An exceptionally complete Carl Eickhorn Land Customs Dagger, Model 1937, manufactured in Solingen for officials of the Reich Finance Administration and Zollgrenzschutz.
This desirable ensemble retains the correct dark green leather-covered wire-wound grip, aluminium national-eagle crossguard, decorated pommel, dark green leather-covered scabbard and original “Original Eickhorn Solingen” squirrel trademark on the blade.
Even more importantly, the dagger is accompanied by its scarce silver-and-green customs-pattern portepee and a complete pair of deluxe Land Customs suspension hangers. One surviving leather suspension component carries the exceptionally useful period maker and date stamp “Rud. Vondemberge, Osnabrück 1938.”
Complete Land Customs dagger rigs have become substantially harder to locate than loose daggers, particularly when the correct green-striped suspension equipment remains present.
€ 4.495
1 in stock
The Carl Eickhorn Land Customs Dagger belongs to one of the scarcer groups of Third Reich civil-service edged weapons.
Introduced in 1937, the dagger formed part of the dress uniform worn by selected officials of the German Land Customs service under the Reich Finance Administration.
The Zollgrenzschutz developed within the Reich Finance Ministry’s customs administration. Bundesarchiv records confirm that from April 1937 the Generalinspekteur für den Zollgrenzschutz functioned as a separate office within Department II of the Reich Finance Ministry.
Unlike the enormous numbers of Heer, Luftwaffe and SA daggers produced, customs daggers served a much smaller body of officials. Consequently, surviving complete examples remain comparatively scarce.
Production continued only until approximately 1942. Carl Eickhorn became one of the principal manufacturers of the Land Customs pattern.
The blade carries the highly recognisable Carl Eickhorn squirrel trademark.
Visible beneath the crossguard is the manufacturer’s period marking:
ORIGINAL EICKHORN SOLINGEN
together with Eickhorn’s squirrel-and-sword emblem.
That mark represents an especially desirable feature because several Land Customs daggers survive without visible manufacturer markings.
Carl Eickhorn was one of Solingen’s most important edged-weapon manufacturers and produced numerous official dagger patterns during the period.
Current specialist references identify Eickhorn as a recognised maker of the Land Customs dagger alongside WKC, Hörster, Paul Weyersberg and several other Solingen firms.
A particularly characteristic feature is the dark green leather-covered grip.
In photographs the colour can appear almost black, especially under neutral studio lighting. Close examination, however, shows the dark green tone associated with Land Customs dress equipment.
Twisted silver-coloured wire follows the spiral grooves.
The wire remains substantially complete and displays the correct relationship with the leather beneath it.
Unlike a standard Army officer’s dagger, which normally employs an ivory, orange or yellow synthetic grip, the Customs dagger used this distinctive dark green covering.
That colour scheme continued through the scabbard and suspension equipment, creating a coordinated Land Customs dress ensemble.
The aluminium crossguard carries a large national eagle gripping a wreathed swastika.
Its upswept wings and broad governmental-style form immediately distinguish the Customs pattern from the standard Heer officer’s dagger.
Detail remains particularly strong across:
Light age toning has developed naturally within recessed areas.
Importantly, the fitting retains the crisp appearance expected from a genuine period aluminium component rather than the soft detail frequently encountered on cast reproductions.
The upper pommel displays the characteristic foliage decoration associated with this pattern.
Its silver-coloured aluminium surface complements the crossguard.
Minor handling traces remain visible, although the relief remains sharp and highly presentable.
Together with the dark green grip and silver wire, the pommel creates the unmistakable appearance of the M1937 Land Customs dagger.
The plain double-edged blade retains its correct long symmetrical profile.
Unlike many political daggers, the Customs blade did not carry an organisational motto. Consequently, the uncluttered polished surface places additional importance on the manufacturer’s trademark.
The Eickhorn squirrel logo remains particularly clear.
Fine period polishing lines and scabbard runner traces can still be observed. Localised age spotting and grey toning are visible, especially toward portions of the blade.
Those age marks should remain untouched.
Aggressive polishing would remove original surface characteristics and could substantially reduce collector value.
Overall, the blade remains strong, straight and attractive with a good tip.
The original scabbard consists of a rigid core covered in very dark green leather.
Again, the colour appears close to black under some lighting conditions.
Silver-coloured metal mounts protect the throat, suspension areas and lower terminal.
The mounts retain a pleasing naturally aged finish.
Two suspension rings allow attachment of the correct twin-strap Customs hanger arrangement.
Light wear and small age traces appear across the leather, yet the covering remains substantially intact.
Most importantly, there is no obvious evidence in the supplied photographs of the crude modern re-covering that can significantly reduce the value of a Land Customs dagger.
One of the strongest features of this ensemble is the surviving pair of deluxe Land Customs dagger hangers.
The straps display the correct combination of:
This colour combination is specific to Land Customs dress equipment.
Your existing Nordmenn reference pair shows the same characteristic silver aluminium facing, twin green stripes and officer-quality fittings.
Complete period hangers add a substantial premium because many surviving Customs daggers have become separated from their original suspension equipment.
The leather suspension component supplies an unusually useful dating feature.
Clearly impressed into the reverse is:
OSNABRÜCK 1938**
This stamp deserves specific mention in the catalogue entry.
Rud. Vondemberge of Osnabrück is independently documented on original wartime leather suspension equipment. Johnson Reference Books has recorded a period hanger carrying the identical “RUD. VONDEMBERGE, OSNABRUCK 1938” stamp.
Consequently, the marking provides useful independent support for the period manufacture of this leather component.
Even better, the 1938 date sits perfectly within the introduction and production period of the M1937 Land Customs dagger.
This is an excellent small authentication detail and should not be omitted from the product description.
A silver-coloured portepee remains correctly tied around the hilt.
The surviving knot shows age, surface toning and minor wear consistent with period use.
Land Customs portepees are considerably harder to obtain than ordinary Army officer knots.
Their construction incorporates silver material together with green elements corresponding to the Customs uniform colour.
A Land Customs leader’s portepee sold through Ratisbon’s in April 2026 for $350, despite being offered separately from a dagger.
Collector discussions also repeatedly identify the correct silver-and-green Customs knot as one of the hardest accessories to replace on an otherwise complete dagger.
Accordingly, its presence materially increases both desirability and market value.
Based on the supplied high-resolution photographs, this ensemble presents a highly convincing group of original-period characteristics.
Positive details include:
The construction corresponds closely with specialist descriptions of genuine Land Customs daggers. Helmut Weitze, for example, records the characteristic dark green leather grip and scabbard, twisted aluminium wire, government-style eagle and aluminium fittings.
No feature visible in these photographs currently causes me to reject the dagger or accompanying suspension equipment as reproduction material.
Overall condition: Very good to excellent original collector condition.
The dark green covering remains attractive and substantially intact.
Wire winding is complete or nearly complete, while the grip retains excellent overall form.
The national eagle remains crisp.
Only normal period wear and light surface marks can be seen.
Decorative detail remains strong with natural toning.
No major deformation is visible.
The blade remains straight with a good tip.
Original Eickhorn marking is clear and desirable.
Some grey age spotting and light surface oxidation are present. Nevertheless, the blade remains substantially stronger than many service-worn examples.
The dark green covering remains well preserved.
Minor age marks and contact wear are visible but do not substantially detract.
Both straps retain excellent colour contrast.
Metal fittings show age and mellowing, while the textile construction remains sound.
The knot displays genuine age and wear.
Minor fraying is visible, although it remains complete enough to provide an excellent period appearance.
A loose Land Customs dagger is already substantially scarcer than a standard Army officer dagger.
Finding the following components together is considerably more difficult:
Carl Eickhorn dagger
Original dark green scabbard
Correct Customs portepee
Complete pair of green-striped hangers
Dated 1938 leather suspension component
That completeness moves the present example into a significantly stronger collector category.
A modern buyer attempting to assemble the same rig from separate original components would face considerable difficulty and expense.
Indeed, the pair of original deluxe Land Customs hangers currently offered separately by Nordmenn is priced at €1,300.
Current specialist prices show how dramatically completeness affects this pattern.
Johnson Reference Books presently lists:
German specialist DG currently lists a Carl Eickhorn Land Customs dagger at €2,799, while another maker is priced at €3,499.
Helmut Weitze lists an unmarked example with suspension equipment at €2,850, while a more basic WKC example with replaced scabbard leather is €1,250.
Ulric of England currently offers a WKC Land Customs dagger with portepee and hangers for £2,450.
Finally, eMedals records a Carl Eickhorn Land Customs dagger with hanger selling for $2,200, while a rare mint example with hanger reached $2,650.
These comparisons confirm that complete rigs command a substantial premium over isolated daggers.
Taking into account the Eickhorn manufacture, correct green scabbard, scarce portepee, complete deluxe hangers and dated 1938 suspension component:
| Market Level | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Auction expectation | €2,800–€3,400 |
| Advanced collector/private sale | €3,400–€4,000 |
| Specialist dealer retail | €4,000–€4,750 |
| Recommended Nordmenn retail price | €4,495 |
I would not value this as a €2,500–€3,000 loose Land Customs dagger.
The complete suspension rig and portepee materially change the valuation.
| Attribute | Description |
| Object | Land Customs Officials’ Dagger |
| Model | M1937 |
| Organisation | Reich Finance Administration / Zollgrenzschutz |
| Manufacturer | Carl Eickhorn |
| Location | Solingen |
| Maker Mark | Original Eickhorn Solingen squirrel trademark |
| Approximate Period | 1937–1942 |
| Suspension Date | 1938 |
| Hanger Manufacturer | Rud. Vondemberge, Osnabrück |
| Grip | Dark green leather covered |
| Grip Wire | Twisted silver-coloured wire |
| Crossguard | Aluminium government-style national eagle |
| Blade | Plain double-edged steel |
| Scabbard | Dark green leather-covered body |
| Scabbard Fittings | Silver-coloured aluminium |
| Hangers | Deluxe silver and green Land Customs pattern |
| Portepee | Customs-pattern silver/green knot |
| Condition | Very good to excellent |
| Recommended Retail | €4,495 |
The administrative history behind the dagger can be supported directly through the Bundesarchiv.
The Bundesarchiv preserves extensive Reich Finance Ministry material, including approximately 3,000 customs-related files within the historical R 2 holdings. It also records the creation of the General Inspector for the Zollgrenzschutz within the Reich Finance Ministry in 1937.
Digitised Bundesarchiv holdings additionally list material specifically relating to Dienststellen des Zollgrenzschutzes.
This archival survival makes the Land Customs dagger more than a decorative edged weapon. It represents part of the uniform culture of a clearly documented branch of the Reich financial and border administration.
This Carl Eickhorn Land Customs Dagger is particularly desirable because almost every major component required for a complete display survives.
The Eickhorn trademark gives the dagger a recognised premium maker.
Meanwhile, the green-striped hangers immediately distinguish the ensemble from the more common Army suspension system.
Most importantly, the Rud. Vondemberge, Osnabrück 1938 marking gives the suspension equipment an unusually tangible period manufacturing date.
Combined with the scarce portepee, the result is a much more important ensemble than a standard loose Customs dagger.
For an advanced collection of Third Reich civil, governmental or Zollgrenzschutz edged weapons, this represents a highly desirable complete rig.
Related Nordmenn item – Original Deluxe Land Customs Dagger Hangers
Use the following sentence naturally within the listing:
Collectors can compare the suspension equipment with our separate original deluxe Land Customs dagger hangers, which display the same distinctive silver and dark green colour scheme.
Nordmenn – Original Third Reich Deluxe Land Customs Dagger Hangers
Yoast purpose: relevant internal link to a closely related product.
Use this for authoritative historical context concerning the Reich Finance Ministry and Zollgrenzschutz.
Bundesarchiv – Digitised Zollgrenzschutz and Reich Finance Ministry Holdings
Use this as a specialist construction and market comparison for an original Land Customs officials’ dagger.
Helmut Weitze – Reich Finance Administration Land Customs Dagger
This source is particularly valuable because it independently documents the same Rud. Vondemberge, Osnabrück 1938stamp found on period leather suspension equipment.
Johnson Reference Books – Rud. Vondemberge Osnabrück 1938 Hanger Reference
The construction and markings visible in the photographs correspond strongly with recognised original M1937 Land Customs daggers. The Eickhorn trademark, dark green grip, aluminium fittings, green scabbard and correct suspension equipment all provide positive indicators.
Selected officials of the Reich Finance Administration and Land Customs service, associated with the Zollgrenzschutz, wore this dagger.
The pattern dates from 1937, with production continuing into the early wartime period before ending around 1942.
Carl Eickhorn of Solingen manufactured the dagger.
The blade carries the characteristic squirrel-and-sword emblem together with the words Original Eickhorn Solingen.
No. It is the extremely dark green leather covering characteristic of Land Customs daggers. Studio lighting can make this shade appear almost black.
Yes. The silver aluminium facing with twin dark green stripes corresponds with recognised Land Customs suspension equipment.
The leather component is marked:
Rud. Vondemberge Osnabrück 1938
The same manufacturer and date marking is independently documented on period suspension equipment by Johnson Reference Books.
Correct Land Customs portepees are significantly scarcer than common Army officer knots. A separate example sold through Ratisbon’s in April 2026 for $350.
It includes the dagger, scabbard, portepee, complete deluxe suspension hangers and dated leather equipment. Reassembling such a complete rig from individual original components would be difficult and expensive.
Taking current specialist prices and the exceptional completeness into account, the recommended retail price is:
