Original German WWII 2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger by Robert Klaas with Hanger and Portepee Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of mid-war production 2nd Model Luftwaffe dagger. It is a fine Solingen-Produced example made by the rare firm of Robert Klaas, Feine Solinger Stahlwaren (Fine Solingen Steelware). The celluloid grip of this dagger is a nice light pumpkin color. It has a nice tapered shape, and is tightly wrapped with twisted wires. There is no cracking we can see, just some minor scuffs.

The hilt mounts are in similar condition with a lovely patina of age. The pommel is very good and still shows most of the original detail. The “mobile” swass on both sides are clear and the oak leaves around them are raised out and heavily hand enhanced. The pommel appears to be solid aluminum, which was given a dark finish overall, with the raised areas polished.

The crossguard is also made of Aluminum, which was an “Air Age” material, which was used to make most airplanes. It was considered fitting and desirable for the eagle-shaped guard to be made of this material. The front side is an eagle with a breast and talon area that is vaulted out much more so than the crossguards seen on other types of daggers. The guard shows little wear and has great feathering on the eagle. The bird, of course, flies to the left and grasps a mobile swas in his talons. The reverse panel is decorated with small pebbling, which is still clear. The ferrule looks to be plated steel, and has a lovely oxidized patina.

The blade on this example is in fine condition and bright. The reverse ricasso is maker marked with a trademark logo that reads ROB’T KLAAS / SOLINGEN under the trademark Klaas “Kissing Storks” trademark emblem. This is a well-known maker from Solingen, the famous “City of Blades” in Western Germany, which produced many fine edged weapons. The company was originally founded by Friedrich Robert Klaas, who married the daughter of knife maker Peter Daniel Pauls. After his father-in-law passed away, all was left to Klaas and his wife, so he merged his scissor business with the knife business, and registered with Solingen authorities in 1869. The company passed to his sons, and then his son-in-law. It survived WWI, WWII, and still exists today, per J. Anthony Carter’s fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS.

The very good condition blade is mostly bright throughout, showing most of the original cross grain. The tip is still intact, with no bending, just some light wear. There also is the usual runner wear on the blade surface, however this is present on just about every dagger out there. Definitely a great blade. The original leather blade buffer is absent.

This steel scabbard is a fine, straight example, having much of the original zinc plated finish, with a lovely gray oxidized patina. There are no major dents that we can see. The bands are zinc alloy, and are well defined and have outstanding hand enhanced oak leaves tipped at a 45 degree angle. The throat is retained by two two dome-headed screws.

Attached to the scabbard is a very good condition belt hanger, with functional pebbled spring clips with a great patina. The buckles and keepers are engraved with the same oak and acorn motif seen throughout the dagger. The hanger straps show light wear, with a bit of fading on the bullion side, however the velvet on the reverse is almost completely intact. Also included is an original Portepee.

This really is an excellent 2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger with scabbard, made by a rare maker and offered in great condition. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 10″
Overall length: 15 1/8”
Crossguard: 3 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 11 3/4”