The official introduction of this pattern took place on 4 May 1935, coinciding with the restoration of Germany’s armed forces. The dagger was intended for officers of the Army (Heer) and constituted an integral component of dress and walking-out uniform, worn with the corresponding officer’s attire. Having quickly acquired the status of one of the principal symbols of the Wehrmacht officer corps, it was carried by officers of all branches of the land forces, including general officers. Production continued until 1942, making the Army dagger the most widely produced German officer’s dagger of the Third Reich period. Today it remains one of the most popular collecting areas within German edged weapons.

The fittings are executed in nickel silver (German silver) by the craftsmen of the firm Gebr Heller, characteristic of early examples generally manufactured prior to 1936. Owing to limited production runs, superior manufacturing quality, and distinguished appearance, such pieces are traditionally valued by collectors more highly than their later counterparts.