Germany, Heer. A Rare Officer’s Etched Blade Dagger With Hanger, By Emil Voos

(Heer Offiziersdolch mit Anhänger). A rare and extremely well-preserved Heer Officer’s dagger, measuring 400 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 265 mm-long polished magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges. Both sides of the blade bear intricate, detailed, acid-etched arabesque designs, with the obverse also featuring a central Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, itself set above oak leaves. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy crossguard, itself demonstrating a fine patina, the obverse of which presents with a detailed Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. An intact black leather buffer pad covers the seam where the blade enters the crossguard. A single piece of ribbed pumpkin-orange celluloid comprises the handle grip. Completing the dagger is a rounded pommel, constructed of a nickel-plated alloy and bearing raised oak leaves around the circumference. The pommel screws in tightly to securely maintain the structural integrity of the dagger. Wrapped around the crossguard and pommel is an original portepee, consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorn, suspended from a strap of identical construction. The dagger is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a pebbled magnetic metal shaft. The upper third of the scabbard features two integral bands, both bearing raised oak leaves, with each completing in a loop for attachment to a hanger. The throat retains a functional spring catch, safely holding the dagger in place during storage, and is held together with a single side rivet. While unmarked, the dagger bears the unmistakable characteristics of manufacture by the firm of Emil Voos of Solingen. Presenting free of evident faults or damage, this superb dagger from a desirable maker is in an overall extremely fine condition.

It is accompanied by a dagger hanger, consisting of a silvered zink alloy clip, decorated with raised oak leaves and featuring two loops. Suspended from each loop with a magnetic metal buckle is a strap constructed of a field-grey velvet backer. The obverse of the straps are overlaid with silver aluminum wire tresses, while both are also adjusted with silvered zink buckles presenting as oval oak leaf wreaths. Finally, each strap completes with functional silvered spring clips for attachment to the analogous loops on the dagger’s scabbard. With the exception of double-stamped D.R.G.M. logos the hanger is unmarked, and measures 260 mm in length as presented. With the exception of minor loss of finish to the zink alloy features, it is in an overall near extremely fine condition.