Germany, Heer. A Heer Officer’s Dagger, by Hans Kolping

(Heer Offiziersdolch). A well-preserved Heer officer’s dagger, measuring 400 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 260 mm-long polished magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and semi-sharpened edges. The blade is unmarked with the exception of a maker’s stamp near the reverse ricasso of “H. KOLPING, SOLINGEN”, for the firm of Hans Kolping, circumscribing the company’s stein logo. It sits securely within the silvered zink alloy upper crossguard, the obverse of which presents as a finely-detailed Wehrmacht eagle clutching a mobile swastika. The handle grip consists of a single piece of ribbed dark brown celluloid, which transitions into a stylized rounded pommel, bearing an oak leaf design, which securely maintains the structure of the dagger. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a pebbled magnetic metal shaft. The upper third of the shaft features two integral bands, fully circumscribed with raised oak leaves, retaining dual loops for attachment to a dagger hanger. The throat retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the dagger in place during storage. While well-preserved, it displays some issues consistent with age and use, including oxidation of the metal and zink elements, as well as significant loosening of the handle grip. It is in an overall very fine condition.