Army Officer Dagger by HACK-WERKE STEYR
Price: Sold
BACKGROUND: Traditionally German Army Officers had worn a saber as part of the uniform dress and this tradition was carried on through the Weimar era and on into the Third Reich. In an attempt to build morale and curry favor within the Army, Hitler introduced the dress dagger for optional wear with the walking out dress, and retained the saber for wear on more formal occasions. The dress dagger was designed by Berlin graphic artist Paul Casberg and was officially approved for wear on May 4TH 1935 along with specifically styled dagger hangers and a new pattern Portepée. Production of the dress dagger was to be discontinued as per regulations of May 27TH 1943 and further wear of the dress dagger was prohibited by order of September 5TH 1944. Additional regulations of December 23RD 1944 indicated that officer ranks were to wear a pistol in place of the dress dagger.
Description: Excellent all original very rare maker of Army Daggers; Plated blade marked with HACK-WERKE STEYR ‘fish’ logo; a little thin plating loss & bubbling towards point of blade; deep yellow-orange grip and dark even patina throughout Pommel, crossguard and scabbard; Original to dagger officers knot; Uncleaned.
