Description
Product Description: This Eickhorn Heer Dagger is a nice honest piece. Eickhorn is a maker known for quality edged weapons, and this is a great representative example of their work. The bright plated steel blade shows some age, with some freckling as well as light spotting near the tip. There is original factory crossgraining visible. The blade ricasso is neatly etched on the reverse with the famous Eickhorn squirrel emblem. The handle of this beautiful dagger is very appealing. The Heer eagle and swastika crossguard and the ornamented pommel nut retain all of the original detail, as well as most of the finish, with some pleasant, mellow age toning. The orange Trylon grip has great color and no damage. This appealing Heer Dagger is complete with its original scabbard. The scabbard is perfectly straight and retains most of the original finish with light even wear matching the dagger. This is a textbook set, with the typical Eickhorn screw on the reverse of the scabbard. This dagger has a handsome look overall, and is in excellent condition.
Historical Description: After WWI, the German military, known as the Reichswehr, was restricted to a relatively small force. Hitler changed this in 1935, reintroducing universal military conscription, and creating a new German Armed Forces- the Wehrmacht. Within the Wehrmacht, the German Army was known as the Heer, and a new dagger was designed and introduced for the officers of this new German Army in May 1935. As with all German Army officer uniforms and accoutrements, they were not issued; rather, the officer had to purchase them. These were ceremonial and decorative pieces of regalia, that were worn on occasions that did not call for carrying a sword. The overall pattern and design of the dagger remained consistent throughout the production run, but the large number of individual manufacturers created a wide variety in detail, especially regarding the handle fittings. There were approximately 42 different manufacturers of the blades. There were construction changes over time as well. Early German Army daggers generally featured plated brass alloy handle fittings. Later, zinc was used. Wartime type scabbards were generally unplated, with a gray finish. Production of German Army daggers ceased around 1943. The German Army was a huge organization, and large numbers of these daggers were produced. But there were many specific variants that were produced in low numbers, especially the highest quality, luxury type pieces for well-heeled officers. Some daggers were personalized, and customized, and are unique. The striking and attractive design of the German Army dagger was well-received by officers at the time, and these are very sought-after by collectors today.
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