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AOD - 57 - 26101C - PERSONALIZED ARMY OFFICER - F.W. HÖLLER

This Army dagger is in good condition throughout, having excellent silvered fittings. The upper pommel is a conventional twelve-leaf style having good patination. The rim is still crisp and the upper surfaces show little usage. The cross guard on this example is one of the generic “B” varieties. This cross guard has outstanding detail to the noble bird. It is identical to the example I show in my Army book on Page 99. The bird shows no wear and has good detail to the head, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised out swastika. On the reverse of this cross guard, the original owner’s surname is professionally engraved. The name is “Fietler”. The letters are beautifully formed and extremely well done. This should be a good springboard here for future research, as this name is not all that common. Unfortunately, though, there is no first initial to narrow it down. The grip is a very pleasing, off-white ivory color. It is one of the plaster-filled later varieties. This grip is in perfect condition and really is nice. The hilt is further graced with a 42cm aluminum portepee. The portepee is still in the Army tie and it is in perfect, pristine condition. The scabbard is straight throughout and has the same bands as is seen on Page 33 of this Höller dagger. There is just the slightest of age in a couple of places, mostly on the lower scabbard and on the edges but, overall, this scabbard is in near mint condition. The throat is retained by two flush mount side screws. The bands are nicely detailed, having good veining, the same as Page 33. The blade is mirror bright, having a needlelike tip. All of the cross graining is visible in the surfaces. This blade is easily in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the double oval logo of this company. The ovals trap the firm’s name and location, “F.W. Höller Solingen”. In the center area is the thermometer, having lots of digits. This blade has been protected by an in-place, larger style leather blade washer. A fine, personalized dagger here. Near Mint. $1,195.00

AOD - 59 - 26082C Army Officer with Simulated Ivory Grip – No maker

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!
Mint. $995.00

AOD - 60 - 26089C - ARMY OFFICER - ARTHUR SCHÜTTLEHÖFER

This Schuttlehofer piece is of later construction and has all generic “A” fittings. It appears to have the same fittings as the piece which is shown in my Army book on Page 88. The pommel top has the standard twelve leaves gracing the outside perimeter. The rim shows no hits and the pommel cap shows little carrying time. The cross guard bird has all of the detail to his head, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised out swastika. The silvering has just the slightest bit of freckling, but there is no surface movement and the silvering is still all there. The ferrule is the same as is shown on Page 88. The grip is an egg-yolk color on the obverse and gets darker to an orange color on the reverse. It is in perfect condition and is an interesting study in proving that the celluloid coloring frequently changed over the years. The celluloid grips were subject to age toning when exposed to light. This grip apparently was sitting with its back side up as the front side is much lighter than the back side. The hilt is graced with an original 42cm aluminum portepee. This portepee is in perfect condition throughout and is of medium cord design, being in the original Army tie. The scabbard looks very similar to the example shown on Page 88. It is nice and straight and has good veining to the oak leaf bands. The pebble pattern is still quite crisp. The book example has flush mounted side screws but this example has the same size throat with dome head side screws. These screws are unbuggered. There is a little bit of freckling along the edges of the scabbard but for the most part, the silvering is still there and rates at about 98%. The blade makes up for any other sins! It is a beautiful mirror finish having needlelike tip and all of the factory cross graining. This blade is in full mint condition. The reverse is etched with the unusual trademark of this company. It is a set of double ovals which extend into the center area. The center features two hobby horses and beneath them is the abbreviation of the firm’s name “Asso”. Within the perimeter lines of the ovals is the full name and location of the firm “A.Schüttlehöfer & Co. Solingen-Wald”. The large size leather blade washer is in place. Schuttlehofer daggers are not easy to come by and this one is textbook and certainly has an exceptional blade. Excellent Plus. $795.00

AOD - 61 - 26080C - EARLY ARMY OFFICER WITH DISTRIBUTOR MARKED BLADE - Carl Eickhorn

This early example was sold through a retail store and it represents early construction. It is a high-quality, very beautiful dagger. The pommel is the second style type used by this firm. It has beautiful patinated silvering which exactly matches that of the cross guard, ferrule and scabbard. The rim around the pommel is perfect and the upper surfaces show virtually no usage. The standing oak leaves around the perimeter have good detail throughout the veining. The cross guard is the first style and is identical to Page 24 of my Army book. This bird is still crisp, showing little to no wear. In fact, it is in nicer condition than the bird shown in the book example. It has outstanding features to the eye and beak area and the close checkering of the breast feathering is still crisp with no wear. The wing feathering is beautiful, as are the talons, wreath and raised out swastika. An outstanding cross guard here in perfect condition. It is also worth noting that there are some frosting remains around the protected areas of the curved quilon ends. The ferrule is the early style and this example also has frosting and is the same as Page 24. The grip of this beauty is a nice pumpkin orange color. It has a fine sheen to the surfaces showing no wear and a beautiful look to the viewer. This grip is in full mint condition, contrasting perfectly with the patination of the fittings. Gracing the hilt is a fine original 42cm aluminum portepee. This portepee remains in the Army tie and shows no fray and virtually no age. Choice hilt here! The scabbard is a type 2 version, but it is very early on, just like the other features of this dagger. We can tell this because the throat is still the thin type which was used prior to the thicker variety. This throat is retained by the single screw in the reverse center area. The scabbard itself, though, is a choice mint example. There is frosting throughout the edge areas, particularly in the protected places around the bands and throat area. The bands are still crisp with great oak leaf designs. The pebbled panels are also crisp, showing no wear and no dents. A beautiful, mint scabbard here! As if all of this was not enough, the blade is a heart stopper. It is mirror bright throughout, having all of its original cross graining and needlelike tip. It is easily in full mint condition. The blade is most interesting as the obverse ricasso is stamped with the three-line marking, indicating the name and town of the retailer. It is “W. & L. Schebben/Uniformen/Aachen”. Apparently, this Schebben retail firm did enough business with Eickhorn to warrant the factory stamping their name into the blade. This is a relatively scarce retailer, as I have only seen it a couple of times in the past. The reverse of the blade is darkly etched with the 1935-41 trademark. It is an early mark however, as the blackening in the background is the best you will see. The small style brown pebbled leather washer is in place protecting this fine, mint blade. A great dagger here and a real beauty for the guy collecting “early” or collecting “retailer” or collecting “fine condition” or collecting “Eickhorn”. Whatever you are collecting, it should fit into the format of this dagger. A beautiful piece here! Mint. $1,395.00

AOD - 62 - 26081C - ARMY OFFICER - CLEMEN & JUNG

This Army example is in late war fittings and it bears the blade of a seldom seen producer. The Clemen & Jung maker mark is almost never seen on Army daggers. In fact, they did not make many pieces at all, but we do occasionally see their marking on Naval daggers and Land and Sea Customs pieces. This example has the gray style hilt fittings and scabbard. In this case, the hilt fittings are those of the Carl Eickhorn firm, as Clemen & Jung certainly did not make anything. The fittings are the traditional second style Eickhorn and are identical to the examples I show on Pages 25 and 26 of my Army book. The pommel shows little usage, having a good, crisp rim and smooth top. The oak leaves going around the circumference are also well done. The standard eagle on the cross guard has full details to his head, breast feathering, wings, wreath and vaulted swastika. The grip is a pleasing orange color. It is almost perfect throughout, having some lighter areas at the top and bottom where it was covered by a portepee. On the reverse area there is a small flick out of the rib separation area at the center. There is an original-to-the-piece portepee in place. This portepee is in good condition, having a little bit of fraying and some minor oxidation where it comes out of the knot. All in all, though, not a bad late style hilt. The matching gray color scabbard also appears to be an Eickhorn shell, but the bands are slightly different looking. These bands were probably purchased from another firm and Clemen & Jung mounted them onto the Eickhorn shell. The pebbled panels show some minor wear, and the throat is the thick type. The screw in the reverse center is slightly different from the type we see used by Eickhorn, an indication Clemen & Jung had their own hardware. The blade itself is the typical style that we see from this firm. It is not bright and actually has a finish of grain running straight down the blade surfaces, rather than across the blade as is the norm. This seems to be a common theme with Clemen & Jung, as I have seen many of their blades which look like this. (I also have a Sea Customs in my own personal collection which has the same unusual graining. The last inch of this blade looks as though it was stuck into a tree, and it has a slight ripple at that point. This blade grades at about excellent to excellent plus. Stamped horizontally across the reverse ricasso in the center segment is the firm’s name and location “Clemen & Jung Solingen”. On the opposite side, the blade is stamped with the crown over a shield having the letter “z” in the center area. The small style leather washer is in place. This is not a terrific looking dagger, but it is absolutely original and untouched. It is a fine candidate for the “type” collectors out there. Excellent Plus. $995.00

AOD - 092 - 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. $695.00

AOD - 093 - 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. Mint Minus. $1,095.00

AOD - 095 - 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. Excellent Plus Plus. $795.00

AOD - 096 - 25547C - PERSONALIZED EARLY ARMY OFFICER WITH DISTRIBUTOR - Carl Eickhorn

This early Army Officer is typical of the daggers that were ordered by military personnel when these edged weapons were first introduced. The hilt fittings of this piece are the early brass based variety, having silver plating. This example was most-likely produced about 1936 and was probably ordered by its original owner through a retail store at the same time he bought his uniform. The pommel is a choice example showing some wearing time around the rim, but still having good silvering across the top. The pommel is nicely patinated. The top surfaces have had the original owner’s monogram professionally engraved into the surfaces. It is cypher-like, as it combines the two letters “a” and “m”. The engraving is professionally done, having double-scribed letters and shading performed to one side of each letter. Unfortunately, there is not enough information here to conduct any research, but it is rare to see pommel monograms and this one is exceptionally nice. The leafing which goes around the pommel is nicely raised out and each and every leaf has been hand-enhanced to show its best detail. The cross guard is the first style used by this firm and is identical to the one I show on Page 24 of my Army book. The ferrule is also the same as the book piece. This eagle is developing a fine patination, as it looks to have been cleaned several years ago. (Another year or so and it will be totally black). The beautiful bird has full details to his eye and brow area and also the breast feathering is nearly all there. The wing feathering, wreath and raised out swastika are still quite crisp. A fine set of hilt fittings here! The grip is a most-attractive, deeper orange color. This color is about that of a pumpkin on the reverse and is just slightly lighter on the obverse. The grip is perfect throughout. There is a fine, 42 cm aluminum portepee wrapped about the hilt. This portepee is in mint condition and looks very fine against these original early fittings. The scabbard is the first style, having bands which are identical to the piece I show on Page 24. This scabbard is straight throughout and has the characteristic finely grained pebbled panels. It is not a brass scabbard, but is a steel base. It is in choice condition, having perfect silvering and no dents or dings. The overlapping leafing to the carrying bands is nicely done, with each and every oak leaf reflecting hand-done veins. The thicker style throat is retained by one flatter head, center-placed screw in the reverse. The blade of this example is a real beauty. It is completely bright throughout and retains its cross-graining with needlelike tip. This mirror bright blade also has the name of a distributor etched into the obverse ricasso. The distributor is “A.Kuhl Münster/Essen”. Obviously, this retailer, “A. Kuhl”, had shops in both Munster and the town of Essen. Early on, the Army daggers could be ordered at the same time a military man ordered his uniform. Since this store did quite a bit of business, it had a relationship with Eickhorn so they were amenable to putting the shop’s name on their blades. On the reverse ricasso, the blade is deeply etched with a dark 1935-41 squirrel logo. The original small style leather washer is in place. An extremely nice dagger here, which really has everything! Mint Minus. $1,395.00

AOD - 097 - 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! Mint. $995.00

AOD - 099 - EARLY PERSONALIZED ARMY OFFICER - No Maker

This Army Officer is equipped with unusual fittings, which are extraordinary in their workmanship. The pommel appears to be a brass based silver plated type having the 14 oak leaves around the perimeter. This pommel is the type "F" which I show on page 115 of my Army Book. The difference though in the book pommel and this example is that this pommel has been heavily hand accented. Each and every oak leaf has deep veining and the area between the rim and the top of the leaves has been heavily individually pebbled with a punch prior to plating. The workmanship here is really extraordinary and I do not remember seeing a pommel with more work. The casting flaws also have been ingeniously concealed. The top portion of the pommel shows some carrying time but it is not bad. A great thing to study here! The crossguard is just as inspiring. This example is of lighter weight metal and appears to be very close to the style used occasionally by Robert Klass. If you look on page 47 lower, you can see a similar bird. The difference, however, on this dagger, is that the bird is slightly higher on the guard, and the breast feathering of this example is much sharper criss crossed than the book piece. The swastika and wreath are beautifully rendered and the feathering to the wings is plain unlike the book piece. This eagle, though, is very unusual and is not something you will run into very often. I always find it extraordinary that you can look at hundreds of these daggers over the years and somehow still learn something new every day! The reverse of this crossguard has the original owner's monogram hand scratched into it, "WH". I don't know whether this is a plus or a minus, but it is there. The grip is a very pretty egg yolk yellow color which is slightly lighter on the reverse and also in the areas that may have once been covered by a portepee. This scabbard appears to be very similar to the Pack style. It looks like the example shown on page 54. It is straight throughout and has excellent 100% silvering. The bands have good detail and the throat is retained by two dome head side screws. The blade is a high quality example being mirror bright having a needlelike tip and still retaining 100% crossgraining. This unmarked blade is in mint condition. It has been protected by a large type leather washer, which is still in good shape, resting within the recesses. A very fine dagger for those who are involved in the study of these pieces. I find an example like this stimulating and I'm sure you will too.
Excellent Plus, Plus (22305) $595.00

AOD - 122 - EARLY ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn

This example is nicely pattinated throughout and has very desirable early characteristics. The pommel cap is the second style having fine depiction to the standing oak leaves and a coal black upper surface having little evident carrying time. Nice pommel here! The crossguard is the first style and is identical to the example I show on Page 24 of my Army book. The details to the eye, beak, breast feathering, wreath and raised out swastika are all there, and are exceptional showing little wear. The silvering throughout this crossguard and pommel is 100%. The ferrule is also the early style being the same as Page 24. These fine early fittings are contrasted with a deep orange grip. This early grip is an even tone pumpkin color and is quite beautiful being in perfect condition. The scabbard is also the first style having perfect silvering and for once, also being nice and straight. The scabbard is the same as Page 24 and also looks identical to the one on Page 27 right. The scabbard bands are the convex type and have oak leaves with hand enhanced veining. These bands show a little surface wear but the details are still there. This fine scabbard is a steel base, not brass. It still is very early though, as the thicker throat is retained by the two side screws. (The later scabbards will have one flathead screw in the center reverse). The bright early blade is also a fine feature. It is slightly wider than the later type we see, and also, it has the early tapered tang. This can be seen on Page 16 left if you do not what these tangs are. The finish of the blade is still mirror throughout. It does have a couple of minor age stains being located about one third down on the top edge of both sides of the blade. Other than this though, this blade is in near full mint condition reflecting needle like tip and still even having all of its crossgraining. The reverse ricasso is etched with the early 1933 through 1934 trademark. It consists of double ovals which trap the firm's name and location "Carl Eickhorn Solingen." In the center is a seated squirrel with serrated tail. Beautiful blade here and rare to see! The new-like small tan leather blade buffer is in place and has done a great job protecting this much sought after blade with its early trademark. A fine example of an initial production Carl Eickhorn dagger. It is easy to assume that early daggers like this if they were carried throughout the time must have ended up belonging to very high ranking Army officials. Since the dagger's vintage is no later than 1935, this officer had almost five years to build up his rank prior to the start of the war. Fine example. Untouched.
Excellent Plus Plus (22789) $950.00

AOD - 126 - EARLY ARMY OFFICER - No Maker

This outstanding dagger is of highest quality throughout. It is made with generic "B" fittings and looks exactly like what I show on Page 99 of my Army book. The pommel and crossguard have 100% silvering and have patinated to a very deep black color. They look great and will bring a smile to the traditionalists out there. The pommel shows no hits to the edges and no wearing time. It has good detail to the standing 14 oak leaves which run around its perimeter. The crossguard bird is as nice or better than the one I show on Page 99. It just has terrific detail throughout its head, breast feathering, wreath and raised swastika. You won't see better fittings than these! The ferrule is also an early one. The same as Page 99. These black fittings are nicely contrasted with a pleasing color tangerine orange grip. This grip is textured like a piece of stick candy and just could not be any better looking being in totally perfect condition. The scabbard is also very high quality. It is straight throughout, has 100% silvering and is patinated matching the hilt fittings. The bands also have extra care to the vein treatment. This beautiful scabbard is in mint condition with throat being retained by two flush mount headless side screws. The blade is also a high quality piece having nickel-plated surfaces. The surfaces are still mirror bright and this blade would be in mint condition were it not for just the slightest bit of peeling to the nickel at the beginning of the center segment on both sides. This will not get any worse if a little wax were put onto the blade to protect its surfaces. Otherwise, this blade is in full mint condition. The blade has been protected by a larger type darker leather washer. A fine, highest quality piece.
Uncleaned Near Mint (22854) $595.00

AOD - 133 - ARMY OFFICER WITH ALUMINUM HILT FITTINGS - Siegfried Waffen (E. Pack)
This is one of the rarely seen Army Officers that is equipped with aluminum hilt fittings by E. Pack. This dagger looks the same as the example shown on page 51 of my Army Book. We used to think that these aluminum fitted pieces were fake until we realized that Pack experimented with this metal early on. Don't forget, aluminum was a new metal in the 1930's and its lightweight features were held in high esteem by the Germans. The pommel top is identical to the book piece having twelve leaves which run around the edges. Each and every one of these leaves reflects some kind of enhancement both to the stem veins as well as the edges. In addition to the leaf enhancement the chiseler put pebbling behind to give these leaves relief. The pommel top shows good crisp ridge edges. The matching crossguard features a good looking eagle which shows some wear to his breast feathering and claws, but you can see he is the same bird as is shown on page 51. The detail is still good to the raised swastika, head details and wing details. There are no hits to this guard and it has a fine look with its satin finish matching the pommel. The ferrule is also the same as shown in the book and this is a silver plated steel type. The grip is a dark pumpkin orange. It also looks the same as the book piece, but unfortunately, has a bit of chipping at the lower obverse area as well as to the high point of the reverse center rib. There is a portepee, though, on this piece and it does help disguise the lower fracture. The portepee is a good looking example having fraying only where it comes out of the tie. It does appear to be original to this piece. The scabbard is also a Pack variety. It has the silver finish and has the same bands and screws as is shown on page 53. This scabbard shows just the slightest bit of age in the surfaces, but for the most part, all the silvering is there and it is nice and straight. The throat is retained by the typical Pack domehead screws. They are located slightly further down than most other makers did it. The bands are in good condition although the lower band has come loose and the previous owner has put a piece of tape beneath it to keep it tight. This is a good way to do it if you don't want to use crazy glue. (These pot metal style bands frequently came loose from their scabbard solder job. This is not something to get too excited about as it happens all the time. The easiest way to remedy this is with a drop of crazy glue.) The blade of this example is a little gray and shows some age in the surfaces, but no pitting. A little work could probably bring quite a bit of the original luster out. The blade still has its needlelike tip, but I don't see any crossgraining left. The reverse ricasso has the large Siegfried Waffen trademark identical to the example I show on page 54. This blade only grades at excellent or so. The original large size leather washer is in place. A rare type dagger here which is affordable to the budget collector, as the condition is not the best on this piece. It is all there, however, and could be easily improved with a little work.
Excellent (23047) $495.00

AOD - 138 - ARMY OFFICER - No Maker

Despite the fact that this example has no maker, the hilt fittings easily identify it as a Pack product. The entire dagger has never been cleaned and it has a patinated surface which looks like partially dirt and partially age. Sometimes these untouched pieces would look better if they were cleaned and left to patina on their own but, of course, that is up to the next owner. This example has fittings which are identical to page 54 and 55 of my Army Book. The pommel is the typical Pack type having lots of hand-enhancement evident to the perimeter standing oak leaves. In addition, there is pebbling added to the backgrounds to give these pieces relief. The top of this pommel appears to show little usage. The matching crossguard is identical to the eagle on page 55. It has about the same patinated look as the book piece. This eagle does not show much wear, though, as all details are there to the bird's head, breast feathering and raised out swastika. The reverse also is in fine conditioning. Beneath the patina, both of these hilt fittings seem to have 100% silvering. The ferrule is also the same as the book piece. The grip of this example is a fine orange Popsicle color. It fades slightly on the reverse becoming more of a yellowish orange. This grip is in totally perfect condition and is a good looker. There is an original-to-the-piece portepee which is still in the Army tie. This portepee also has protected the original colors of the grip, as it appears slightly lighter in the areas covered by the knot. This knot is in excellent condition showing just the tiniest bit of fray where the cording comes out. If anything, though, it talks to you and is a great addition. The scabbard is a good quality example. It too, is highly patinated and has some brighter areas which are mixed with the darker areas. Again, if it were cleaned and left to evenly age it would look nicer. This scabbard, though, appears to have all the silvering and is straight throughout. It has good detail to the carrying bands. The throat is retained by one center placed headless screw in the reverse. The blade of this example is unmarked, but is a high quality type. It is still bright and retains its needlelike tip. This blade appears to have all of the original crossgraining and is still in mint condition. This fine blade has been protected by an in-place, new-like larger style leather washer. This is a fine dagger which could look a lot nicer with a good cleaning. It is all there and would make a fine addition to any collection.
Uncleaned Excellent Plus, Plus (23304) $575.00

AOD - 143 - EARLY ARMY OFFICER - No Maker

This example has fine early silver hilt fittings. The pommel is in excellent condition having good standing oak leaves around its perimeter. The blackening in the background is perfect. The top section of the pommel shows only slight hand wear to the silvering. The crossguard is a fine Alcoso example being identical to page 21 of my Army Book. This crossguard has good detail to the bird's head and breast feathering which usually is lacking with this particular guard variety. This one is a beauty having fine patination and 100% silvering. The early ferrule is also a fine deeply toned example. Setting off these hilt fittings is a most beautiful orange grip. This grip is darker than a pumpkin and has a pleasing sheen to its surfaces. It is in perfect condition. The scabbard is one of the more rounded style examples similar to the one I show on page 20, upper. This scabbard is a very fine high quality example having all of the silvering and nice matching patination. The pebbled surfaces are very delicate and still mostly crisp. The bands are also well defined having lots of hand-enhancing. The thicker style throat is retained by two flat head side screws which are the type with small bore. This scabbard is in mint condition. The blade of this example is also superb. This unmarked blade has mirror finish, needlelike tip and still has all of its crossgraining. This blade is in mint condition. It has been protected by an in-place, large style leather blade buffer. A very fine early unmarked piece which probably was sold through a uniform retailer.
Near Mint (23170) $595.00

AOD - 149 - ARMY OFFICER - AES (Arther Evertz Solingen)

This Army Officer has a rarely seen maker and is in top condition to go along with it. The hilt fittings have fine silvering and they are the generic "A" variety. These fittings are the same as I show on page 85 of my Army Book. The detail to the pommel is outstanding to the oak leaves around the perimeter and the pommel rim shows just the slightest signs of carrying time. The crossguard bird has outstanding detail throughout with little wear. The prominent wreathed swastika looks good against the black background of the wreath. The reverse crossguard has a slight stain around the center area, about the size of a dime, but other than that, is in perfect condition. The grip is a fine off-white example of higher quality than the book photograph. This off-white grip is a beauty being completely perfect throughout. The scabbard is a early version which is most likely generic. It reflects perfect 100% silvering throughout and has outstanding hand-enhancement to the veins of all of the leaves on the carrying bands. The throat is retained by a single headless screw in the reverse. This is a very fine scabbard. The choice blade is completely bright throughout showing only a little modest age across the surfaces in a couple of spots. These age marks though, are only surface and do not detract from the blade. Most of the crossgraining is all there and the blade retains its original needle-like tip. This blade is in near full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is marked the same as my book example on page 86. The trademark consists of an etched square which has the capital letters, "AE" over the letter, "S". This near mint blade has been protected by an in place large size leather washer. This is a very difficult dagger to find.
Mint Minus (23504) $995.00

AOD - 150 - ARMY OFFICER - Richard Abr. Herder

This Herder piece is identical to the example I show in my Army Book on page 31. The hilt fittings consist of the later nickel finished variety which are the generic, "B" type. The nickel finishing is still all there throughout the pommel and the crossguard, but it is starting to thin on the high points. There is just the slightest trace of a little bubbling on the crossguard reverse and a little on the pommel top, but as I say, no plating is missing. The detail is good to the pommel oak leaves and the generic "B" eagle also looks great being identical to the book. The wreathed swastika is nicely vaulted. The ferrule is also the same as the book piece. The grip is a very pleasing deep yellow egg yolk color. This grip has even tones throughout and is in totally perfect condition. The scabbard is the generic type like page 31. It too, has the late nickel finish throughout. This scabbard has good detail to the bands and the thin throat is retained by a headless flush mount screw in the reverse center. This scabbard is in mint condition. The blade is nice and bright throughout having fine needlelike tip. This polished blade retains all of its original crossgraining and is easily in full mint condition. The trademark on the blade is a slightly later variety than I show on the piece in my book. The book piece is the double ovaled style trademark. This mark is a arch shaped name of the producer and town being, "Rich. A. Herder Solingen". In the center of the two arches made by these words is the diamond logo. This trademark was the last one used by Herder. It is a rare one to get and is collectible in its own right. The fine preservation has been accomplished by the in place larger style brown leather blade buffer. A fine dagger here and certainly an interesting example for the "type" collectors out there.
Mint Minus (23509) $750.00

AOD - 152 - 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.
Near Mint (23491) $895.00

AOD - 155 - ARMY OFFICER WITH ALUMINUM HILT FITTINGS - No Maker

Usually, when we see these Army daggers equipped with aluminum fittings, the mounts will be those as made by the E. Pack company. This is the first example I have seen that has aluminum fittings that are not the Pack type. These fittings appear to be the same as the example I show by Robert Klaas on page 46 and 47, upper. This is not a case where plating may have come off of the fittings, but they were actually made with this aluminum finish. The pommel is an interesting example as it shows some hand-enhancing where the original detail was lacking. But, on a scale of one to ten, as far as the chiseler's ability is concerned, this guy only rates at about a five or a six. He did carve in some of the details to the acorns, but the two areas where the casting flaws effect the leaves that frankly are really crudely done. (Most people would never know the difference and I'm sure that was the thought of this long ago engraver). To make up for his shortcomings in engraving, he pebbled the surfaces to try to add some relief to it. (This is all great stuff if you are a student of these period details!) The crossguard is identical to the one shown on page 47, upper. The bird does not have a lot of detail to his head, but the swastika is pretty good, and so is the wing feathering. The breast also is lacking, and true to form, this chiseler made no attempt to improve the depiction. The grip is a fine yellow early type which has not turned color. In fact, it appears to almost be its original color, being just slightly darker on the obverse than the reverse. The ferrule appears to be the same as those shown on the piece on page 47, lower. The scabbard is an excellent example being nice and straight and having full 100% silvered finish. The bands have the look of a Pack piece, but apparently are not, as there is one center screw in the reverse which retains the throat. Not a Pack trait. It is hard to say who made this particular piece. At any rate, the scabbard is in a near mint state. The blade is mirror bright and has fine needlelike tip. It retains 100% crossgraining and is in mint condition. This unmarked blade has been preserved by a new-like large tan leather washer, which is still in place. A nice dagger here and a very rare aluminum hilt depiction.
Near Mint (23499) $795.00

AOD - 159 - EARLY ARMY OFFICER - No Maker (WKC)

Although this early Army example has an unmarked blade, it is definitely a WKC piece. The hilt fittings are the classic early type produced by this firm. The pommel is a fourteen-leaf variety having heavily enhanced oak leaves. The areas where the casting flaws occur have been almost 100% engraved over with leaf depictions. All of the other leaves have had hand-veining done. The areas in between and above have been beautifully stippled. This pommel looks about the same as the one shown on page 63 of my Army Book, right hand side. (These early examples are always fun pommels to study). The silvering on this pommel is good, except for the rim area around the two o'clock position. Other than that, the silvering is still perfect. The crossguard has excellent silvering and is the first style eagle used by this firm, being identical to page 61. This bird shows little wear and has outstanding detail to his eye, beak, fine cross chiseled breast feathering, wreath and raised out swastika. A fine crossguard here showing just a little bit of swing wear at the reverse center. The ferrule is the same as page 61. The grip is one of those outstanding early examples. It is even darker color orange than a pumpkin. This grip is so dark it is almost a red color! It is very beautiful and in perfect condition. (I love these real dark grips, don't' you?) The scabbard is also a WKC variety and, in fact, it is a early brass type. Fortunately it has no denting and is nice and straight. It also has all of the silvering. It shows a little minor surface wear to the fine pebbled panels, but it is still in near mint condition. The bands have fine oak leaf treatment and are the same as page 63. The throat is retained by two side screws, which appear to be are more of a domehead shape than a flat head. This possibly indicates that parts for this dagger were purchased from WKC, by another Solingen assembler. The unmarked blade is still in good condition. It shows a little bit of usage and some minor age, but all-in-all it is in near mint condition still retaining its needlelike tip. I took a look at the tang of this blade, and as we would expect it is the early tapered type. This blade rates in excellent plus condition and is protected by an in place small style leather washer. This is a nice dagger with high quality features throughout. You will not fine a better-looking grip!
Excellent Plus (23488) $695.00

AOD - 165 - ARMY OFFICER - WKC

This Army Officer does not appear to have ever been cleaned. It is equipped with classic WKC fittings and scabbard. The hilt and crossguard are dark patinated having some signs of frosting here and there where the air has not penetrated the original lacquer. These fittings are exactly as I show on page 66 of my Army Book. The pommel shows little carrying time and does have some signs of the slightest of under-the-surface movement, but there is no missing plating. The crossguard features the fine hatchet beak eagle and has a very crisp cross feathered breast area with wreathed raised out swastika. The silvering is 100% throughout this piece, although it does show also, just a little bit of the slightest of under the surface age. The fine ferrule is matching patinated. These choice fittings are set off by an orange colored grip. This grip is in perfect condition throughout and contrasts effectively with the darkness of the patination. There is an original 42 cms portepee tied about the dagger's hilt. This portepee is still in its original tie and is in pretty good condition. It does not really reflect any fraying, just a little bit of wear here and there. Basically, though, this portepee is still in excellent plus condition. The fine straight scabbard is a typical WKC later style having lots of frosting evident along the edges of both sides. This scabbard is also still crisp throughout the pebbled panels. The throat is retained in the normal way having one flathead style screw on the right edge. The blade of this piece has never been cleaned. It still retains all of its crossgraining and is bright throughout, except for a couple of extremely minor stains in the surface toward the tip area. I'm sure that these would clean out with a little semi-chrome if someone would want to do it. Otherwise the blade is in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is dark etched with the knight's head logo which is positioned over the firm's name and location, "WKC Solingen". The small leather washer is in place. A nice untouched dagger here and a good one for the "type" collector.
Uncleaned Near Mint (23766) $695.00

AOD - 169 - ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn

This Army Officer dagger is a textbook piece with second style Eickhorn fittings throughout. The dagger is identical to page 25 as well as the ones I show on page 26 and 27 with second type fittings. The pommel shows a couple of signs of carrying, but overall, it is still in good shape still having 100% silvering. The standing leaves are crisp throughout the outside perimeter. The crossguard has outstanding detail and 100% silvering. The detail to the eyes, beak, breast feathering, wreath and raised out swastika are just like you want to see it - stunning! The ferrule is also the second style being the same as page 25. This dagger is equipped with a lighter yellow color grip which is about the tone of an autumn squash. This grip is perfect on the obverse and has a hairliner which runs up the first two lower sections on the reverse. Other than this minor flaw, though, this grip is a beauty. The original portepee is still knotted about the hilt in a most unusual manner. The portepee is looped about the pommel and then looped about the left crossguard quillon. The cording is then circled around the center area three times and then knotted again. This portepee tie method is anything but regulation, but appears to be original to this piece and definitely has been in place for a long time. It also has a great look to it. It is the first time I have seen an Army portepee tied in this manner. There is minor fraying to the exposed areas and some age throughout the knot but it really gives a great look and is not something you would want to discard. Someone cleaned this dagger not too long ago. When the dagger was in its natural state it probably really complimented this knot. The scabbard is a typical second style Eickhorn. It has 100% silvering and is straight throughout. This scabbard nicely matches the tone of the hilt fittings. This scabbard is in mint condition. The thicker throat is retained by one center placed reverse flathead screw. The carrying bands have fine detailing to the oak leaf depiction. The blade of this example remains nice and bright. I do not see a lot of graining in the surfaces, but there is some there. The original owner probably wiped the blade off once in a while thus the normal wear to the surfaces. This blade still retains its needle tip though, and also has the 1935-41 squirrel trademark. The trademark is a little bit lighter in the etch coloring but still looks good. This blade rates in near mint condition and is complete with the small style leather blade washer. A nice looking second style Eickhorn and a great one for those who would like the "racy" look with this knot.
Near Mint (23653A) $795.00

AOD - 170 - ARMY OFFICER "HI-LIFT" - Alcoso

This example is the so-called "Hi-Lift" variety piece made by Alcoso after the war had begun. These pieces are desirable as the crossguard reflects the last style eagle used by this firm. The rest of the fittings are standard Alcoso throughout. The crossguard is the same as the example I show on page 22 of my Army Book. The silvering is still pretty good throughout this crossguard but it does appear to be thinning in the sharper areas. The details to the eagle though are all there. The eagle's wings have the looks as though this bird is ready to take off at any instant. It is more of a three dimensional bird than any of the other types which Alcoso produced. The details to the head, breast feathering, claws, wreath and raised out swastika are exceptional. The pommel is the typical flared out variety we are used to seeing with this producer. This pommel appears to have all of the silvering and is in good condition. The standing leaves around the outside perimeter are in perfect condition with good veining. The ferrule is identical to the one I show on page 22. These fittings have not been cleaned in some time. The grip is one of the rarely seen imitation ivory types. It is an off-white ivory color and has beautiful graining which runs throughout its surfaces. Unfortunately, there is a hairliner crack which runs in the reverse center of the grip but can not be seen from the front. If you did not see this hairliner you will swear that this grip is real ivory. It is very beautiful and if you are just going to display the dagger the crack shouldn't bother you. The scabbard is a typical Alcoso variety and is identical to the one I show on page 23 of my Army Book, right hand side. This scabbard has excellent silvering and is nice and straight. In fact, this scabbard is in near mint condition nicely matching the patination of the dagger's hilt fittings. The bands show good detail to the oak leafing. The throat is retained by two flathead side screws which are the small bore variety unique to this producer. The blade is still nice and bright showing most of the original crossgraining. The blade does show some in and out usage, but for the most part, it is still in fine condition and easily rates at excellent plus, plus to near mint. The reverse of the blade has the last trademark used by this firm. It consists of the small scales logo which have the firm's initials, "AWS" interspersed. To the right of the scales is the firm's name and location, "Alcoso Solingen". The larger style leather washer is in place preserving this blade. This is an excellent example for the "type" collectors out there. The "Hi-Lift" feature is seldom available anymore.
Excellent Plus (23747) $595.00

AOD - 172 - ARMY OFFICER - No Maker

This example still has a frosted appearance throughout all of its hilt fittings. The fittings are produced by the Pack Company and are the same as I show on page 55 of my Army Book. The pommel has good oak leafing throughout being enhanced in the veins. It further has pebbling applied between the leaves. The perimeter does not show much wearing time. There is a little loss of the silvering around the edges only where it is worn from hand wear. The rest of the pommel, though, looks great still having the old frosting between the leaves and also around the lower collar area. The crossguard and ferrule have the identical frosted appearance throughout. This frosting is nearly 100% on both of these fittings with only a slight amount of black patination penetrating the original lacquer. This crossguard and ferrule are identical to the example I show on page 55 of my Army Book. It is very rare to see fittings in this condition. The grip is a fine looking lemon pudding yellow color. It is totally in perfect condition, and in my opinion, is the same color it was when the dagger was issued. This would be commensurate with the fine preservation throughout these hilt fittings. The scabbard is a generic variety being the same as I show on page 120. This scabbard, though, also has the same frosted appearance throughout its pebbled panels and smooth edges. The frosting exactly matches the hilt fittings. The bands and throat assembly are a darker gray color as apparently the frosting came off of these parts where air has penetrated it. The scabbard surface also has some dark areas where air has come under the lacquer. Some areas have a brown discoloration which is not rust, but just another way that the age of sixty years expresses itself across a silvered metal surface. This scabbard remains in choice mint condition, if you know what you are looking at here. The throat is retained by a reverse center placed headless flush mount screw. The blade of this example is a fine mirror bright mint example having 100% of the original crossgraining. Although unmarked, the blade appears to be high quality and a good looking example still retaining its needlelike tip. The brown leather washer is in place. This is a fine dagger for those out there that recognize an untouched, uncleaned, fully preserved appearance. This piece is not beautiful to the uninitiated, by a long shot but to those that realize the importance of the preservation process this one is indeed a real looker!
Mint Minus (23706) $595.00

AOD - 173 - ARMY OFFICER - WMW

This Army dagger has a truly elegant and beautiful outside. In fact, the dagger on the outside is easily in mint condition and of highest quality production. The hilt fittings have 100% silvering and are the "A" type generic style identical the WMW piece I show on page 80 and 81 of my Army Book. The pommel cap shows only the slightest of carrying time and has very fine crisp oak leaves surrounding its perimeter. The crossguard is also a beauty having fine detail to the bird's noble head, breast feathering, wreath and raised out swastika. The ferrule is the same as is shown on page 81. These fittings are developing a beautiful patination and really look great! They are set off by a very fine orange colored grip. This grip has some mixtures of lighter and darker colors in the surfaces providing for a fine visual effect. The grip is just slightly lighter on the reverse and it is in perfect condition. You will not find a better-looking hilt. The scabbard is also a beauty exactly matching the patinated silvering and having 100% silvering throughout its straight surfaces. The bands are as nice as you will see also having excellent detail to the oak leafing. Each and every leaf has a hand-enhanced center vein. The throat on this scabbard is a thicker variety and it is retained by two domehead silver screws. This scabbard is of the same caliber as the one I show on page 90 and 91. The blade of this example is still nice and bright and does have its crossgraining. Unfortunately someone used the blade to either open something or as some kind of a tool as there are some telltale scratches at about the center area extending slightly downward. They take the mint rating away from the blade accordingly. The tip, though, is still needle sharp, and other than these scratches, the blade appears to be in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is marked with this producer's two line stamping, "WMW / Waffen". The large size leather washer is in place. This is an extremely nice looking dagger, and other than the flaw in the blade, is a real winner.
Near Mint (23736) $725.00

AOD - 174 - 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.
Excellent Plus (23652) $750.00

AOD - 179 - 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.
Untouched Mint Minus (23911) $750.00

AOD - 180 - ARMY OFFICER - Rudolf Büchel

This rarely seen producer is a good one for the "type" collectors out there. The hilt fittings are the generic "A" variety. The crossguard is identical to the example shown on page 79 of my Army Book. The matching pommel is in good shape showing only nominal usage, but still having all silvering. The standing oak leaves are still crisp. The crossguard has perfect detail to the eagle being crisp throughout the head, breast feathering, wreath and raised swastika. There is just the slightest bit of freckling on the reverse of the crossguard in one small area, but other than this, it is in good condition. The ferrule is the same as the example shown on page 78. The grip is an attractive yellow example. It is as yellow color as a grapefruit and is most attractive being in perfect condition. The scabbard is the same as the type shown on page 74 in so far as the carrying bands go. These bands have excellent detail and I believe are attributable to the Pack Company. This scabbard is nice and straight throughout showing only a tiny age mark on the right edge, but other than that, is in near mint condition. The throat is retained by two domehead side screws. The blade is a very choice example being completely bright throughout. It has all of its crossgraining together with a good tip. This blade is in mint condition. It is etched on the reverse with the rarely seen trademark being the same as page 102 of my Army Book. This trademark has a single circle with a complicated geometrical design in the center consisting of a combination circle, diamond and four-sided figure. Inside of this are the letters, "RBS". The outside circle has the name of the firm and its location, "Rudolf Büchel Solingen - Merscheid". The original new like small style leather washer is in place. This is a very desirable dagger for the "type" collectors out there.
Excellent Plus (23502) $795.00

AOD - 183 - ARMY OFFICER - WKC

This example by WKC has not been cleaned since the war and has a fine black even patination across all surfaces. The fittings are the generic "B" style and they are of highest quality. The crossguard is identical to the example I show on page 99 of my Army Book. The matching pommel is the style with threaded stem inside. It has the fourteen oak leaf depiction and each and every leaf has good hand-enhancing. The pommel of this example shows mild signs of carrying but it is still in good condition. The crossguard has great detail to the noble bird's head, breast feathering, talons, wreath and raised out swastika. The ferrule is also the same as the book piece shown on page 99. The grip is a nice deeper orange color on the obverse being slightly lighter toned on the reverse. It would be totally perfect except there is a minor hairliner on the reverse lower portion of the grip. Other than this, though, it is a beauty. The scabbard is nice and straight throughout and it has matching patination. It too, has excellent silvering and rates at 100%. The bands have good detailed overlapping oak leaves. The throat is retained by a single center placed screw in the reverse. It is the headless type. Since this piece was probably made during war time it was purchased along with the hilt fittings as WKC may have not been able to supply the parts. There is no lack of craftsmanship however. The blade of this example is a real beauty. It is totally mirror bright and has all of the original crossgraining. The needlelike tip is in fine condition and this blade rates mint. The reverse ricasso is etched with the knighthead trademark which is positioned over the firm's initials and location, "WKC Solingen". There is a larger style brown leather washer in place. A fine looking Army dagger here which is in untouched condition throughout.
Untouched Near Mint (23938) $695.00

AOD - 187 - ARMY OFFICER - E&F Hörster

This is a beautiful Army dagger which was apparently made later in the period. The hilt fittings are the generic variety instead of the Hörster standard fittings. But, a fine Hörster scabbard has been used with the piece and more than makes up for the hilt fittings, which are no slouch either. These fittings are the generic "B" variety and they reflect choice 100% silver plating. They have been cleaned recently and really look their best. The pommel rim shows no carrying time and there is good detail to the standing oak leaves. The eagle of the generic crossguard really looks great, being the same as the example I show on page 100 of my Army Book. These fittings are enhanced with a beautiful tangerine orange colored grip. This grip is completely pristine and could not look any better. It is further enhanced with a fine original 42 cms portepee. This portepee also is in perfect condition throughout and remains in the original Army tie. Beautiful hilt here! The scabbard is just as nice and reflects 100% silvered finish. It has a darker patination to the silvering and this blackness has a glisten to its finish. It is really great looking! The scabbard appears to be the same as the example shown on page 39. The bands are beautifully done with hand-enhanced oak leafing. The thicker variety throat is retained by two domehead screws. It is a pleasure to view such a mint conditioned scabbard. Taking the blade out gives further enjoyment to the viewer. This mirror bright blade has all of its original crossgraining and retains its needlelike tip. It is in mint condition. The blade is etched with the familiar trademark consisting of two ovals. These ovals trap the firm's name and location, "E&F Hörster Solingen". Inside is the large "H" letter which has a smaller "H" and "S" letter pierced by a sword inside. This mint conditioned blade was protected by an in-place, dark brown leather washer. A very fine beautiful collectible piece here.
Mint (24114) $850.00