German Heer Officer Dagger – Marked Eickhorn Solingen

An authentic German Army (Heer) officer's dress dagger preserved in fine condition with its historical accoutrements. The ricasso of the double-edged steel blade features a crisp, deeply etched commercial trademark of the legendary manufacturer Carl Eickhorn of Solingen, depicting their signature seated squirrel holding a sword, accented by the text "ORIGINAL EICKHORN SOLINGEN". The hilt architecture displays a heavy, authentic crossguard with a distinctive dense pebbling pattern across its front surface. Tied securely around the lower grip area at the crossguard is the original silver bullion officer's portepee knot woven from aluminum wire threads. The bright blade retains its correct symmetry and fine point, showing only minor surface age micro-scratches and light localized oxidation. Visible in the background is the matching pebbled-finish steel scabbard equipped with two suspension bands and rings, showing a uniform surface patina completely consistent with a service life between 1935 and 1945.

Historical context:
The Army Officer Dagger Model 1935 was officially authorized in May 1935 by the Wehrmacht high command to serve as a standardized ceremonial dress sidearm for all qualified land forces officers. The Solingen-based factory of Carl Eickhorn was widely considered the premier blade-making establishment of the Third Reich era, renowned for its exceptional quality control and artistic metal craftsmanship. The iconic squirrel logo represents an assurance of high-grade commercial military production, with subtle stylistic changes over time assisting modern historians in precise dating. Examples found with undisturbed period-tied portepee knots and matching original scabbards remain highly sought-after centerpieces for advanced bladed weapon collections.