German Army Dagger, Model 1935 (nickel-silver fittings). [Carl Eickhorn].

This dagger was officially introduced on 4 May 1935, coinciding with the restoration of Germany’s armed forces. Intended for officers of the Army (Heer), it served as part of the dress and walking-out uniform and was worn with the corresponding officer’s attire. The dagger quickly became one of the principal symbols of the Wehrmacht officer corps. It was worn by officers of all branches of the ground forces, including general officers, and production continued until 1942. Due to this extended manufacturing period, the Army dagger became the most widely produced German officer’s dagger of the Third Reich era and remains today one of the most popular areas of German edged weapons collecting.

The fittings made of nickel silver (German silver) are characteristic of early examples, typically manufactured before 1936. Owing to their limited production numbers, superior craftsmanship, and distinguished appearance, such pieces are traditionally valued by collectors more highly than their later counterparts.

The Carl Eickhorn company was founded in Solingen in 1865 and became one of the largest edged weapons manufacturers in Germany. The trademark featuring a squirrel (Eichhörnchen) served as a guarantee of the highest quality products. During the Third Reich period, the firm produced a wide range of regulation edged weapons: daggers for all branches of service, SA, SS, NPEA, NSFK, and TeNo daggers, as well as dress daggers, sabres, and swords. Carl Eickhorn products are distinguished by superb steel quality and meticulous finishing, and they are highly prized by modern collectors.