Army Officers Dagger Rig by Puma
Price: Sold
Description: The dagger is approximately 26cm long, drop forged steel construction, nickel/silver plated, stiletto style blade with a flat central ridge and a full length, including the hilt, of roughly, 38cm. Maker marked to “Puma Solingen”. Original leather washer is still intact. The obverse crossguard features the embossed, army style national eagle with outstretched wings, clutching a wreathed, canted swastika in its talons and a plain reverse. The ferrule and pommel both feature embossed repeating oak-leaf patterns. The dagger has a desirable deep orange/yellow, celluloid grip with the correct, diagonally angled ribbing. The dagger comes with its original, tooled, magnetic steel scabbard with a random pebbled pattern to both the obverse and reverse and smooth side panels. Both of the sweated on scabbard bands with a repeating, horizontally embossed oak-leaf pattern and the hanger suspension rings are tight. Both dome headed, throat retaining screws are intact. Comes with a superb brocade dagger hanger set. Dagger & scabbard are completely uncleaned with a matching deep, dark aged-patina that contrasts well against the draw of the bright blade!
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, (Circa 1919-1933), Reichswehr, and on into the Third Reich. In an attempt to build morale and curry favour 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 portepee.
