Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent example of a mid-war production 2nd Model Luftwaffe dagger. The celluloid grip of this dagger is a lovely caramel color, having faded from the original ivory. This is typical for celluloid due to how it reacts to light. It remains in great shape throughout, and has a nice slightly tapered shape, still tightly wrapped with twisted wire.
The hilt mounts are in similar excellent condition. The pommel is very good and still shows most of the original detail. The “mobile” swas (hook crosses) on both sides are clear and still the oak leaves around them are raised out. The pommel appears to be solid aluminum, and not plated, with some darkening in the recesses.
The crossguard is also made of Aluminum, which was an “Air Age” material, 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. This guard shows little wear and has great feathering on the eagle. The bird, of course, flies to the left and grasps a mobile swas (hook cross) in his talons. The reverse panel is decorated with small pebbling, which is still clear. The ferrule looks to be plated steel, and it is still in very good condition.
The blade on this example is not nickel plated, which is common for later produced blades. It is in great shape, retaining almost all of the factory final grind crossgrain. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. There are a few small stains, and just a bit of runner wear. The edge is not sharpened as is correct for these dress daggers.
There are no maker marks that we can see, but that is not uncommon for Luftwaffe and Army officer daggers. Outfitters often purchased unmarked blades from major makers, and would do the fitting themselves. The unique final grind cross grain is definitive for WWII German production.
This steel scabbard is in very good condition, dent free and covered in a lightly oxidized polished patina. The hanger bands are not magnetic, and are well defined with have hand enhanced oak leaves tipped at a 45 degree angle. They show only light wear, and the harder steel rings themselves have worn into the fittings, indicating use. The throat is the narrower version seen, secured by a single screw on each side.
Comes complete with genuine original hangers that are in good condition, with wear from service, particularly on the back. The Buckles and other hardware seems to be zinc, and the clips are not marked on the back. The clips are the more desirable “sliding” type.
This really is a fantastic condition of a nice 2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger, complete with its original scabbard. Ready to display!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 10″
Overall length: 15 1/2”
Crossguard: 3 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 11 3/4”