The German Army (Heer) first carried a dagger beginning in 1935. The weapon was worn in lieu of occasions not demanding the wearing of a more formal sword. The dagger design was quite attractive featuring silvered heavy fittings with white or colored grip. The crossguard depicted a Wehrmacht open-winged eagle clutching a wreathed 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.

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1. AOD #35006C Army Officer's Dagger with Ultra Rare Maker Logo - Paul Seilheimer

   This Army Officer’s Dagger is equipped with the ultra rare Seilheimer trademark, the dagger-in-dog’s-mouth, one which we almost never see. I was lucky enough to find an example before I did my Army Book and this example is shown on page 89. This example I am dictating is the first one I have seen in about fifteen years. For the army “type” collector this has to be a fantastic find. This army dagger has outstanding silvered mounts throughout which are all in perfect condition to include the scabbard. The hilt mounts are the generic “A” type the same as I show in the book. The pommel is in outstanding condition having good crisp rim and only modest carrying signs to the upper portion. The twelve standing oak leaves are all crisp and have great patination in the backgrounds. The crossguard displays the generic “A” eagle being extremely crisp and great to look at. This eagle has outstanding detail to his eye, beak area, breast feathering, talons, open wings, wreath and raised mobile swastika. A great looking crossguard here which is also nicely patinaed. Matching the pommel and the crossguard is the ferrule being the same as the book example. This ferrule is a fine silver one with good detail to the oak leaves and acorns.

   The scabbards which are used with the Seilheimer product look to me to be examples made by the Pack Company which no doubt Seilheimer purchased separately. They probably finished the scabbards in house as the throat retainage is different than Pack would have done it but the bands are typical Pack type. This scabbard is straight throughout and has fine pebble patterns to the panels. The bands have outstanding oak leaf and acorn depictions having the border edges which are finished on a tapered forty-five degree angle. The throat is retained by two side mount screws having flat heads and flush mount. The screws are located much further down than normal producers do it. As noted above this scabbard has perfect silver plating and is nicely patinated, matching the hilt.

   As we would hope, the blade of this example remains in choice condition throughout. All of its original cross grain is in place and the surfaces have a high fine polish. There are some minute traces of age but they are not enough to take this blade away from a mint rating. On the reverse is the seldom seen trademark spoken of above. It consists of a round circle which has the firm’s name and location block lettered in capitals around the circumference, “Paul Seilheimer Solingen”. In the center is a seated hound dog that is grasping a cutlass in his mouth. As I say, this is an extremely rare trademark only used for a short time. Normally the Seilheimer trademark is the initials, “PS” intertwined. The original large style round leather blade washer is in place. A great dagger here for the “type” collector.

   Near Mint. $1,695.00(#050613)

2. AOD #34902C Army Officer's Dagger – WMW Waffen

   This Army Officer's Dagger is equipped with good generic “A” mounts. The same mounts are shown on the WMW example I show on page 80 and 81 of my Army Book. The pommel has good silvering throughout although the rim is starting to thin slightly around the edge. The top portion still has 100% silver and is in excellent condition. The twelve standing oak leaves are crisp throughout. The generic “A” crossguard is in excellent condition depicting a fine noble eagle with open wings, crisp breast feathering, wreath and mobile swastika. The ferrule is a silvered type exactly as shown on page 80. The grip is an off-white example which appears to be a plaster filled type. The grip is in perfect condition throughout and has nice subtle tones to the ivory-like color.

   The original portepee is still on the hilt of this army dagger. This portepee unfortunately does show some fraying on the cord area where it comes out of the knot as well as on other areas that were subject to rubbing by the hand and by the swing motion of the dagger. It is the original-to-the-piece portepee however, so this counts for something. It is also interesting to note that the stem and slide have a gold-like weave that separates the “V” decorative scheme.

   The scabbard is a fine example being straight throughout and having good pebbled surfaces. It has the look of a first pattern Eickhorn type having the same bands as Eickhorn used on their first style and it also has a thicker type throat that Eickhorn used. I would suspect that this scabbard was purchased through Eickhorn but assembled by WMW. The reason I say this is that although there is a screw in the rear of the scabbard retaining the throat it is a headless type which was not used by Eickhorn. It is interesting to look at these parts purchased through other manufacturers as normally you will see something that is unique to the company mentioned on the blade. These are the kind of things that makes the study of army officers very interesting, don’t you agree?

   The blade of this example shows a little bit of modest age in the surfaces but I think a lot of this would come up with some mild semi-chrome. This blade still grades at least at excellent to excellent plus. There are no bad age marks and only surface type smudge. The reverse ricasso is stamped, “WMW / Waffen”. The original large style leather washer is in place. A good later produced army dagger here which is a maker not seen too frequently.

   Excellent Plus. $695.00

3. AOD #34839 Hi-Lift Army Officer's Dagger – Alcoso

   This Alcoso produced Army Officer's Dagger is in completely “as found” condition having surfaces full of nicotine and age but the silvering beneath all still looks to be in place. If you like a “salty” dagger you will love this example. All of the mounts to include the hilt and scabbard are complete textbook Alcoso. If you would like to see one of these you can look in my Army Book on page 22. The pommel cap is the style with the flare that goes outward at the top. The twelve standing oak leaves are in outstanding condition throughout and the upper portion of the grip shows mild usage and no problems around the rim. The crossguard features the eagle with the top and bottom borders of the wings tipping outward giving them this distinct desirable look. This bird is in outstanding condition showing full detail below the nicotine patination. The head areas, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and swastika are all very crisp. The ferrule is patinaed to match and is the same as page 22. The grip of this example is a deep orange color being even darker on the reverse than the obverse. This great grip is in perfect condition having all kinds of dirt residue that has been trapped between the ribs. Just looking at this grip gives you a true feeling for this dagger’s history. I like pieces like this, and I hope that you do also.

   The scabbard is a typical Alcoso type being a thinner variety than most other producers make. The pebbled surfaces are all excellent in the panels and the scabbard is straight as an arrow. The bands are nicely done and are the same as is shown on page 22. The throat is retained by two flatter head side screws typical of this producer. It is interesting to note that the original portepee, although frayed at the lower portion is attached to the two carrying rings. This is typical of what we see veterans do with army daggers. They take the portepee off once they got home then don’t know how to put it back on properly, so that rather than lose the portepee they attach it in a way that seems reasonable to them – in this case to the scabbard rings. The portepee here under normal circumstances, would really be a throwaway but in the case of this “salty” dagger I think it adds a lot to the character of the piece.

   The blade of this example is in untouched condition and shows a little bit of age toward the bottom section of the obverse end and a smaller amount on the reverse. The upper section of the blade is still quite clean. The blade is also installed in a backwards position, probably another vet done job here. If you wish to remove it and position it properly that is the call of the next owner. The trademark is the final example used by this firm. It is the so called “sideways” trademark featuring the scales with the firm’s initials, “AWS” interspersed. To the right of the scales is the firm’s name written in script, “Alcoso / Solingen”. On these late trademarks like this the word “Alcoso” is often confused with “Alcosa” because the name is written in fancy script and the penmanship involved extending the “O” to make it fancier looking, but to us, the American eye, it appears to be a change of letter but it is not. I hope I have explained this properly.

   It is also interesting for those that do not know the Alexander Coppel Company was Aryanized after 1941 as the Coppel brothers were Jews and were sent to a concentration camp. After this process was accomplished the firm’s name was changed from Alexander Coppel to Alexander Werks, thus the change in the trademark. The original large size leather washer is in place. A neat dagger here for those who like the untouched look coupled with excellent condition beneath the patination and a textbook piece.

   Untouched. $750.00

4. AOD #35005C Early Army Officer's Dagger – WKC

   This early untouched Army Officer's Dagger has a coal black patination throughout and is fitted with highest quality silvered mounts. The pommel is a beauty showing no hits to the rim and literally no wearing signs on the upper areas. The leaves are the style with fourteen examples going around the circumference. Each and every leaf has signs of hand enhancing. The ferrule is also nicely matching being the same as I shown on page 61 of my Army Book. The crossguard is an early variant that I missed when I did my army book. It was probably the crossguard type that came out just after the one that is shown on page 61. This bird is very similar to the initial production bird however the head of the eagle is more serpentine than the previous type. The head is also higher up on the crossguard almost meeting the guards edge. The details to the head are outstanding to the eye and beak. The breast feathering is the close checkered type the same as page 61. The wing span, talons, wreath and swastika are also nicely done. There are signs of the original frosting at the upper area of the crossguard where it is met by the ferrule. The grip is a very beautiful deep orange color being in absolute pristine condition.

   The early scabbard has the very fine pebbling in the panels. This fine pebbling is only seen on early examples. The bands are the same as is shown on page 61. The silvering is perfect throughout this straight scabbard having frosting visible in the protected areas around the bands and also around the throat. The throat is a very fat type and it is retained by in the typical WKC manner having one flatter head screw on the right side. WKC would have gone to the one screw method with the introduction of this crossguard variant.

   The blade is a beauty retaining its needlelike tip and full crossgraining. It is nice and bright and very desirable. The reverse ricasso is deep etched with the knighthead trademark and beneath is the firm’s initials and location, “WKC / Solingen”. The new-like tan leather large style blade washer is in place. A very fine WKC here and a difficult variant to locate. This dagger is in completely untouched uncleaned condition.

   Untouched Mint. $1,495.00

5. AOD #34981 Army Officer's Dagger – Puma

   This army officer by Puma has good silvering to both of the hilt mounts. These mounts are the generic “A” variety and are the same as I show in my Army Book on page 92 and 93, left. The pommel shows little usage around the rim and mild usage across the top surfaces. The pommel is equipped with twelve standing oak leaves separated by acorns. The backgrounds of these oak leaves have excellent factory darkening. The ferrule is of matching patination and the same as the one shown in the book. The generic “A” crossguard has a good noble eagle with distinct head features, good breast feathering, excellent wing feathering and talons as well as wreath and raised mobile swastika. These mounts look to have been cleaned in the not too distant past and they really look their best. The grip is a fine egg yolk yellow color being slightly lighter in the areas where a once present portepee would have protected the grip from light. A nice hilt here.

   The scabbard is a textbook generic variety being identical to the example I show on page 120. This scabbard is straight throughout and has fairly good silvering although there are a couple of areas along the edges where there are small lifts. The bands have good detail to the overlapping oak leaves and acorns. The throat is the thin type which is retained by a single headless flush mount screw in the center reverse.

   The blade is a very nice example having needlelike tip and full grain. This blade is in mint condition showing only the most nominal of age signs. The reverse has the later trademark consisting of a diamond around the head of a Puma cat. Below the head is the firm’s name, “Puma”. Below the diamond is the location city, “Solingen”. The original large style tan brown leather washer is in place having a small nip out of the upper edge but otherwise in good condition. The Puma daggers with the diamond logo are somewhat difficult to obtain.

   Excellent Plus. $750.00

6. AOD #35025 Army Officer's Dagger – Carl Eickhorn

   This army officer by Eickhorn is a textbook example having the second style fittings. The pommel, crossguard and ferrule are identical to the example I show on page 25 of my Army Book. The mounts throughout have a fine patination and do not appear to have been cleaned in many years. The pommel cap has a good smooth rim with little wearing signs on the top portion. The twelve standing oak leaves are nice and crisp with good factory blackening in the backgrounds. The crossguard features the popular second style Eickhorn eagle. The detail is outstanding throughout the bird’s head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. The silvering throughout both of these mounts is perfect. The ferrule is the same as shown on page 25. The grip is a very pleasing pumpkin orange. This grip is in perfect condition throughout.

   The scabbard is straight as an arrow. The silver plating is all there however there are a few small lift portions on the lower obverse only. They have not taken the silver out and there is no rust showing but there obviously must be a small amount of deterioration beneath the silver. Other than these lifts the scabbard is perfect. The pebble patterns are nice and crisp and the bands feature the overlapping oak leaves and acorns the same as page 25. The thicker style throat is retained by a single flatter style screw in the reverse center.

   The blade of this example is completely bright having its original needlelike tip. All of the cross grain is present and this blade remains in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the 1935-41 squirrel. The squirrel is retaining a downward pointing sword and he is positioned over the firm’s name and location, “Eickhorn Solingen”. Above the animal is the quality word used with the Eickhorn logo, “original”. The original brown leather small blade washer is in place. A good Eickhorn dagger here which would sell for a lot more were it not for the small scabbard lifts. An excellent entry level example here.

   Excellent Plus. $895.00

7. AOD #33587 Late Army Officer's Dagger - AES (Arthur Evertz)

   This Evertz produced Army Dagger has been done in the late gray finish. The finish is all there, however, and really looks nice positioned against an amber color “glass” grip. The fittings are the generic “A” variety and are identical to the Evertz piece that I show on page 85 of my Army Book. The pommel is crisp throughout the rim and has a fine upper top area. The 12 standing oak leaves are nice and crisp throughout the circumference. The ferrule exactly matches, having its overlapping oak leaves and acorns. The generic “A” crossguard could not be nicer, having full detail to the bird’s eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath, and mobile swastika. The gray fittings really highlight the bright and rarely seen amber colored “glass” grip. This glass is a beauty, having no flaws on its surfaces. The color is an extremely rich orange. These “glass” grips have a sheen to their surfaces that is different from the celluloid, and most collectors will recognize them immediately from across the room. Decorating this fine hilt is an original Army Officers aluminum bullion portepee. This portepee has the thicker style aluminum cord and is nicely set in place in the army tie. There are no frays or problems with this portepee. It remains in mint condition.

   The scabbard is the generic type, having a matching gray finish. It is the same as the example shown on page 85. This scabbard is straight throughout and has very crisp panels. There is virtually no age shown on this scabbard. The throat is a nickel variety that is retained by a headless flush mount single screw in the reverse center. The bands have excellent detail to their oak leaf and acorn depictions. The blade of this piece is outstanding. It is a high quality nickel-plated example, reflecting complete mirror-mint finish. The blade is as nice as you will see. The reverse ricasso has an etched square that contains the firm’s initials “AE” placed over the “S”, for the location city of Solingen. The original new-like small style brown leather washer is in place. A very interesting dagger here. Despite its gray late finish, it still has great looks to it. Especially featuring the extra cost blade and grip. Evertz marked pieces are very difficult to find.

   Mint. $1,295.00

8. AOD #34428 Early Army Officer's Dagger – WKC

   This example is probably produced about 1936 or early '37. It is not of the earliest vintage but it was produced prior to the time that WKC standardized their mounts with the so called “hatchet” eagle crossguard. These mounts appear to be a white metal base and I know this because unfortunately some of the silvering has flaked on the crossguard and also the pommel. However, the mounts are severely handworked and have a high quality look. The pommel top has some flaking around the edges and the silver remains are highly patinated. The oak leaves that run around the circumference outside have lots of hand enhancing to each and every one. There are fourteen of these oak leaves. The crossguard also has a great looking bird head which is more serpentine than the normal eagle head. It also has hand done checkering which is done very closely. The crossguard is not exactly the same as I show on page 65 of my Army Book but it is very similar. This well detailed eagle clutches a wreath with a good raised swastika in the center. The pommel looks a lot like the example I show on page 62. Unfortunately the reverse of this crossguard also has some flaking to the silver but the obverse is pretty good. The ferrule also shows hand done work and is the same as page 62.

   The grip is a most beautiful deep, deep orange color. The tone is darker on the obverse than the reverse but it is interesting to note that the upper part of both sides of the grip are also lighter than the lower sides. It is just amazing how this celluloid reacted to color and time. This very beautiful grip is in perfect condition. I think because the entire upper part is lighter in tone could mean that there was a portepee wrapped about the top of the dagger and maybe not the bottom. Every once in a while you see a dagger with a portepee like this and considering the fact that this is an early dagger, chances are it was a high up officer who could have worn his knot any way he wanted to. The scabbard is the early type having the very fine early style pebbling. This scabbard has good silvering throughout but there is just a little bit of lifting on the edges. The scabbard is very similar to the example shown on page 62. The bands have good enhancing to the oak leaves. The thicker style throat is retained by one screw on the right side. This is typical WKC.

   The high quality blade is the style with the early tapered tang. It has the center section which is well formed with fine two edges. The tip is still needlelike and the surface is still mostly bright. Unfortunately there is a little bit of smudge which is evenly spread throughout the lower and center part of the blade. The blade still grades at excellent to excellent plus. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the knighthead trademark with the firm’s initials and location beneath, “WKC Solingen”. The large style brown leather washer is in place. An interesting dagger here that definitely is fairly early in the period but does not exactly conform to anything that I show in my book.

   Excellent. $695.00

9. AOD #34751C Army Officer's Dagger – E. & F. Hörster

   This Army Officer's Dagger is an interesting dagger in that it is equipped with aluminum hilt mounts. These hilt mounts despite the fact that they appear on a Hörster dagger were produced by the Pack company. The pommel is the type that has fourteen leaves around the edges and each and every leaf has hand enhancing to the veins. It is interesting to study this pommel to see the type of work that was done during the period. It is also interesting to note that the acorns are also really nothing more than holes in the metal that are made to shape. The pommel surfaces are still nice and smooth with no hits to the edges. The crossguard displays a most interesting bird which has a finely cut eye, nicely hand cut beak but the best part is the very close checkering that was all done by hand. This bird clutches a wreath which also has hand touching up and there is a swastika raised out in the center.

   If you like this kind of stuff this is a most interesting crossguard to study. We can just imagine some guy sitting at a bench with a loop connected to an eye piece and a set of cutting tools and he was probably left to his own imagination to create something that he felt would look good from a distance of perhaps a foot away. Each one of these engravers was kind of his own little master of Third Reich art because each and every one of these early crossguards displays a unique talent. It really is lots of fun to study these things and if you stay with army daggers the cost is not great and hopefully others in the future will understand the draw here and prices then will naturally escalate. Anyhow, sorry to go on but I like these kind of guards a lot and I hope that you do too! The grip of this example is a nice dark pumpkin orange being just slightly lighter on the reverse. This grip is in completely perfect condition. The ferrule is a good example having a plain steel finish with engraved veins to the oak leaves.

   The scabbard with this example is especially nice. It has a silvered finish and there is still quite a bit of frosting at the upper portion of the scabbard. When in place with the dagger this tends to match nicely with the aluminum crossguard and gives the eye pleasure as the gaze goes further down the scabbard and it becomes more of a patinated silver finish. The scabbard is in choice condition with crisp pebbling. The bands have very fine hand enhanced oak leaves. The throat is a thinner type and it is retained by two flush mount headless side screws. This scabbard is in mint condition.

   The blade is a very fine example. This blade is still mirror bright and has all of its crossgraining still in place if you look closely. There are some signs of age in it but not enough to take it away from a mint rating. The tip is still needlelike and the blade is installed with the trademark being upward. I think it was probably originally produced like this as it seems to fit in the scabbard better in this position. The trademark is nicely etched in the dual ovals having the firm’s name and location trapped in between, “E. & F. Hörster Solingen”. Inside is a downward pointing sword which goes through a large letter “H” which has smaller letters of “H” and “S” inside of the larger letter. The brown leather blade buffer is in place. A very interesting dagger here, and a pretty thing.

   Near Mint. $995.00

10. AOD #34651 "High Lift" Army Officer's Dagger – Alcoso

    This "High Lift" Army Officer's Dagger is very desirable because of the special crossguard made by this firm after 1941. The crossguard is identical to the example I show in my Army Book on page 22, upper. The silvering throughout this piece is excellent having turned very black from patination. The pommel is the flared out variety being identical to the pommel shown on page 23. This pommel has a good top surface with no hits to the edge, and the twelve standing oak leaves are all highly detailed. The crossguard shows wear only to the crisp edges of the wings that cantilever out as well as the talons that do the same thing. The parts that are inward slightly show little to no wear being the bird’s head, breast feathering, wreath and swastika. The feathering to the open wings is still in perfect condition. The reverse of this fine crossguard is also perfect. The ferrule exactly matches the patina and is the same as shown on page 22.

    The grip of this example is an off-white color. It is probably a plaster filled type but it has perfect sections on the outside with no cracks or problems. Well, the grip did get my curiosity so I did take the pommel off since it was loose anyhow and low and behold this grip is a solid celluloid with no wood inside or plaster so that is great and really makes for a quality piece. The grip is a slightly darker color in the area over the ferrule location. The classic Alcoso scabbard is the thinner type we normally see with this producer and the later they are the less chance you will see the two side screws. This is the case here where they just used one headless center placed screw in the reverse – we see this after 1941. The scabbard though is straight throughout having good pebbled surfaces and fine silvering. The bands are also nicely done with enhancing to the oak leaves. A good scabbard here.

    The blade is a beauty, being bright and in mint condition, and having all of the crossgrain and a needlelike tip. The reverse ricasso is etched with the last trademark used by this firm. It consists of the sideways scales having the firm’s initials interspersed, “AWS”. To the right of the scales is the firm’s name written in script over the location city, “Alcoso Solingen”. The “AWS” initials indicate that the firm has now been Aryanized meaning that the Coppel brothers had been sent off to a concentration camp and the firm was taken over by the NSDAP. The new trademark, “AWS” stood for Alexander Werks Solingen”. The original wide style leather washer is in place.

    This is a very nice dagger here and interesting because of the last trademark used by the firm appearing on the blade. To me it is always hard to believe that the Coppel brothers did such a great job with producing edged weapons from the Imperial time well into the Third Reich, and in fact making many one of a kind pieces for top people such as Hermann Göring. The polices that were instituted were really tantamount to the Nazis cutting their own throats as they imprisoned or killed some of the best people that were in positions to help them.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $795.00 (#022013)

11. AOD #25531 Army Officer's Dagger – Carl Eickhorn, Over-the-Shoulder Trademark

    This Army Officer's Dagger has a nice patination throughout all of the mounts being the second style fittings. These fittings all have a bit of the original frosting still clinging on them. The dagger has a post 1941 trademark on the blade so assumedly this army officer did not receive the piece until well after the war was waging and certainly he was not wearing a dagger at the time but a gun. The dagger was most likely left at home thus its excellent condition throughout. The pommel and crossguard are identical to the examples I show in my Army Book on page 25 though 27. This pommel has a perfect ridge around the edge with choice upper surfaces having no wear signs. The standing oak leaves all are in excellent shape with fine detail. The ferrule matches nicely being the same as the book piece. The crossguard is a real beauty showing no wear at all and being identical to the fine example I show on page 125. This crossguard shows all of the elegance that made the Eickhorn firm such a desired producer. Beautiful detail throughout this bird along with a clutched wreath and mobile swastika. The grip is a egg yolk yellow type being just the slightest bit darker on the reverse and having some darker tones on the inner rib areas. This grip is in completely perfect condition. The scabbard reflects the same fine patination and lots of frosting throughout its surfaces. This scabbard has crisp pebble patterns and outstanding carrying bands with detailed oak leaves. The frosted throat is the thicker type and it is held in place by a single flatter head screw positioned in the center of the reverse.

    The only thing keeping this piece from a full mint rating is the fact that the blade has just a little bit of smudge in the surfaces. All of the crossgraining is still there and it also has the needlelike tip. The smudge must have happened from someone who did not wipe their fingers off probably when he was showing it to his buddy after the dagger was liberated. At any rate, the blade grades at Near Mint. The reverse ricasso as mentioned above has the rarely seen over-the-shoulder trademark. We see this mark quite a bit on naval daggers but almost never on army or 2nd model Luftwaffes. Below the squirrel is the three line stamping, “Original Eickhorn Solingen”. The original tan leather blade buffer is in place.

    An outstanding example here that would rate full mint except for the small amount of smudge on the blade.

    Near Mint. $1,095.00

12. AOD #33816C Army Officer's Dagger with Ivory Grip and Damascus Blade

    This Army Officer’s Dagger is composed of all early silver mounts being the “generic A” style that I show in my Army Book on page 79, upper. The pommel is in excellent condition showing only nominal usage signs around the rim. There is just the slightest of age in the silvering but none of it has left the surfaces. The twelve standing oak leaves separated by acorns are of crisp depiction running around the circumference. There is good age darkening in the backgrounds of these leaves. The ferrule is a matching generic type and also has fine oak leaf and acorn depiction with perfect silvered surfaces. The generic crossguard depicts a noble eagle with good detail to his eye, beak, breast feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. There is fine factory darkening in the backgrounds of the swastika. The quillon arms swell outward and down into a curl. The reverse of the crossguard shows a little lifting also but like the pommel, there is no silvering gone from the surfaces.

    The ivory grip is an extremely attractive example being slightly ovaled from the side. It has the nine ribs which descend downward from right to left. The ivory has one small crack at the reverse left but other than this remains in perfect condition. This ivory has a very pleasing gold tone to its surfaces and also has some graining in many of the areas. This is a beautifully made period grip, designed to fit the tang of this blade in one direction only.

    The scabbard is a matching generic type being identical to the example I show on page 120 of my Army Book. This scabbard is straight throughout and has fine silvering. There is only the slightest of age noticeable on a couple of the raised pebble patterns but that is it. The bands feature adjoining oak leaves with acorns in between and are nicely presented. The throat is a thinner style having a headless flush mount screw in the reverse center. The viewer is treated to a real pleasurable sight when the blade is pulled from the scabbard. This very beautiful hand forged Damascus blade appears to be the work of Paul Dinger. It features Dinger’s favorite mix of small roses in the center and a maiden hair style pattern on the edges. The blade has a needlelike tip and is in perfect, Full Mint condition. This period blade is the best you will see; the workmanship is absolutely astounding. Unfortunately the blade is not maker marked nor does it have the stampings of Paul Dinger on the tang. It is possible that the stampings were ground off during the fitting process or perhaps they were never there to begin with. I have handled a number of Damascus blades over my thirty year plus period of selling daggers and swords. After awhile you develop a pretty good eye for what is right and what is not.

    Despite the lack of markings, in my opinion, this blade is absolutely of pre-1945 construction. The original large style brown leather washer is in place. Because of the unmarked status of this blade this dagger sells for about one half of what its value would be had it shown a marking. This is a very good deal for someone who recognizes quality and is willing to have a blade in his collection that is unmarked. Should there be any doubters out there please ask another trusted dealer his opinion of this Damascus blade. This blade is easily on par and in fact looks identical to the example I show, in color, on page XXIII of my Army book. It is also identical to the Damascus blade and fittings shown in color on page 158 of my Army book.

    Near Mint. $10,995.00

13. AOD #26084C Personalized Army Officer's Dagger - 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 of my Army Book. 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 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.

    Excellent, Plus. $995.00

14. AOD #33773 Army Officer's Dagger – Paul Weyersberg

    The Paul Weyersberg firm did not produce many Army Officer's Daggers, and for the most part we see them with parts from other manufacturers. In the case of this example it appears to be an early dagger and is fitted with hilt mounts from the E. Pack company. These mounts are the same as I show in my Army Book on page 55. The silvering throughout these mounts is deeply patinated. The pommel is especially nice having a twelve leaf depiction but there is much handwork throughout each and every leaf and also the chiseler has put in some nice pebbling between the leaves up to the rim of the pommel top. The pommel top is also in fine condition showing only the most modest of wear. The crossguard depicts a fine eagle having all details still crisp. The bird’s eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika are in outstanding condition. The reverse of this deeply patinaed guard has a tiny bit of freckling but there is no plating loss.

    The grip of this example will really make you take a second look. It is a very, very deep orange on the obverse fading just slightly on the reverse. This grip is extremely attractive and is in pristine condition. Wrapped about the hilt of this fine piece is its original aluminum portepee. The portepee shows normal age and just the slightest bit of fraying around the areas where the cord comes out of the knot and also a little bit on the cord area in front of the grip where it rubbed the carrier’s hand. A very fine hilt here!

    The scabbard appears to be the same as the example that I show on page 68 of Army Book on the Weyerberg section. This scabbard has matching dark patination with full silvering. There are a couple of minor freckles which appear on the edges but they are not bad and no plating loss. The pebbling is the early fine, tight variety. The bands depict good overlapping oak leaves with hand enhancing. The thinner throat is retained by two flathead side screws.

    The blade of this example is also impressive. The Weyersberg blades were often nickel-plated and that is the case here. This blade is a beauty having a mirror finish, except at the very tip where there is just a tiny bit of plating that has lifted. The rest of the blade though is very sound and most impressive. The reverse ricasso is etched with the double oval logo which contains the firm’s name and location, “Paul Weyersberg & Co. Solingen”. In the center is a downward pointing sword positioned between two wheat shafts. The original new-like brown leather buffer is in place.

    This is a very fine dagger; I particularly like the Weyersberg examples because of their tremendously high quality.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $1,295.00

15. AOD #34170C Army Officer's Dagger – Alcoso

    This Army Officer's Dagger has the traditional Alcoso mounts throughout. The pommel is the same as I show in my Army Book on page 22 and 23. This pommel is the style that flares outward further than any other maker’s example. The upper example shows some minor usage with just a tiny flick of silvering missing at the very center. There are a couple of minor hits around the rim but nothing serious. The standing oak leaves are nicely done with each and every one having hand enhancing to the veins. The crossguard of this example is the same as page 21. It features the standard Alcoso eagle. It is interesting to note that when the chiseler applied the eye to this bird he put it more to the center giving the bird a look of a Cyclops! I like things like this as it shows that the Germans were human too. The rest of the eagle still has good detail to the breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. The plating is good throughout except the upper area around the ferrule where there is a little bit of flaking. The ferrule is the same as the example shown on page 21.

    The grip is an off-white example most likely being a plaster filled type. The reverse of the grip has a rather golden tone which is slightly deeper than that of the obverse. This grip is in perfect condition throughout.

    The textbook Alcoso scabbard is the same as I show on page 22 and 23. This scabbard has good crisp pebbled p3anels and the silvering is perfect throughout. The carrying bands have nicely detailed overlapping oak leaves. The throat is retained by two flathead side screws. The blade of this example is in very fine mint condition. This blade has mirror finish with all crossgraining and needle-like tip. It is marked with the second to last trademark used by this firm with a circa of 1941. The scales are interspersed with the initials, “ACS”. Next to the trademark is the script written name of the firm, “Alcoso” over the location city of “Solingen”. This trademark is positioned horizontally with the blade. The original large size leather washer is in place.

    A good textbook Alcoso dagger here.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $695.00

16. AOD #34205C Army Officer's Dagger – F.W. Höller

    This Höller Army Officer's Dagger has an absolute textbook hilt, being identical to the example I show on page 33 of my Army Book. The pommel and crossguard have outstanding patination throughout. The pommel rim is nice and crisp and the top area shows little to no usage. The standing oak leaves are all crisp. The crossguard is a remarkable image being the same as page 33. I personally like the Höller eagle best of all of the different birds that we see. This example could not be nicer having a totally new-like appearance. Beautiful detail throughout the bird’s eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. You will not see a better crossguard than this example.

    The grip also is most attractive. It is a white grip which is probably plaster filled but the obverse of the grip has turned a nice golden color which varies in shade throughout the area. The reverse of the grip is still a pure white color. There is a portepee on this example which appears original to the piece. The portepee does have some fraying around the area where the cord comes out. If anything though it gives the dagger some character and is an indication of its wartime usage as I believe the portepee is original to this piece.

    The scabbard is the generic type being the same as I show on page 120. Höller often used these generic scabbards with their product. The scabbard has a matching patination and is in totally perfect condition with 100% silvering and crisp pebble patterns. The carrying bands have the raised oak leaves in nice condition. The thinner throat is retained by a headless flush mount screw in the reverse center. The blade of this piece is extremely bright with a needlelike tip. I has just a little bit of smudge in the surfaces here and there but still easily rates in near mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the double oval logo which contains the firm’s name and location, “F.W. Höller Solingen”. In the center is the thermometer logo. The small size brown leather blade buffer is in place.

    An extremely nice Army Dagger here.

    Near Mint. $995.00

17. AOD #34165C Early Army Officer's Dagger with Glass Grip and Distributor – Carl Eickhorn

    This Early Army Officer's Dagger is equipped with the first style crossguard and ferrule used by this firm. These hilt parts are the same as is shown on page 24 of my Army Book. The pommel is the second style used by this firm being the same as shown on page 26, right. The pommel shows some usage to the top area but very little and the rim is crisp. The twelve standing oak leaves are all in choice condition with hand enhanced veins. The first style crossguard is as nice as you will see. It has outstanding detail to the bird’s eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and raised swastika. The silvering throughout these parts is perfect having a nice patination. The ferrule is the same as the book example on page 24. This dagger is equipped with an outstanding glass grip. This grip has a deep amber color being most beautiful to the eye and remaining in completely perfect condition. A fine hilt here!

    The scabbard is the second style being the same as page 27, left. This scabbard is straight as an arrow with crisp panels. The silvering is perfect with matching patination. The carrying bands have fine overlapping oak leaves. The throat is the thicker type and it is retained by a center placed flatter head screw.

    The blade of this example is nice and bright throughout. It still has all of its graining if you look closely and it has its original needlelike tip. There are a couple of extremely nominal smudges on the upper area of the blade probably caused by a long ago fingerprint but otherwise the blade is in mint condition. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the distributor name, “GREB. MAYER / MÜNSTER”. The reverse ricasso has the darkly etched 1935-41 Eickhorn trademark consisting of a seated squirrel holding a downward pointed sword. Above the animal is the word “original” and below them is the firm’s name and location, “Eickhorn Solingen”. The small size leather washer is in place.

    This is an interesting dagger considering it is early, has an amber grip, and was also sold through one of Eickhorn’s distributors. The dagger is also in choice condition throughout.

    Near Mint. $1,495.00(#022013)

18. AOD #33734C Army Officer's Dagger – Puma

    This Puma Army Officer's Dagger, like we normally see with this producer, has generic “A” fittings throughout the hilt. These mounts are identical to the two examples I show in my Army Book on page 92. The pommel has a very fine upper surface showing little to no wear and the rim remains crisp. The oak leaves are finely done running around the circumference of the pommel edges. The ferrule is the same as the book example on page 92. The crossguard is a fine example of the generic “A” type having full details to the bird’s head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. The grip is a most attractive tangerine orange color being slightly darker on the obverse than the reverse. This grip is in completely perfect condition. A fine hilt here.

    The scabbard is a good straight example also having perfect silvering. The pebble pattern is very fine and the oak leaves are nicely done with each leaf having hand enhancing. The scabbard is similar to the example shown on page 92, right. The throat is retained by two dome head side screws which are located fairly low on the surfaces. The blade of this example is a fine one. This blade has bright finish with all crossgraining intact. This mint blade is etched with the later trademark used by Puma consisting of a diamond around the head of a cat with the firm’s name beneath the head, “Puma”. Beneath the diamond is the location city of “Solingen”. The original large size brown leather washer is in place.

    A very nice dagger here with a desirable maker.

    Mint Minus. $1,295.00

19. AOD #33779 Army Officer's Dagger – E. & F. Hörster

    This Army Officer's Dagger by Hörster is recently out of the woodwork, and does not appear to have been cleaned since the war. It reflects a very dark overall matching patina. This Hörster dagger is a textbook example being the same as I show in my Army Book on page 40. The pommel has an excellent upper area showing minor usage only. The rim has some signs of usage but it is still crisp. The ferrule is the same as the book example being coal black. The crossguard displays an outstanding Hörster eagle having full detail to the bird’s eye, beak, close grained breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised swastika. Beneath the patination the silvering appears to be excellent on this example.

    The grip is a fine dark orange color on the obverse, fading slightly lighter on the reverse. This grip is in perfect condition throughout. The matching all black patinated scabbard appears the same as the example on page 41. This scabbard is straight throughout having fine pebbled surfaces. The bands are more of a convex shape and have good oak leaf depiction. The throat is retained by a single rounder head type screw positioned in the center reverse.

    The blade is just like you like them. It is nice and bright throughout having all of its crossgraining and needlelike tip. This blade shows just the slightest of age but not enough to really take it from a near mint to mint rating. The reverse ricasso is etched with the smaller Hörster trademark featuring double ovals. The ovals contain the firm’s name and location, “E&F Hörster Solingen”. Inside is a downward pointing sword which pierces a large letter “H”. Inside of the large letter is a smaller “H” over “S” letter. The original new-like brown small leather blade buffer is in place.

    A fine textbook Hörster dagger here in untouched condition. I personally like to see these army daggers with original patination as it is a rare sight anymore.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $895.00

20. AOD #33689 Army Officer's Dagger – WMW Waffen

    This Army Officer's Dagger is identical to the example that I show in my Army Book on page 81. It features generic “A” hilt fittings. The pommel is in excellent condition showing minor usage to the top and a crisp rim. The standing oak leaves are also in good condition. The ferrule is the same as the book piece shown on page 81. The crossguard is the generic “A” type having full details to the bird’s head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and swastika. The silvering is perfect throughout this hilt having a nice patination. The grip is a fine pumpkin orange color being just slightly lighter on the reverse. This grip is in perfect condition. The fine straight scabbard is identical to the example on page 81. It has good pebbling throughout being perfect on the reverse. There is just a little bit of age in the center area on the obverse panel but it is nothing. The bands are very nicely done with each and every overlapping oak leaf having hand enhancing. The thicker style throat is retained by two dome head side screws.

    The blade is nice and bright throughout. It does have most of the crossgraining with needlelike tip. This blade would be mint except for the fact that it has some scratching on the surfaces of both sides of the lower half. It looks as though someone used the blade to try to maybe pry something open but fortunately the tip is not affected still being needlelike. Even with the scratching this blade still grades at excellent plus. The reverse ricasso is stamped horizontally, “WMW Waffen”. The original large size brown leather washer is in place.

    We do not see many WMW produced daggers so this is your opportunity to acquire one if you are an army “type” collector. A good conditioned Army Officer example here.

    Excellent Plus. $895.00

21. AOD #34305C Early Army Officer's Dagger by an Ultra-rare Maker - Axt Und Hauerfabrik

    This extremely desirable Axt und Hauerfabrik Army Officer's Dagger is a real gem, being in uncleaned condition. The mounts are the early brass type, and they are unique to this producer. Unfortunately, when I did my Army book, I was not aware of this maker. I have been fortunate enough to have had a couple of these since the printing of the book, and of course, if I ever reprint the Army book, I will include these choice, ultra rare daggers. The pommel, crossguard, and ferrule are all deeply patinated. They do not appear to have been cleaned since the war. These mounts are also a brass base, which also accounts for their quality. The upper portion of the pommel shows only nominal usage signs, and the rim still is nice and crisp. There are twelve standing oak leaves which run around the circumference of the pommel, and each one appears to have hand enhancing to the veins. The area above the leaves is nice and black. The matching crossguard has an outstanding open winged eagle with a head having the point in the back of it, and a nicely formed, hand done beak and eye. The breast feathering is also interesting, as it is not the usual cross hatching that we mostly see. Each and every one of the separate breast parts is a raised pebble. This is very unusual to see, and no doubt, a unique specification to this producer. The talons are nicely enhanced, as is the wreath around the raised swastika. The reverse of this crossguard is still nice and smooth, showing little usage. The ferrule is a traditional early type, but is also slightly different, as not only is the veining hand accented, but the leaf sections are also divided by hand. The acorns in between also have a distinct line separating their caps. This factory took great pride in the product they turned out!

    The grip on this example is one of the "Slant" types. This Slant grip is in very fine condition throughout, having crisp, downward flowing from right to left ribs. We call the grip a "Slant" because the downward flow of the ribs is more severe that that seen on other army grips. For sure, the tang of this dagger will be the "tapered" type, rather than the later examples that are thinned inward from the lower tang to facilitate an easy grip fit. It was much more difficult to fit the tapered tang, and as orders for army daggers came in by the thousands, obviously easier methods were used for construction. Since this is one of the initial production daggers, probably made in 1935, it has the tapered tang. If you do not know what a tapered tang looks like, it can be seen on page 16 of my Army Book. You can also see the "Slant" grip compared to the standard types, on page 12.

    The scabbard of the Axe und Hauerfabrik product is also slightly different than we normally see. It is rather thinner than most, being somewhat like the Alcoso type, for those of you out there familiar with these "gut" facts. This scabbard is straight as an arrow, and has still crisp, pebbled panels. The silvering is perfect, and it is patinated very dark, matching the hilt parts. The bands are also quite nice, having the usual budding oak leaves, with acorns in between. The oak leaves have hand enhancing to the center vein of each one. The throat is retained by two dome head screws, the left example being slightly lower than the right. This would be indicative of a bad jig, or perhaps the holes were drilled by eye. Either way, they are not exactly parallel. These screws do not appear to have been turned in modern times, however the left screw appears to have some mild buggering to its groove. The area where the crossguard covered the scabbard has a lighter color silvered tone.

    As we would hope, the blade of this example is in choice condition. It is still nice and bright throughout, and appears to have the majority of its crossgraining in place. There are a couple of very mild spots, that were caused by in place runners, but overall this blade really is a fine example, still having needle-like tip, and grading easily near mint. The reverse ricasso has the seldom seen maker mark etched into the surface, being nice and dark. The logo consists of double ovals, which are closer together than normal, but still leave room for the firm's name and loction "Axt u. Hauerfabrik". It is also interesting that the word "Solingen" is spelled with a letter "r" on the end, rather than the usual "n". I do not think that this is a mistake, it must have been an old fashioned way of spelling the city. An interesting observation here! The small style leather washer is in place. It is interesting to note that the center edge areas seem to have been trimmed, so that the buffer fits squarely within the confines of the crossguard cavity.

    This is your chance to acquire a very, very, rare Army "type". So if you are collecting armies by maker mark, this one would be one to jump at, as chances of seeing another one come around in the near future would not be something you would want to hold your breath on.

    Untouched Near Mint. $1,795.00 (#071912)

22. AOD #34312C Army Officer's Dagger with an Odd Band Retainage - Carl Eickhorn

    This Army Officer's Dagger is a standard Carl Eickhorn example, having the second style fittings. The retainage of the bands is quite odd though, and we'll get to this later on in the description. The second style mounts are the same as I show in my Army Book on page 25-27. The crossguard and ferrule are beauties, all having fine black patination. The pommel has smooth surfaces at the top, and the rim shows a couple of mild wearing signs, but nothing detractive. The standing oak leaf bands going around the circumference are nice and crisp. The crossguard reflects the second style eagle, having fine details to the bird's head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath, and raised swastika. The reverse of the guard is nice and smooth. The ferrel is the same as is shown on page 25. The grip is a lighter, squash yellow color. It is in perfect condition, except for three extremely tiny hairliners that have occurred on the reverse lower portion, where the grip meets the ferrel. They are miniscule, however.

    The scabbard is a very fine, second type, being straight as an arrow, having perfect silvering, and reflecting identical patination to the hilt. The pebbled surfaces are still nice and crisp. The bands are the style having overlapping oak leaves and they show excellent detail. The unusual aspect about these bands, is that the left edge of each band is a flush mounted flat head screw, retaining the band to the scabbard. Eickhorn did this method of retainage for their Feldherrnhalle daggers, and perhaps the man who was assembling Feldherrnhalles for the day was asked to put a couple of army scabbards together, and by force of habit, installed the screws on thses bands. Whatever the reason, this is an absolute factory job, and the first time I've ever seen this method on an Army Eickhorn dagger. The thicker throat is retained by a single flatter head screw mounted in the center reverse.

    The blade is a fine example, being bright throughout, and showing only the most modest amount of age in a couple of places. I would think that with a little semi chrome though, that these spots are so superficial, they should work out of the metal. Overall though, the blade still grades at near mint, having its needle-like tip. The reverse ricasso is etched with the 1935-1941 squirrel. The animal sits to the viewer's left holding a downward pointing sword. Above is the word "Original" and below the animal is the firm's name and location "Eickhorn/Solingen". The original brown leather blade washer is in place.

    An interesting example here, with a small anomaly that may appeal to some collectors.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $1,295.00

23. AOD #34314C Early Personalized Army Officer's Dagger - Anton Wingen

    This Early Army Officer's Dagger has the Wingen trademark, which we do not see too often on army daggers. Wingen was not a big producer of this type dagger, and on this example, they elected to purchase fittings outside of the company. These mounts are the generic "B" type, being the same as I show in my army book on page 99. The pommel is the style that has the stem on the inside center. It features fourteen oak leaves running around the circumference, all having good detail throughout. The upper pommel shows normal wear, and the rim has no dings. The crossguard has fairly good detail, showing some wear to the bird's head, and breast feathering, but not too bad, in that the eye of the bird is still somewhat visible, and the breast feathering is there, but slightly vague. The rest of the guard has good detail to the bird's wings, talons, and mobile swastika. The reverse of the crossguard is nice and smooth, and in the center it has a fine monogram, which appears to have been jeweler engraved. The monogram is "W.W.". The letters are nicely done, being double scribed with open centers. The ferrule above is the same as the piece I show in my Army Book on page 99. The grip has turned to a most pleasing pumpkin color. It is in complete perfect condition throughout.

    The scabbard appears to be identical to the example on page 99. The silvering nicely matches the hilt mounts, and the pebbled finish is still crisp. This straight scabbard has good carrying bands, having excellent overlapping oak leaf depiction and hand enhancing to the veins. The throat is a fairly thick variety, and it is retained by flush mount headless side screws. The blade is a very high quality example, having well-defined center segment. It is also very bright, which indicates to me that it is most likely nickel plated. I see graining on the blade, but this is merely showing through the nickel surfaces. This fine blade has a needle-like tip, and is in mint condition showing no age. The reverse ricasso is etched with the small knight head trademark, having the firm's initials above "A.W. JR", and below, the location city "Solingen". The original brown leather blade washer is in place.

    A very nice, personalized piece here, in an untouched state.

    Near Mint. $1,495.00

24. AOD #27179C Aristocrats Personalized Army Dagger - 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.

    Mint. $5,995.00

25. AOD #26064C Army Officer's Dagger Presented to Afrika Korps Panzer Commander Oberst Johann Mickl - PD Luneschloss

    This Army Officer's Dagger has all-silvered fittings of 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!

    Mint Minus. $9,995.00

26. AOD #33614C Army Officer's Dagger - Tiger

    This Army Officer's Dagger by Tiger is done in generic “A” hilt mounts with a standard generic scabbard. A dagger with the same hilt as this example can be seen on page 83 of my Army Book. These generic “A” mounts have a very fine silver plating and they are in choice condition, having desirable dark patination. The pommel cap has a crisp brim with smooth upper portion. The 12 standing oak leaves go around the perimeter of the pommel’s edges. They are very crisp with good veining. The ferrule matching nicely with its overlapping oak leaves and acorns. The generic “A” crossguard is also a beauty, having outstanding detail to the eagle’s brow, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath, and mobile swastika. The grip of this example is a “glass” type, having a beautiful amber color. It is in near perfect condition having only a couple of hair-liners at the lower right edge, and also one at the upper reverse edge. There is no material missing, however. This grip is quite beautiful and is rare to see.

    The scabbard is identical to the generic variety I show on page 120 of my Army Book. This scabbard is completely straight, having fine crisp panels throughout. The bands have good detail to the oakleafing. There is one tiny “lift” spot near the lower portion of the scabbard toward the right edge. Other than this, the silvering is mint throughout. The scabbard thin throat is retained by a single headless screw mounted in the center reverse.

    The blade of this example is nice and bright with 100% crossgraining and needle-like tip. This blade has a couple of extremely minor traces of age, but not enough to take it from the mint category. A beautiful blade here! The reverse ricasso is stamped with the tiger making his way down toward the blade tip. This cat has full detail to his eyes, mouth, ears, stripes, tail, and feet. Behind the cat, in large capital letters, is the firm’s name “Tiger” located above the name of the manufacturing city, “Solingen”. The large size, mint conditioned brown leather washer is in place.

    A very fine desirable make dagger here, with amber “glass” grip.

    Mint Minus. $1,295.00

27. AOD #33419C Late Army Officer's Dagger - Unmarked WKC

    This Army Officer's Dagger, despite the fact that it is unmarked, is a classic WKC example. Most likely a number of these daggers were ordered directly by the army through WKC and probably other producers, and as was the practice, there was no maker-mark put on them. This dagger is done in the all-gray late finish. It is in choice condition throughout and does not look to have really ever been worn. The fittings are identical the examples I show in my Army Book on page 66 and page 63, left. The pommel is a pristine example throughout, with good crisp rim and no sign of wear on the top surfaces. The 12 standing oak leaves and acorns are still crisp throughout. The ferrule, with its overlapping oak leaves and acorns, exactly matches the other gray finished mounts. The crossguard is a beauty featuring the “tomahawk” beak. This bird has outstanding detail to its head, eye, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath, and raised swastika. The original gray finish is easily 100%.

    The grip of this example is a white one, which is most likely plaster filled. I don’t like to look inside of these, as one never knows when the plaster could be sticking to the metal of the pommel, and during the unscrewing process becomes broken. Take it from me, though, this grip is totally in perfect condition throughout, having toned slightly to a pleasing ivory color.

    The scabbard is absolutely straight and crisp throughout the pebbled panels. The bands have fine overlapping oak leaves and are still nice and crisp. The throat is a thicker variety and it is retained by one flatter head screw on the right side. The throat has the typical oval-like opening, being textbook WKC. The blade of this example is as nice as you will find them. It is mirror bright with 100% crossgraining and retaining its needle-like tip. This blade is easily in full mint condition. The brown new-like leather washer is the large type used by this maker. A fine example here, if you are collecting army daggers by “types”.

    This example is a “got-to-have” to add to your Heer Dagger assemblage.

    Mint. $750.00

28. AOD #33128 Early Army Officer's Dagger - Robert Klaas

    This very early Army Officer's Dagger is quite an interesting example. The Klaas firm made some pieces and often bought other pieces. This example appears to be initial production, as the scabbard is definitely a brass base and the hilt mounts appear to be also. These mounts are actually the generic “B” type, and you can see identical ones on a Voos piece pictured in my Army Book on page 107. The early pommel has the 14 standing oak leaf depiction, and it has the stem thread inside. Its heavy weight, though, suggests that it is a brass base. The silvering is outstanding across this mount, having a very black patinated finish. The rim shows a couple of minor carrying signs, as does the top surfaces of the pommel. But, overall, it is still in nice condition. The ferrule nicely matches the hilt fittings and is the same as depicted in the book piece. The crossguard is a very choice eagle, looking nearly identical to the one on page 107. This bird has outstanding detail to his eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath, and raised mobile swastika. The patination is also very dark, matching the pommel.

    The grip really looks great on these dark fittings. It is a dark pumpkin-orange color, still being in near-perfect condition. There are a couple of extremely minor hairliners on the right edge, but they hardly show. There are also some slightly lighter sections on the grip where it was once covered by a portepee. A fine hilt here!

    The scabbard of this example is also outstanding. It is the early type that has very close grain pebbling. There is a little bit of rippling toward the tip where there was some minor squeezing, but it is not bad. There are also a couple of edge “dings” on the left side, but again, they are not bad. The silvering is still 100% throughout this fine scabbard and it is black patinated, matching the hilt. The bands are extremely well done, having fine accent lines to the leafing. These bands do not have the accent marks on their ends, but there is still nice handwork covering the casting marks. The throat is also a very interesting part, as it not only cantilevers on both sides, but the edges of the throat are beveled downward towards the scabbard. As we know, the throats are usually squared off. This is a great looking touch here, and something we would only see on early pieces. Lots of workmanship on this scabbard! The throat is retained by a flush mount headless screw positioned in the center reverse.

    The blade is also an outstanding extra-quality example. This blade is completely mirror bright, being a high quality nickel-plated example. There are a couple of tiny nicks where there may have been some swordplay somewhere along the line, but they are extremely minor. The original needle-like tip is still there, and aside from these tiny nicks, this blade remains in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the kissing cranes, having the firm’s name and location beneath in capital letters, “ROBERT KLAAS/SOLINGEN”. The new-like small style brown leather washer is in place.

    A very fine dagger here, for those who are into early quality and superb workmanship.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $995.00

29. AOD #33549 Army Officer's Dagger – Unmarked Alcoso

    Despite the fact that there is no maker-mark on the blade of this dagger, it is a textbook Alcoso example. The dagger has been recently cleaned, and the silvering all looks nice and bright. The hilt fittings are the same as I show in my Army Book on page 21 and 23, right. The pommel is the “flared” type that we see used by this firm. The rim of the pommel shows some mild usage, as do the top surfaces. The oak leaves are extremely well done, being the variety with 12 leaves. The veining is hand enhanced and the two leaves that fall on the casting flaws have been hand worked. The ferrule nicely matches the rest of the dagger. The crossguard features the 3rd Style bird and, as is usually the case, there is some minor wear to the head, but the details to the eye and beak are still visible. The breast feathering is still pretty good and the wing feathering, talons, wreath, and mobile swastika are excellent. The silvering throughout these fittings is perfect. They are beautifully enhanced by a deeply toned pumpkin-orange grip. This grip is just a tone darker on the reverse than it is on the obverse. A nice hilt here.

    The scabbard is a typical Alcoso, being the same as the book piece in my Army Book on page 22, upper. This scabbard has good pebbled panels showing some minor surface wear, and there are a couple of wearing hits that are just noticeable along the edges. The bands have good detail to the overlapping oak leaves. The throat is retained by two flatter head side screws having the small bore, typical of Alcoso.

    The blade of this example is still nice and bright throughout, having a needle-like tip. There are a couple of “scars” left in both sides of the blade where the runners left a moisture mark. It is not bad and, possibly, could be worked out a little better with some semi-chrome. Overall, though, this is a nice blade easily grading at excellent plus, plus. The leather washer is the large style and is firmly in place.

    A decent Army Dagger here that has a few flaws, but it is priced accordingly.

    Excellent. $695.00

30. AOD #33264 Early Army Officer's Dagger - Carl Eickhorn

    This Carl Eickhorn Army Officer's Dagger is quite beautiful having all 2nd Style fittings, and each mount, including the scabbard, has 100% perfect silvering with beautiful patination. The pommel has a very crisp rim with perfect surface at the top. The 12 standing oak leaves and alternating acorns are crisp throughout. The ferrule is the proper Eickhorn type, being identical to the example in my Army Book on page 25. The 2nd Style crossguard is as good as they come. It is identical to page 25, having exquisite detail to the bird’s head features, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath, and mobile swastika. These fine patinated fittings are set off by a yellow candystick-like grip. Usually, the grips turn to a darker color. In the case of this dagger, the grip must have been protected from light over the years as it still has its original lemon-chiffon color. Other than a couple of tiny lifts in the edge of the grip where the pommel rests at the left edge, the grip is totally perfect. These “blemishes” are hardly noticeable and, of course, with a portepee they would completely cover.

    The scabbard is fantastic, having full silvering and crisp pebbled panels. The Eickhorn bands are as nice as they come with their overlapping oak leaf and acorn motif. The throat is a thicker type, being retained by a flatter head screw placed in the center reverse panel. The blade of this example is nice and bright and still has all of its crossgraining. There is just the slightest hint of age toward the bottom of the obverse tip. The reverse also has a smidgen of the same. Other than this, though, the blade is still in as nice a condition as you normally would see. Because of these slight flaws, though, this blade would not grade full mint. The reverse ricasso is darkly etched with the 1935 through 1941 squirrel logo. This squirrel holds a downward pointing sword, and above the animal is the word “Original”, and below the firm’s name and location, “Eickhorn, Solingen”. The original small style brown leather blade washer is in place.

    A very nice Eickhorn dagger here.

    Mint Minus. $1,195.00

31. AOD #33125 Early Army Officer's Dagger - F. W. Höller

    This early Höller Army Officer's Dagger is a tough item to find. It has the same mounts as I show in my Army Book on page 35. These mounts are of earliest quality. This dagger does not look to have been cleaned since the war. The pommel is also a very early style, probably of brass construction. It features 12 standing oak leaves, having a find hand-done enhancing throughout. There is also some nice pebbling put between the leaves. The rim shows only mild usage, and the upper areas of the pommel top are in choice condition. This pommel is black patinated. The ferrule is the same as the book example with matching finish. The crossguard is a bird we do not see very often. It is the same as the example I show on page 35. This bird has excellent detail to the eagle’s head, beak, close breast feather checkering, wing feathering, talons, wreath, and raised swastika. The silvering is all there under the patination. The dagger is equipped with a very pleasing dark orange grip. This grip is extremely toned, being almost red on the obverse and a slightly lighter tone on the reverse. This grip is still in fine condition with no cracks or chips.

    Decorating the hilt is the original-to-the-piece portepee. The portepee is still in its tie, being in the Early Style. This portepee shows only the most modest of wear just above the slide area but, otherwise, is in perfect condition. The stem and slide are the type where both parts are attached to the other. The lower ball is a yarn-like bullion with a textured bullion insert. A nice untouched hilt here. The scabbard is a matching patinated type. This scabbard is straight throughout and has very close Early Style pebbling. The pebbling shows some usage, but is still all there. The silvering is patinated the same as the hilt and is 100%. The bands show good detail to the oak leafing. The throat is a thinner style, having two domehead-style side screws.

    The blade of this example is a fine Early type, being of slightly larger proportion than we see on most blades. It is high quality construction and has good bright finish with needle tip. The blade has all of the crossgraining and shows almost no age. This blade remains in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the double ovals. The ovals contain the firm’s name and location, “F. W. Höller, Solingen”. Inside is the thermometer having two many digits to count. This early trademark has much more digits in the thermometer than is seen on later examples. The brown leather blade buffer is in place.

    A nice Early Höller dagger here, not seen very often.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $995.00

32. AOD #33029 Army Officer Dagger's with Hangers - WMW Waffen

    This Army Officer Dagger's has not been cleaned since the war and reflects a dark patination throughout. The mounts appear to be the style as used by the E. Pack Company and are the same as I show in my Army Book on page 55. The pommel is in nice condition having no hits to the rim, and the upper areas show little wear. The standing oak leaves are crisp throughout, being 12 separated by acorns. The ferrule matching the other parts and is the same as page 55. The crossguard has a very fine Pack eagle. This eagle has outstanding detail to his eye, beak, close checkered breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath, and mobile swastika. All of the silvering is intact on this crossguard. The grip is a nice orange color, being in perfect condition. The color of this grip is a nice medium-orange.

    The scabbard also appears to be a Pack type. It is identical to the scabbard I show on page 54 of my Army Book. This scabbard is straight throughout and has matching silvered patination. The silvering is all there. The panels are still fairly crisp, as too the pebbling. The bands are outstanding, having fine hand enhancing to each and every oak leaf. The throat is retained by two domehead side screws in the Pack manner. These screws are untouched.

    Attached to the scabbard rings is an interesting set of army hangers. These hangers have been shortened by the original wearer, and only measure a little over 6 inches in length. This type of shortening appears to me as though they were made for purposes of wearing with the army greatcoat. Often, hangers were attached below the flap of the coat and, therefore, did not require a long length. Despite there shortness, the hangers are still in nice condition, having deluxe fittings. The closed clip at the top is decorated with raised acorns and oak leaves, and on the upper bar is stamped “D.R.G.M.”. The oval buckles and slides are equipped with overlapping oak leaves. The snaps are the deluxe type, having oak leaf and acorn decoration on the front surfaces with “push-up” style catches. The reverse of each snap is marked “D.R.G.M.”. The brocade is still in excellent condition, still being bright and showing little age. The reverse of the straps has the usual high pile field-green velvet. An interesting set of hangers here, being original-to-the-piece.

    The blade of this army dagger is as nice as they come. It is completely mirror bright with needle-like tip and full 100% crossgraining. This blade is easily in full mint condition. It is stamped on the reverse center ricasso segment horizontally, “WMW/Waffen”. The original larger size brown leather pebbled washer is in place.

    A very nice Early Dagger here.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $995.00

33. AOD #30999 Early Army Officer's Dagger with Distributor Mark - Alcoso

    This Army Officer's Dagger is a great example for the “type” collectors out there. It is not only equipped with the extremely rare second style Alcoso crossguard but it also has a distributor on the blade. This army dagger is identical to the example that I show on page 126 in my Army Book, having the same maker and same distributor. First off the mounts are extremely early brass types having rich silver-plated surfaces. They are nicely patinated and very attractive. The pommel is the style that flares out as it goes upward. It has the fourteen leaf depiction running around the outside and each and every one of these leaves has hand enhancing to the veins. The top of the crossguard shows only modes carrying time and also has great black patination. The crossguard is identical to page 21 upper. This eagle has a dramatic upward sweep to the bottoms of this wings making this bird a unique design and making it very attractive to type collectors. We very seldom see this eagle design used as Alcoso did not make many pieces with it. The firm also used this same eagle for the crossguards of their popular three quarter size army miniature letter openers. This crossguard has excellent silvering over the brass base. The head details are still good as are the open wings, the talons, the wreath and the raised mobile swastika. The center of the bird’s chest has a little rubbing to the weave but that is understandable. The ferrule is also the same as the book example. This dagger has a beautiful lighter color tangerine grip. The grip is evenly toned throughout and is most attractive. This grip is in a full mint state. An outstanding hilt here!

    This scabbard is also nicely patinated and exactly matches the silver tones of the hilt. This scabbard is a first style early Eickhorn type. Perhaps Eickhorn sold some of these to Alcoso early on. This scabbard is identical to the example shown on page 24. It is straight throughout and has fine crispness to its pebbled panels. The bands are the convex type having really great oak leaves with hand done veining being identical to the way the book shows except the bands of this piece are in better condition than the book piece. The throat is slightly thicker and is retained by a flathead screw in the center reverse. This scabbard is in near full mint condition.

    The blade is probably one of those “tapered tang” types that were used early on as this dagger is really heavy. This blade is nice and bright throughout and still retains its needlelike tip with full crossgraining. There are a couple of very minor smudge marks in the obverse and the reverse but the blade still easily grades in near full mint condition. There is no maker mark on the blade but it is obvious that this piece was made by Alcoso. The piece on page 126 of my Army Book is identical to this example. Etched onto the reverse center blade segment is the distributor, “Albert Kuhl, Münster I/W.- ESSEN”. This particular supplier had a retail shop in Essen as well as one in Münster. They no doubt made a deal with Alcoso to produce daggers for them so that they could sell them with the newly introduced German officer’s uniform. The original large sized leather blade buffer is in place.

    A great dagger here and an especially nice piece for the type collectors out there.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $1,495.00