Germany, Heer. A Damascus Blade Honour Dagger, by Carl Eickhorn

(Ehrendolch des Heeres). This is a unique and extremely well-preserved Heer (Army) Honour Dagger, measuring 397 mm with the scabbard on. The dagger features superb Damascus blade meauring 255 mm in length, with a maximum width of 20 mm that gradually tapers toward the tip. The obverse features an acid etched central gilt inscription of “Ehre-Freiheit Vaterland” (“Honour, Freedom, Fatherland”) in German gothic script. The reverse features a gilt Wehrmacht-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, over top of oak leaves and acorns. Near the ricasso is a maker’s mark reading “ORIGINAL EICKHORN SOLINGEN”, along with Carl Eickhorn’s signature squirrel logo. The blade fits through the crossguard, which depicts a detailed, Wehrmacht-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. The reverse of the crossguard is engraved with the purchaser’s initials of “P. P.”. The handle is composed of an extremely well-preserved, pumpkin-coloured knotted celluloid, which transitions into a richly-detailed pommel circumscribed by oak leaves. Wrapped around the crossguard and pommel is a portepee, constructed of multiple rows of twisted aluminum bullion wire completing in an acorn-style knot. The dagger has an overall length of 374 mm. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of silvered magnetic metal and measuring 283 mm in length. The throat of the scabbard securely held together by a single metal screw. The scabbard features a functional spring catch that holds the dagger securely in place during storage and wear. It is surrounded by two rings, with oak leaf designs, securing in place a dagger hanger, composed of black felt bearing dual bands of silver aluminum wire, with adjustable zink loops and buckles.