appear to have their silvering and they show good detail. The
fine crossguard generic "B" eagle is in perfect condition
on the obverse. This noble bird has full detail to his head, breast
feathering and wreath vaulted swastika. As mentioned above, the
reverse of the guard is deteriorating a little. It is interesting
to note that the original owner scratched his name in the reverse,
"Molz". Since this is a fairly unusual name it should
not be too hard of a project to research this past army officer.
The fine grip is a lighter color orange on the obverse fading
to a darker yellow on the reverse. The grip is quite beautiful
throughout and is in completely perfect condition. The scabbard
is also one of the later types. It looks as though it was silver
plated at one time but much of the plating is coming off and it
has an overall gray appearance. It is easy to see, however, it
is the original-to-the-piece example though. This scabbard is
identical to the one I show on page 131. Judging by the bands,
this scabbard was made by the Pack Company. The oak leafing to
these carrying bands is still crisp. There are still signs of
silver clinging around the protected area of the bands and also
at the lower area of the scabbard. The throat is retained by a
single placed, headless flush mount screw in the center reverse.
The blade is a fine example. It remains bright throughout and
has 100% of its original crossgraining. This fine blade retains
its needlelike tip and it is in mint condition showing almost
no age. This choice blade is etched on the reverse with the first
trademark used by this company. It consists of double oval circles
which trap the firm name and location, "Rich. Abr. Herder
Solingen". Inside is the diamond logo. This trademark is
the same as is seen on the example on page 31. The blade has been
protected by an in place new-like brown small leather washer.
A good textbook piece here that should be taken for what it is.
Wartime production demanded a downgrading of materials which were
used for daggers. To the collector this should not detract from
the dagger's intrinsic value, as it is what it is. A fine example.
AOD #23493 ARMY OFFICER - Carl Julius Krebs
This fine example
is very similar to the one I show on page 101 of my Army Book.
It is equipped with generic "B" fittings. The pommel
is the style which has the threaded stem inside. These fittings
have not been cleaned in some time and they are fairly black appearing
to have all silvering. There is some slight age movement under
the silvering but no lifting can be seen. The standing leaves
around the perimeter of the pommel are nice and crisp and the
pommel rim itself shows little carrying time. The crossguard bird
is a good looker being the same as the one I show on page 99 or
101. This bird has outstanding detail to his head, breast feathering,
talons, wreath and raised out swastika. The crossguard also shows
only the most minor of age but still has all silvering. The grip
is a good orange colored example which is slightly lighter in
the reverse and a little bit lighter at the top area which is
usually an indication it once had a portepee. At any rate, the
grip is in perfect condition. The ferrule is the same as the book
piece on page 101. The scabbard matches nicely having good silvering.
There are a couple of places where there is a tiny bit of lifting
but they are negligible. This scabbard is nice and straight and
is in near mint condition. It appears to be an Eickhorn scabbard
and it has the thicker throat which is retained by an in place
flathead screw in the reverse. The blade is a very fine example.
This firm normally nickel-plated their blades. This one has a
high quality plating and is still mirror bright and remains in
mint condition having its needlelike tip. The reverse ricasso
is etched with a single ovaled trademark. This circle contains
the firm's name and location within its perimeter, "Carl
Julius Krebs Solingen". In the center is depicted a crown
with the letter, "K" beneath. This mint condition blade
has been preserved by an in place small style brown leather washer.
A good example here of a seldom seen trademark.
AOD #23496 ARMY OFFICER - Waffenfabrik Max Weyersberg
This fine example
is the same as I show on page 80 and 81 of my Army Book. The hilt
fittings are a generic "A" variety and they both reflect
outstanding silvering which appears to have been uncleaned for
many years. The silvering is totally intact throughout this crossguard
pommel and ferrule. The pommel rim shows very little carrying
time and the standing oak leaves are nice and crisp. The eagle
is a very noble type which you can see a close up of on page 78.
This bird has great detail to his head, beak, breast feathering,
wreath and raised out swastika. The ferrule is the same as is
shown in the book examples. These fine fittings are highlighted
by a beautiful deep orange grip. This grip is about the color
of a Popsicle and would be in totally perfect condition were it
not for just the slightest hairliner on the reverse upper fitting
and also a tiny one on the right side upper area. These flaws
are almost too little to even acknowledge but there they are.
The scabbard is also a beauty. It has fine black patination across
its silvered surfaces. It appears to be mint beneath the surfaces.
It is probably a Pack made scabbard as it seems to have the style
bands with the wider borders. These bands have outstanding hand
accented veins to the oak leaves. The throat is retained by two
domehead screws. The blade is as nice as you will see. It is mirror
bright and really looks to be full mint at first glance. The crossgraining
is still there but it is just slightly thinning. All in all, though,
this blade is very close to full mint having its needlelike tip.
The reverse ricasso is stamped with the firm's name, "WMW
Waffen". This stamping is done horizontally across the center
blade surface. This fine blade has been protected by a large size
brown leather washer. This is a nice example in very collectible
condition.
