Original German WWII 2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger by Tigerwerk Lauterjung & Co. with Simulated Ivory Grip &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 fantastic “simulated ivory” celluloid example, which shows striations in the color just like real ivory would. It has not faded from the original color, and has only some light stress cracking in areas. The grip has a nice tapered shape, and is bound with bullion covered twisted wires, which show oxidation and some unraveling of the bullion wrapping.

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 light wear from age and use, with some oxidation and fraying on the cord. The handle is definitely a bit loose on the tang, probably from the grip having shrunk over the years.

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. Like the pommel it has antiquing in the recessed areas, giving it a fantastic look. The ferrule looks to be plated steel, and is in lightly worn condition, having been protected by the portepee.

The very good condition blade is mostly bright throughout, showing some 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, and the edge is correctly unsharpened. The blade does look to have suffered some oxidation in the past, and cleaning to remove this has made the cross grain faint in many areas. There also is the usual runner wear on the blade surface, however this is present on just about every dagger out there. Definitely a very nice blade, and the original leather blade buffer is still present in the recesses of the guard, showing some deterioration from age.

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 example, having much of the original plated finish, though it does have a bend about 3 inches from the end, which does not interfere with sheating the blade. The scabbard overall has a great lightly oxidized look, and aside from the bend 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.

This is a very nice 2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger with scabbard & portepee, made by a well-known maker and offered with a lovely imitation ivory grip. Ready to display!

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