I wanted to share my pair of A.Schuttelhofer & co. early slant grip army daggers. Most of the Schuttelhofer army production was later in the period. Rarely does one come across an early production piece by this maker. These two examples other then condition exactly mirror each other. Both have the WKC type-1 crossguard – beautifully detailed pommels and identical scabbards. Of interest to the army collector both tapered tangs have a foundry mark of the letter A inside a circle. The salty dagger with the cracked grip has a heavily sharpened blade. This dagger was pulled out of a veteran’s footlocker by a dealer. The dealer was attempting to part the dagger out due to its condition and I was fortunate to save the piece from this fate.

Dagger one details.

Dagger two details

What a great study on this makers initial offering Tom! Sweet pieces both in there own way..well done and glad you saved that one dagger from parting out! Kevin

Indeed a real treat to see. Thank you

Nice, Tom.

John

Tom
Good for you! I do not have much respect for the dealers and collectors that part pieces out. At least you have preserved it for the historical piece that it is. Ron

Many Thanks guys - Ron Thanks - unfortunately it happens quite a bit just take a gander on eBay. I respect and strive for condition but sometimes you can not have it all.

The photographs are amazing...makes me want to put my hand in the screen and touch the dagger. I feel no reference book offered anywhere can come close to seeing the detail exhibited here with the pics. Nice! Regards Larry

Larry thank you what a nice comment really brought a smile to my face – I have often thought about putting together a shade tree reference featuring crossguard variations and manufacturing traits of the Heer dagger as that’s how I approach my collection - my true love of course the early stuff. Perhaps some day - once I get the remainders I need to round out my collection. Many new variations and information since Tom Wittmanns ground breaking book. I know a few guys over the pond and one in the USA I would like to get on board with such a project.

Thank you for showing us these interesting daggers. Although their birth obviously has been under the same condition their fate between seems not. Now they are reunited and in good hands. I am a fan of good condition but in this case the dagger with evil fate has it´s own rights and is even a pleasure to be seen.
Overwhelming as ever the details you reveal to us and the art how you do photograph the jewels.

Your plan about a reference featuring crossguard variations and manufacturing traits of the Heer dagger is interesting too and something a Heer dagger collector and IIIR. dagger collectors in general would dream about to get it.

Regards,

fantastic two daggers to me in my collection are still missing.
Your pictures are great too, I have to improve with me still.
Best regards from Germany oliver