In Wittmann's Army dagger book there are two Eickhorn Cross guard variations known, In both these examples the wings are rounded where they meet the eagles legs. In the variation I show here it seems the rounded part of the cross guard wings have been cut away. Anyone else come across this variation? Thanks, John

John,

A couple of comparison shots would here would really help.

I think the experts have said there are 4 Eick variations ?

Dave

Hi Dave, thanks for your reply. This is definitely a different pattern variation than the 4 other variations shown on this great Army Dagger Cross guard reference website: https://www.wardaggers.com/Crossguard_Reference.htm.
I believe it is a new variation or a custom made specialty piece, but I'm open to opinions.

A lot has happened since 1936.
Most likely a modified crossguard.
Nice grip.
Ed

Yes, factory period 'enhanced' but likely prior to 1936 :)

I have a few Heer daggers with enhanced crossguards.
They are my favorites over regular Armys.
Factory done, distributer done, or Officer returned for custom work, I could not say.
But they are special, as is yours.
Nice dagger.
Have you had it long, or did you just acquire it? They are getting harder to find.
Ed

I just purchased the dagger. I noticed right away it wasn't the typical Eickhorn cross guard so I asked some of those more knowledgeable in the hobby. The consensus is this is a type 1 cross guard with hand enhancing probably by an individual factory worker before the standardization of the cross guards. 'The firm also used many earlier parts coupled with later blades, hilt fittings etc as I am sure you are aware'. I must say because it is a rare period anomaly, its already a favorite of mine!!

Well we all know that Wittman missed a few guards in his army book.
Eickhorn has 4 different guards and if you take in count the all aluminium type 1 we can talk about 5 different guards.
I suggest you buy a copy of the army referencebook "Heeresdolche" by Ger Hessels & Danny Rieske ;)

Cheers
Ger