Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good condition Army Officer’s Dagger, produced by the well-known Solingen-based firm P.D. Lüneschloss. The fittings on this dagger look to be plated aluminum alloy, which was then antiqued to give it a great look. The aluminum pommel is in very good condition, showing some wear through around the bottom edge and on the very bottom. The standing oak leaves and acorns are crisply detailed around the pommel, with lots of antiquing still present in the recessed areas.
The crossguard looks to be made in the same way, with antiqued plating over the aluminum, which is well retained, but definitely worn on the sharp edges. There is also some lifting and oxidation of the base material on both sides, though for the most part it still looks very nice. The details throughout the characteristic eagle are exceptional throughout the head, breast and wing feathering, talons and wreathed mobile swas. The steel grip ferrule looks great, and shows an overall tarnished patina, with all the details still present. The grip on this example is celluloid over a wood base, and has not faded to orange like so many do, though there definitely is some wear and deterioration. It seems to have shrunk over the years, so the hilt fittings are a bit loose on the tang.
The blade on this example is in very good condition, still showing the factory final polish grind cross grain throughout the blade, with just a bit of fading from runner wear and staining. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The needle-like tip is still intact, with no bending, and the edge is still nice, with no chips or sharpening. There is light staining in areas, and some dried grease as well, but it’s still really a nice example. The leather blade buffer is still present, but it has become stiff and somewhat deformed.
The ricasso is etched with the P.D. Lüneschloss trademark oval logo, partly hidden by the cross guard:
P. D. LÜNESCHLOSS
(Roman Helmet & Sword Trademark)
SOLINGEN
The well-known P.D. Lüneschloss, Fabrik blanker Waffen (Factory of Bare Weapons) company was founded in 1810 by Peter Daniel Lüneschloss, and produced numerous edged weapons, both for domestic and foreign contracts. They manufactured many private purchase officer’s swords and blades for the U.S. Civil war. This logo was particularly used during the Third Reich period, per J. Anthony Carter’s work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS. The original leather blade buffer is in place within the recesses of the guard.
The scabbard is a fine example, and is made of high quality plated steel, and matches the fittings well, showing antiquing in the recesses. There are no large dents or bends that we can see. This scabbard has very crisp, finely pebble grained panels, and the carrying bands have a very nice overlapping oak and acorn motif, a common design seen on German edged weapons. The throat is the thinner style, and has a “cheese head” securing screws on the narrow sides of the scabbard. The finish is well retained for the most part, with some wear around the top from handing, as well as some bubbling.
A very nice example from a well known Solingen maker, complete with its original scabbard. Ready to display!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 9 1/2″
Blade Style: Spear Point Dagger
Overall length: 14“
Crossguard: 2 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 11 1/8″
The German Army (Heer) first carried a dagger beginning in 1935. The weapon was worn in lieu of occasions not demanding the wearing of a more formal sword. The dagger design was quite attractive featuring silvered heavy fittings with white or colored grip. The crossguard depicted a Wehrmacht open-winged eagle clutching a wreathed swas.
The pommel depicted oak leafing around the outer circumference. The scabbard had panels of pebble designs. Later produced examples were plated with nickel, and late war-made pieces were unplated, finished in a gray color metal. This early war version is quite nice, and in great shape.