Original German WWII 1st Model Aluminum Fitted Luftwaffe Dagger by SMF with Belt Hanger & Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. This is a very nice 1st Model Luftwaffe Dagger, made by the desirable maker Solinger Metalwaren-Fabrik Stöcker & Co. GmbH, of Solingen, Germany. The matte Aluminum fittings indicate that it was made sometime after 1938. Previous to this, the mounts had been of alloy brass or nickel, but Aluminum was an “Air Age” material, which was used to make most airplanes. It was considered fitting and desirable for the mounts to be made of this, and the later 2nd model continued to use aluminum as well.

The aluminum mounts remain nice and mostly bright, with a fine matte finish showing some light staining from dirt and oxidation. The vaulted pommel shows the original “Broken Sun Cross” swas medallions, however they look to be silver or maybe oxide plated, not gilt. It is also possible that they were gilt over a silver flash coat, and the gilding wore away. The cross guard medallions are flat and show an oxidized brass patina. The guard is the standard down swept “wing” type, with good detailing. The rim of the pommel shows some dents and light oxidation, but no major cuts or other damage. The grip is a carved wood base covered in blue Moroccan leather, showing moderate wear to the finish, with one area where the leather has torn off. It is wrapped with twisted aluminum wires, for a very pleasing look.

The 12 inch blade of this piece is a bit interesting, and we assumed that it was originally nickel plated, as most were. However it now shows wear and polishing, which has removed past peppering, so it may have been made in bright steel. There is a small dent on the edge, and the tip shows a tad of a bend, so it is possible that this dagger was actually used in service for a bit. The original blue Moroccan leather blade buffer is in place on top of the guard.

The SMF trademark logo on the blade ricasso features an etched king holding an upward pointing sword, and is known as the “Seated King”. The king is sitting on the firm initials SMF and is positioned above an arch shaped town location SOLINGEN. Solinger Metalwaren-Fabrik Stöcker & Co. GmbH, also known as SMF, were one of the major suppliers of edged weapons to the Luftwaffe during WWII. As the name implies, they were located in Solingen, the legendary “City of Blades” in Western Germany. For more information, please see J. Anthony Carter’s fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS. Above the trademark is a Weimar style Waffenamt Eagle / 5, the standard acceptance mark for edged weapons in the Luftwaffe.

The scabbard shell is straight throughout with no major dents. The Moroccan leather covering the scabbard nicely matches the grip and is in very good condition. There are some areas where the leather finish has worn and/or cracked, but that is expected on a scabbard of this age. The mounts on this scabbard are all matte aluminum, and are still very attractive and show only light wear, with no major dents or scratching. These mounts are retained by headless flush mounted side screws, all five of which are still present.

The attached aluminum chain has six ringlets making up the upper chain and eight on the lower. These two chains are attached to an aluminum snap clip, which is marked on the back with the OLC in a diamond trademark of Overhoff & Cie. of Lüdenscheid, who produced numerous clothing accessories. It is also marked GES. / GESCHÜTZT, for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected By Law), indicating that the clip was a trademarked design.

A very nice example of the classic 1st model Luftwaffe dagger by a very desirable maker, ready to display!

Specifications:

Blade Length: 12″
Overall length: 17 5/8″
Crossguard: 4 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 13 1/2”