German, WW2 – 1935-1942, Wehrmacht (Heer) Officer’s Dress Dagger & Scabbard, WKC Solingen, Orange Grip

*German, WW2 – 1935-1942, Wehrmacht (Heer) Officer’s Dress Dagger & Scabbard, WKC Solingen, Orange Grip*

An original WWII German Army (Heer) officer’s dress dagger by WKC – Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co., featuring an orange spiral grip and retaining its original matching scabbard. The dagger is fitted with silvered alloy crossguard depicting the open-winged Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed swastika, with matching oak-leaf decorated pommel. The orange grip is well-defined with deep spiral fluting, seated between oak-leaf decorated ferrules. The blade is clean and straight, exhibiting a central fuller and bearing the clear WKC Solingen knight-helmet trademark at the ricasso. The dagger retains its original internal blade cushion within the crossguard, visible in situ and undisturbed. The scabbard retains its pebbled finish with two oak-leaf and acorn suspension bands and twin hanging rings, matching the dagger fittings in tone and wear. Overall, a very attractive and honest example with good visual balance and originality.

Measurements: Blade length – 25.2 cm. Overall length – 37.5 cm

Historical Note:
The Wehrmacht officer’s dagger was officially authorised in 1935 and, like all German officer uniforms and accessories, was a privately purchased item rather than state-issued. These daggers served as symbols of rank and status rather than combat weapons and were worn with full dress, walking-out, and parade uniforms.

WKC was formed in 1930 following the reorganisation of the historic Weyersberg and Kirschbaum firms, whose roots in Solingen blade-making date back to the 16th century. During the Third Reich period, WKC was one of the most prolific manufacturers of edged weapons, producing daggers, swords, bayonets, and dress items for the Wehrmacht, police, and party organisations. The firm was officially allocated RZM code M7/42, and its knight-helmet trademark is among the most recognisable and well-documented Solingen marks of the era.

*Condition*
The dagger is in very good original condition. The blade shows light age-related surface marks but no active corrosion, chips, or sharpening. The maker’s mark remains clear and legible. The grip displays light handling wear with no cracks or structural damage and retains strong colour. Fittings show expected patination consistent with age, with no evidence of modern polishing. The scabbard is sound, straight, and complete, with surface wear and finish loss consistent with period use. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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