WW2 German Third Reich Army Heer Dagger WCK Blade (Original)
SKU: GERMAN HEER DAGGER WCK DAGGER
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co.
Size / Dimensions: Blade Length 26 cm
Materials / Construction: high-quality nickel-plated, double-edged steel
Condition: Very Good
PRICE: $1000.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: 650
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This is an authentic German Third Reich Army WKC Solingen dagger blade. The blade features the commercial-style “knight’s helmet” logo of WKC (Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie.) from Solingen. The handle is exceptionally well-crafted, showcasing sharp, intricate details on the metal fittings. These fittings maintain much of their original burnishing, displaying an appealing dark patina that enhances the original finish. The grip, made of Trylon, boasts a striking orange hue, adding to its distinctive character.
This Heer dagger by WKC comes with its original scabbard, which retains most of its original silver finish with a natural luster, showing only minor wear and age toning. Overall, it is an excellent representative example of the iconic German Army officer's dagger.
History
During World War II, the German Heer (Army) issued a distinctive dress dagger to officers as a symbol of status and prestige. One of the most recognized and sought-after variations is the Heer dagger produced by Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co. (WKC), a well-known Solingen-based blade manufacturer.
The Heer dagger was introduced in 1935 as a replacement for the traditional Weimar-era army swords. It was designed as a decorative piece rather than a combat weapon, intended to be worn during ceremonies and formal occasions. The dagger's aesthetic and craftsmanship reflected the prestige of the officer class within the Wehrmacht.
Design & Features
The WKC Heer dagger stands out due to its exceptional craftsmanship and characteristic design. It typically features:
- Blade: A high-quality nickel-plated, double-edged steel blade, often etched with the manufacturer’s mark:
- The WKC Solingen logo, which includes a helmeted knight's head.
- Hilt: Made from solid cast aluminum or zinc alloy, often finished with silver plating.
- Grip: Constructed from celluloid-covered wood, commonly seen in ivory, yellow, or orange tones. It was wrapped in a decorative twisted silver wire.
- Crossguard: Features an intricately cast spread-winged eagle clutching a swastika, a defining feature of German military daggers of the period.
- Pommel: Circular, with a raised oak leaf motif surrounding its circumference.
- Scabbard: The dagger was accompanied by a silver-finished scabbard made from aluminum or steel, featuring a pebbled texture and two carrying rings for suspension from a uniform belt.
Variants & Markings
- WKC produced several variations of Heer daggers, some featuring etched or personalized inscriptions.
- Some blades were marked with presentation dedications or unit insignia, increasing their collector value.
- The early production models were often of superior craftsmanship, with higher-quality nickel fittings compared to the later wartime models, which sometimes used lower-grade materials due to resource shortages.
