Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition German Army Officer's Dagger, produced by Tigerwerk Lauterjung & Co., of Solingen, Germany, complete with its original scabbard and portepee sword knot. The aluminum pommel of this dagger is in very good condition, showing a little wear and a bit of scratching throughout the bottom, but nothing bad. The original oxide antiquing has nicely worn throughout, and the standing oak leaves and acorns are crisply detailed and have good backgrounds.

The silver plated crossguard is in similar condition, with a nice lightly patinated finish, with oxidized accents. The details throughout the eagle are exceptional throughout the head, breast and wing feathering, talons and wreathed mobile swas. It really just looks great, with the perfect patina. The grip ferrule looks to be silver-plated, and is in very nice condition with some oxidation, having been protected from wear by the portepee.

The celluloid grip is in good shape, with some light staining and a lovely light orange color. There is no chipping or other damage that we can see. The crossguard is still firmly attached, with just a bit of wiggle, and the original leather blade buffer is still present. Wrapped around the grip and cross guard is an original aluminum bullion thread portepee (sword knot), tied in the Heer fashion. It is in good shape, with just a bit of oxidation and fraying.

The blade is in very good condition, mostly bright throughout and having almost all of the original cross grain easily visible. 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. The overall finish on the back of the blade is very good, with just a bit of staining and areas where it was polished. The edge has not been sharpened, and the only wear is from the runners, as well as a few small dents.

The reverse ricasso is marked with the "Left Facing Tiger" trademark of the Lauterjung & Co. firm, and to the right of the trademark is:

TIGER
SOLINGEN

Lauterjung & Co., Tiger Stahlwaren- und Waffenfabrik is a famous manufacturer in Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in Western Germany. Their trademark was a Tiger, and their factory was thus often referred to as Tigerwerk (Tiger Works). The firm was founded in 1873 to make knives, scissors, and other steel ware, and survived until after the war. There were several different branches of the Lauterjung family involved in edged weapons, operating under different trade names to avoid confusion. For more information please see GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter.

The scabbard is a fine example, and is steel with zinc plating, much of which is retained. This straight scabbard has very crisp, finely grained panels. The carrying bands have an excellent pattern of overlapping oak leaves and acorns, which are nicely enhanced, but also show some wear. The throat is the thicker style, and has a single securing screw on the scabbard's top left and right sides. The scabbard has a great service worn patina overall.

A really good example of this model of dagger, from a very desirable maker and complete with all the usual accessories. 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. These daggers are often encountered with an aluminum portepee.