German dagger

[Hübner]

Hello all,

About three years ago my mother's old boss brought us a visit.
After he heard about my interest in WWII he told me that he had a German dagger from WWII laying in his cellar.
I asked him what it was but he didn't really know. He told me that he would bring it to me so I could have a look and see if I could possibly ID it.
The only negative part was that he couldn't sell or give it to me, because he inherited it from his father-in-law (who was still alive at that time, don't know if he is still alive).

I would like to know what type of dagger it exactly is and what it's worth.
I'm sure it is an original. The story behind it is also known.
I did a quick internet search and am I right of saying that it's a Heer Officers dagger?

Fortunately I took pictures of the dagger before returning it to him. I'm certain that the dagger ended back in the cellar again.


I talked enough, here are the pictures:












The tip of the blade is slightly bent. I was also thinking that someone put the blade at the wrong side (judging from the stamp)...(unfortunately I can't find a picture of the stamp If I'm right, it was marked Solingen (but hey, which German knife isn't?)

Many thanks,

Tom

[Larry Lipps]

You're correct that it is an army dagger. The crossguard looks like a second pattern WKC. Judging form the looks of the ferrule, it appears to be incorrectly assembled. Considering the storage conditions, the condition looks pretty rough. The value is going to take a big hit. I'd guess around $200 to $250

[Hübner]

Thanks for the additional information, Larry.
The only thing I want to remark is that the condition wasn't as bad as it looks in this picture. The dagger has been in the cellar for years and I'm sure it would almost look like new if you would clean it.

Anyway, thanks again

[evilmike]

I'm sure it would almost look like new if you would clean it.

You'd likely lower the value if you cleaned it... cleaning badly will seriously effect the Dagger, my old boss had one similar inherited from his father inlaw, eagle was crumbling away from poor storage before he had it, big shame still to him priceless