Generalfeldmarschall Honor Daggers

There were two different types of daggers made especially for Nazi General Field Marshals. The first was the 1940 type which was very similar to the standard Heer dagger. This type bad gold fittings and an,engraved blade giving the presentation information. It was worn on a hanger identical to the standard Heer hanger except the fittings were gold. The knot was also beleived to be gold identical to the Kriegsmarine knot.

The second type was issued in 1942/43 and the first recipient was Generalfeldmarschall Erwin Ronnnel. The 1942/43 type was very distinctive and on a par with batons issued to Field Marshals. It was made with a drawn copper scabbard, gold plated, bearing an Eagle & Swastika at the tip. The grips were ivory and the blade was standard chrome. The crossguard, which consisted of two crossed Marshals Batons, was 21 karat gold with platinum inlays. The ponnnel was also 21 karat gold with enamel Iron Crosses and an Eagle & Swastika similar to the ponnnel eagle of the Kreigsmarine. Around the base of the ponnnel appeared the dedicatory inscription in relief.

The second type of dagger was worn without a knot and originally came with a redwood presentation case. The hangers were gold and silver bullion wire on red velvet. The fittings were gold and similar to the fittings of the Heer dagger hanger except the keepers bore Iron Crosses and oak leaves.

As well as the some 23 Nazi Field Marshals who were each issued one, or both, types of daggers there were two special presentations. Nazi records reveal that SA Stabschef Viktor Lutze and SS Reichsfuhrer Heinrich Rinnnler were presented with special daggers of this type. The Lutze dagger was the 1940 type with the SA insignia replacing the eagle on the hilt. It was awarded in 1941 on the occasion of his fiftieth birthday. The Rimmler dagger was the 1942 type and SS runes replaced the Iron Crossed on the ponnnel. The dagger was given to Rimmler in 1944 when he became Head of the Replacement Army.

There are known models in various collections such as the Goering dagger in West Point Museum. There are, unfortunately, no photographs available of either type dagger for publication. This dagger has been largely overlooked in any dealings with Nazi daggers.

George Wheeler: "Generalfeldmarschall Honor Daggers", "Der Haken Kreuz" 1968

* There was no photo with this article. If anyone has a good photo of one of these daggers I would apprecited an email copy so I can add it to this article. Thanks, Bob Treend: info@germanmilitariacollectibles.com