Original German WWII 2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger by Tigerwerk Lauterjung & Co. 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 well-known firm Tigerwerk Lauterjung & Co.. The celluloid grip of this dagger is a nice light caramel 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. Tied around the end of the grip is an original portepee, which is in good condition, and tied in the Luftwaffe style. It shows very little wear, with just a bit of light fraying on the cord.

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 is in great condition, having been protected by the portepee.

The very good condition blade is mostly bright throughout, showing most of the original factory final grind cross grain on both sides. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The tip is still intact, with no bending, just some light wear and some areas of staining. 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, and the original leather blade buffer is still present in the recesses of the guard.

The reverse ricasso is marked with the “Left Facing Tiger” trademark of the Lauterjung & Co. firm, and to the right of the trademark is:

TIGER
SOLINGEN

Lauterjung & Co., Tiger Stahlwaren- und Waffenfabrik (Steelware and Weapon Factory) is a famous manufacturer in Solingen, the legendary “City of Blades” in Western Germany. Their trademark was a Tiger, and their factory was thus often referred to as Tigerwerk (Tiger Works). The firm was founded in 1873 to make knives, scissors, and other steel ware, and survived until after the war. There were several different branches of the Lauterjung family involved in edged weapons, operating under different trade names to avoid confusion. For more information please see GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter.

This steel scabbard is a fine, straight example, having much of the original plated finish, with a lovely dark oxidized patina. The throat is still the original silver color, having been protected by the guard. There are no major dents that we can see. The bands are aluminum alloy, and are well defined and have outstanding hand enhanced oak leaves tipped at a 45 degree angle. The throat is retained by a single flush mount screw on the rear.

Attached to the scabbard is a very good condition belt hanger, with functional pebbled spring clips for the scabbard, though the belt clip end has a broken leaf spring. The scabbard end clips are the more complex and desirable sliding type. The buckles and keepers are embossed with the same oak and acorn motif seen throughout the dagger. The hardware is marked D.R.G.M., indicating that these were registered in the German trademark office. The end clip is also marked on the back with RZM and maker code U.E. 10.. “U.E” indicates Uniformeffekten Erlaubnißschein, (Uniform Accessories Licence), and the manufacturer’s numerical code, “10”. It appears the combined RZM/U.E., markings were utilized circa May 1933 to March 1935. These were used when the RZM was still being officially organized. There is unfortunately no listing of the early RZM makers. The straps still have almost complete velvet backing, and the fittings are all in good shape, except for the belt clip. There is some light oxidation, as the original silver wash wore away long ago.

This really is an excellent 2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger with scabbard & portepee, made by a well-known 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”