2ad3a32e_es__World_War_II__Nazi_Germany__Description
[Grade] NM+ [Item #] D278 [Description] 
Wehrmacht Officer's Dagger with Portapee by Carl Eickhorn of Solingen. The wearing of a uniform dress degen by German Army officers was a tradition that dated back to the Weimar Republic, and was carried on well into the Third Reich period. The Third Reich officer's degen as seen here was designed by artist Paul Casberg of Berlin, and was officially approved for wear on 4.5.1935. Hitler introduced the newly designed degen as a means to curry favor, and to build morale with in the German Army. It was presented as an optional side arm for walking out dress, while the sword or saber was retained for more formal occasions. Regulations discontinued production in May of 1943, and further wear was officially prohibited by order on 5.9.1944. On 23.12.1944 an additional regulation replaced the dress degen with a pistol, which was to be worn by all officer ranks. This is quite possibly the most incredible example of a mid period Eickhorn Army dagger that I've ever seen or had the pleasure to offer here at the Depot. The Eickhorn firm produced more Army daggers than any other manufacturer, and was well known for their superb quality. Even late in the war when they had to settle for unplated pot metal, their workmanship out classed all others. This is a rarely seen beauty that will be next to impossible to upgrade, unless you're lucky enough to find one with a stone mint blade. Take a look at my scans and see for yourself, the only flaw is a small spot to the left of the Eickhorn logo that I believe has been there since the day it was etched. The semi circle spot at the left edge of the blade appears to be etched into the surface so I think the emulsion was thin or non existent in that area. There is some very subtle carbon spotting through out the surface of the blade, but that's to be expected. After all, it's 65 to 70 year old carbon steel so this is nothing more than evidence of it's age. All of the cross graining is visible, and Eickhorn's etched squirrel with sword trade mark (circa 1935-41) is still crisp with all of the charcoal colored frosting intact, proof that it's never been polished or tampered with. The "type C" solid trolon (aka celluloid) grip is perfect with a rich burnt orange color that has darkened in the groves adding more depth to the spiral design. The 2nd pattern silver plated fittings are absolutely beautiful. The pommel, ferrule ring, and cross guard literally glow with most of the original dark gray burnished finish intact and a mild tarnish that adds depth to the intricate details of the eagle's feathers and oak leaves on all of the fittings. The silver plated steel scabbard is near perfect, straight and dent free with no damage other than some minor wear on either side of the 2nd pattern scabbard bands...obviously caused by the suspension rings rubbing against the plating. The bright silver (aluminum) wire portapee is near perfect, correctly tied with no noticeable damage or wear.
Third Reich Depot, military collectables, World War II, Nazi Germany
Description