UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons Army, Navy, and Luftwaffe Forum Glass Army on E-Bay

Borse
What makes you think this is glass? Just curious. I saw the same thing, but have not requested any pics, yet.

Looks like it could be, but I dont think I've ever seen a glass grip on a WKC? I'm not saying its not right, just i've never seen one. Anyone else?

The topic of �glass� grips has puzzled me since I first became a forum member. Does this mean that they are literally �glass� (made from fused silica, lime, and sodium carbonate - or some other related mixture)? Or is it some kind of super hard plastic? I also remember some other dagger grips in a variety of colors that I have not seen for a while. What were they made from, and why don�t I see them anymore? FP

I respond to D.J. with respect and admiration. I am a "new" collector with 4-5 years experience, and DJ can surpass me with his knowledge in an instant.

Fred You have quite a bit of collecting experience as well - more than me. To try to answer your question: - A "glass" grip on Third Reich daggers is not made of real glass. The term refers to the translucence and "orange juice" look of the grip. There are some rare, rare, rare daggers with real Amber grips. Lakesidetrader (Paul) had a Government dagger for sale this summer that had a real Amber grip. Someone got it.

Even with my baby experience of collecting, I can attest that this grip is rare.

DJ - I see this grip is "glass." But you trump me old buddy.

What do you see down in Texas?

Two of my "glass" Army grips:

Borse
It may well be glass, but I can't see it well enough to say for sure. That was my question and not trying to bring your expertise into question at all.

A close-up like the ones above would tell. Nice grips! What are the makers on yours?

Everybody should have at least one...... You have your share......

I own a true amber grip on an Eickhorn that I bought a long time ago that has to be seen to believed. Originally out of Chip Gambino's Collection. One of those that I couldn't replace. No way, shape, form or fashion.

The EBay dagger pommel does not look like it fits right appears to an Alcoso?? Blade appears to be a dog as well.

Thank You B�rse!!
What you say makes sense. It seems that I have to keep reminding myself that some expressions used in different areas by collectors should not be taken quite so literally. Some grips do seem to be more translucent than others. Which I think may have do to with their physical composition. More specifically - cast resins without a filler. Versus the more opaque examples that might have had something added to stretch resin supplies. Or to try and mitigate the color change phenomena that is common to the cast phenolic resins.

As for the amber grips they certainly are much more rarely seen than the typical cast phenolic resin ones. With my remaining question being are they thermoplastic in nature with a slight aromatic odor when rubbed? Or are they the harder thermosetting (synthetic) amber resins that the Germans also made and marketed during that time period? Regards, FP

DJ-

They are Tiger maker marks.

You are getting to me old man - I am beginning to appreciate these Heer daggers. You better come up north and kick my Yankee be-hind.

Fred - you gave a much more accurate and techological description than I could have. There have been numerous thread on phenolic resin grips, and your post added to this discussion. I have never heard that they may emanate an aromatic odor when rubbed though.

Interesting..........

Borse
Tiger seemed to be one maker that did utilize the material quite a bit......Nice grips. Sorry to hear about your addiction. I have it myself and it ain't a pretty thing.......

JUST how big an ole boy, are you? IF right sized, I'll pour a can of whoopaxx all over you.

Calling me "old man" is fighting words.

I've heard the rub/sniff theory, but not sure I've experienced it.........but I'd think the material is the latter that FP describes... Very hard and brittle, and almost translucent (frozen orange juice).

Denny - HA!

I am 6'8" and 250 pounds _{(minus 12" and 100 lbs)}.

But my big brother lives in Houston, and taught me this:



Is someone wants a glass Army - here is a deal from Paul Hogle's website

An E. & F. H�rster. Real nice too.

I have had two Army Daggers by Pack with this great style grip, both were orange in color.
Ron Weinand
Weinand Militaria

B�rse,
My mistake in not getting my point across correctly. Phenolic resin can have an odor. But that was not was what I was referring to. Genuine amber is a fossilized natural resin from trees. Specifically coniferous types. And will often have a pine tree like odor when rubbed or heated.

Because of the synthetic resins and other types of hardened tree resins from different parts of the world (that might only be a couple of hundred years old) those who collect amber have developed a number of tests. To determine what a material actually is versus what it might look like. Solvents, heat (heated needle/melting), buoyancy, hardness, static electricity, and some others. With some being slightly on the destructive side. And others that are relatively benign. Regards, FP

Fred - thanks.

The only amber in my house is my wife's jewelry. She is pretty, and deserves it.