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

(Heer Dolch für Offiziere mit Gehänge). An extremely well-preserved Heer Officer’s dress dagger, measuring 40 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains original sharpness throughout the edges and tip, and with most of its original crossgrain intact. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “F.W. HÖLLER, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic thermometer logo which presents eleven ticks. It sits securely within a nickel-plated crossguard, the obverse of which bears a raised Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, with an intact black leather buffer pad covering the seam. A single piece of ribbed brown celluloid composes the handle grip, while the dagger culminates in a nickel-plated pommel which bears raised oak leaves around the outer circumference, and screws in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. Accompanying the dagger is its original scabbard, constructed of a pebbled and nickel-plated magnetic steel shaft. Two integral oak leaf rings are set in place just below the throat, both retaining loops for the inclusion of a hanger. A functional catch situated within the throat firmly holds the dagger in place during storage. Faint running marks are visible to the blade, while the metal fixtures demonstrate a consistent patina throughout. This untouched example remains in an extremely fine condition.

Also accompanying the dagger is a matching hanger, consisting of a silvered metal alloy loop with dual loops emanating from the lower edge. Field-grey doeskin straps descend from the latter, and are topped by silver aluminum wire tresses. Each strap is adjusted with a functional silvered metal alloy buckle which takes the form of an oval oak leaf wreath. The straps in turn culminate in functional silvered metal alloy spring clips which lock onto an accompanying dagger’s scabbard loops. Unmarked, the hanger measures 27 cm in total length as configured. Moderate loss of finish is visible to the metal fixtures, but the hanger remains in a near extremely fine condition.