Army Officer dagger with hanger and portepee by WKC

The World War II German Army (Heer) dress dagger was a ceremonial and status item for officers, first authorized in 1935. It was not a combat weapon but an accessory for the uniform.
The grip is typically made of celluloid or wood, featuring a color that ranges from white to orange. The blade is double-edged and pointed, with most authentic blades manufactured by one of over 40 firms in the German city of Solingen. Many blades bear the company's trademark. The dagger could be worn with decorative hangers, which were attached to the officer's belt. An aluminum portepee, or sword knot, was wrapped around the grip to signify officer rank.

This item:
This Army Officer's dagger remains in a very good condition being a textbook WKC example and still having the original silver frosting spread on the fittings and scabbard. The dagger has never been cleaned. The pommel remains in a very good condition with some slight wear around the upper rim and little signs of usage on the upper rim inner surface. The cross guard is the WKC type with the eagle having the "hatchet beak" characteristic of this maker. The details to the eagle are very nice. The reverse of the cross guard also slight usage. The grip has still it's original attractive orange color. Wrapped about the grip in the Army tie is a fine aluminum portepee remaining in a very good condition.

The scabbard is also the WKC type having the single screw holding the throat. The pebbling to the scabbard's panels remains very good and still has much of the original silver frosting present along the edges.

Attached to the scabbard is a fine set of Army hangers which appear original to this piece. These hangers are in perfect condition with very fine textured brocade and high pile green velvet on the reverse, showing a little wear. The aluminum hardware appears new-like.

The blade would have been in a mint condition as it did not have a few tiny chips to the left side of the blade, however It has all of its factory grain pattern with no stains. The reverse ricasso is etched with the Knighthead logo, "WKC / Solingen". The large style leather blade washer used by this firm is in place.

A very nice Army dagger.