Original Item: Only One Available. This is an very nice condition Army Officer's Dagger, produced by the legendary Solingen-based firm Carl Eickhorn. The fittings on this dagger look to be silver plated aluminum alloy, which now has matured to a lovely tarnished patina. However, there are also areas overall of oxidation, so it definitely looks to have seen real service in the field. The alloy pommel of this dagger is in very good condition, showing only light wear with almost all of the original plating still intact. It has a nice lightly tarnished patina throughout, and the standing oak leaves and acorns are crisply detailed and have good backgrounds. There is a bit of oxidation on the sides, which has caused some of the material to flake away.

The plated crossguard is in similar condition, with a lovely color, showing only light use from service. The details throughout the characteristic eagle are exceptional throughout the head, breast and wing feathering and talons, however the wreathed swas also shows some deterioration from oxidation, with a bit in the wings as well. The alloy grip ferrule looks great, with the plating now lovely dark tarnished color, matching the other fittings. The grip has faded a nice light caramel orange, and is just a bit lighter on one side than the other due to reduced light exposure It is in almost perfect condition throughout, with just some light scratching in areas, and no cracking or chipping that we can see. Wrapped around the pommel are the remnants of an on original portepee, which has lost the ball on the end.

The blade on this example is in very good condition, showing some small areas of staining and oxidation that look to be from water exposure. We have not made any attempts to clean this off, as it is part of the history of the dagger, and to avoid degrading the factory final grind cross grain, which is retained throughout the blade. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The needle-like tip is still intact, with no bending, and the edge is still nice, with no chips or sharpening.

The rear of the blade is etched with the 1935-41 Eickhorn trademark: a seated squirrel holding a sword, with the word ORIGINAL above and the firm's name and location, Eickhorn / SOLINGEN below. Carl Eickhorn is a legendary maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany.

According to J. Anthony Carter's book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this company was founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn, and is arguably the most famous of all Solingen makers. Not only could the family trace their history back 500 years, but they could also demonstrate involvement in the hardening and grinding industries for the same period. Truly the nobility of Solingen Edged weapon dynasties. Eickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers. The original leather blade buffer is in place within the recesses of the guard.

The scabbard is a fine straight example with no denting, and is made of high quality plated steel, which has unfortunately suffered oxidation damage, probably from water exposure. This has lifted the finish in areas and has led to rust corrosion occurring. The carrying bands have a very nice overlapping oak and acorn motif, a common design seen on German edged weapons, however they also show oxidation damage, and look to be made from aluminum or zinc. The throat is the thinner style, and has a single "cheese head" securing screw on the rear of the scabbard.

A very nice service used example from the most legendary of all Solingen makers, complete with its matching scabbard, and a relic portepee. Ready to display

Specifications:
Blade Length: 9 1/2"
Blade Style: Spear Point Dagger
Overall length: 14“
Crossguard: 2 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 11 1/8"

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 swas.

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. This early war version is quite nice, and in great shape.