Germany, Heer. An Officer’s Dagger, by F.W. Höller

(Heer Offiziersdolch). An extremely well-preserved Heer Officer’s dagger, measuring 40 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 26 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges. The blade is plain with the exception of a maker’s mark on the obverse ricasso of “F.W. HÖLLER, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic thermometer logo with early pattern 17 double-sided ticks. The blade sits securely within a nickel-silver crossguard, the obverse of which bears a raised Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, with the seam covered by an intact black leather buffer pad. The handle is composed of a single piece of ribbed white celluloid. It completes with a rounded and flattened nickel-silver pommel, decorated with raised oak leaves around the outer circumference, screwing in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. Accompanying the dagger is its period original scabbard, constructed of a pebbled magnetic metal shaft. The upper third of the shaft has two integral oak leaf bands, each retaining a loop for the accommodation of a hanger. Tied through the loops in non-regulation wear is a matching portepee, constructed of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorn suspended from a strap of identical construction. The throat retains a functional spring catch to firmly hold the dagger in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include minor tarnishing of the blade and nickel-silver features, slight scratching of the handle grip, and moderate material fatigue of the portepee. The dagger remains in an overall extremely fine condition.