Product Details
E. HORSTER, SOLINGEN
A GERMAN 1935 PATTERN ARMY DRESS DAGGER,
circa 1941, with 9 3/4in. stiletto blade signed by the maker, silver-plated eagle and swastika cross-guard with scrolled quillions, amber-coloured plastic grip to hilt and cast, plated pommel (light wear to plated parts) TOGETHER WITH its original plated scabbard (some discolouration) and original bullion and velvet belt hanger (worn)
Provenance: The army dagger was designed by Paul Casburg in 1935 and was allowed as a side arm option in place of the Army sword. The grip was available in white, yellow or orange and had a carved groove format, running clockwise, on the grip. Grips could also be acquired in solid ivory as well as other materials at extra cost. One type is the Amber glass grip that is twice as heavy as real amber. Early grips are found being a solid plastic material, by 1939 the grips changed to being plaster filled and wood base with a plastic coating. The blade was 9 3/4in. to 10 1/2in. long and had no motto or engraving as standard. Many blades were cross-grained polished, a few makers used a nickel plating that is highly prized today by modern collectors. Etching as well etched presentations, or applied presentation etched damascus or genuine damascus blades were available at extra cost. Its rare to find real damascus blades with a trademark on them as this would have cost the buyer extra to have this applied. Two co-joined hanger straps with silver coloured faces and field grey velvet backs were used. The fittings ranged from a base material of silver-plated brass to a natural aluminium finish. The fittings comprise of oval buckles with oak leaf patterns, matching slides and clips and an upper open clip loop used to suspend the dress dagger from the officer's belt or in pocket hanger. The Army dagger had ceased production by May 1943.
Estimate £200-300