Third Reich Dagger Appraisal

German WW2 HEER Officer's Dagger with Scabbard and Hangers

This item is a German World War II era HEER (Army) Officer's Dagger, complete with its scabbard and an associated set of dagger hangers. The dagger features a double-edged blade, likely made of polished steel, exhibiting a generally clean surface with some potential minor spotting or wear consistent with age. The hilt is composed of a distinctive striped grip, appearing to be an orange-yellow material wrapped with a dark, possibly black or dark brown, twisted wire or cord. This grip is typical for these daggers. The crossguard and pommel cap are made of a silver-toned metal, possibly nickel-plated brass or aluminum, showing a dull patina and some surface inconsistencies that suggest age and handling. The scabbard is also made of a silver-toned metal, matching the hilt fittings, with a smooth, unadorned body and fittings for attaching the hangers. It displays a similar patina and some areas of possible wear or dulling of the finish. The hangers consist of two strap sections, made of a fabric material, possibly brocade or woven cloth, in a light, off-white or silver color with subtle patterning, terminating in silver-toned buckles and attachment clips. These clips connect to rings on the scabbard. The overall condition suggests a well-preserved artifact with expected signs of age, handling, and minor oxidation on the metal components. The weaving on the hangers shows some slight discoloration and possible fraying but appears largely intact. The dagger and scabbard maintain their original form and appear to be in good, unrestored condition. The context provided specifies a "Puma marked German HEER officers Dagger," indicating that a Puma manufacturer's mark, typically a small puma head logo, would be present on the blade, though it is not visible in the provided image. This marking is a key indicator of quality and authenticity for these items. The style and construction firmly place this item in the World War II period as a standard issue or privately purchased officer's dress dagger for the German Army.