UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons Army, Navy, and Luftwaffe Forum I like a nice pair as much as the next guy!

Just to bring something to the table that isn`t a question of originality I thought I would share these two.

Both these Hollers are bestowed with the initial production x guard. They are practically identical with the exception of the grip type and the detailing & enhancement to the pommel`s that were almost certainly done at different benches.

Both have the same scabbards and although my pictures leave a lot to be desired compared to other members, take it from me that the patterning is the same. One dagger has of course patinated considerably more than the other changing the appearance somewhat. Whilst not obvious at any distance both have a lot of hand detail in the fittings & the feathering of the wings especially prominent in macro.

One other interesting attribute (to me anyway) is that both have brass scabbards shells, & rings. I have only two other initial production heer daggers with brass scabbards. one being the very earliest Eickhorn and the other a WKC.

It would seem to suggest that both grip types were available very early in the period.

The other pommel

Beautiful daggers both!! I love these early pieces and the hand work they reflect! I believe judging by the thickness of the pommel base band and the overhang of the upper band or "cap" that these are different pommels. Both have beautiful hand work! Love to have either but the alure of the "slant" is hard to deny!! Lets see the blades!! Kevin.

Two beauties for sure,but that slant grip,hand work on the wings and patina on the right one really makes it extra special!

Couple beautiful examples you rarely see one of these initial production Hollers

Kevin, yes you are quite correct the pommel`s are slightly different. I think they are from the same cast. The original castings were probably fairly crude & likely turned on a lathe prior to hand finishing, most noticeable in the thickness of the collar but the punch used for the detailing in the leaves is different. variations that we do not see of course when mass production started. Some pics of the blades for you below!

Rich, nice to see a posting from you and thanks for you comments!

Tom, I know you also have a fantastic example of this dagger! ;)and yes, they are not too common!

First the blade of the slant that I would rate at easy Exc ++

The other! IMO a very conservative Exc+

Another nice pair. If I had to pick a favorite maker for these early pieces Alcoso would take some beating. Their quality was as good as any & second to none IMO.

I took them out this morning to give the blades their 6 month renwax and discovered that the one on the right has a brass scabbard and the other does not. I guess that explains the differences.

When I discussed these with Denny R he told me he thought that they were amongst the most difficult to acquire. Interesting that the MM are front and back. I guess they were not too concerned about such things back in the day. The only other daggers I have with the MM to the obverse are a Klaas and Gebruder Heller. I rather like them that way

Landser, Your killin me here!! The blades of your Holler's look GREAT with nice dark makers marks. Interesting to see the slight differences in the two marks.. The ACS only marked Alcoso's are a weak spot for me, I would LOVE to have one,let alone two! Beautiful pieces both with super quality as you said. What else do you have? I'm on the edge of my seat!! Kevin.

Me too.

Beautiful early armies!
Congratulation.
Janos