Original German WWII Early 1st Model Luftwaffe Dagger by WKC with Chain & Damaged Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. This is a very nice service-used condition 1st Model Luftwaffe Dagger made in in the late 1930s, made by the legendary Solingen-based firm of Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie (WKC). The grip looks to be made of brass alloy, which originally would have been silver plated. However it saw quite a bit of wear, and the base metal can now be seen in many areas.

The grip is a carved wood base covered in blue Moroccan leather, which also shows wear like the rest of the grip. The original triple wire wrapping, with the center pair twisted, is still mostly intact, but a bit worn. The guard is the standard down swept “wing” type, with good detailing remaining, and with more “sunwheel” swass, which are not the inlaid type.

The blade of this piece is a high quality nickel-plated example, and is in very good condition, with only a some scratches on either side of the ricasso. The blade washer however is absent. While the exterior of the dagger shows lots of wear, the blade itself does not.

The reverse ricasso is stamped with the trademark “Knight’s Helmet” (Ritter-helm) logo of legendary maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen, over the firms initials of WKC. This company is a famous manufacturer of military swords and cutlery in Solingen, Germany – a city famous since the middle ages for its metal-working and craftsmanship in sword making. Per J. Anthony Carter’s fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS, the traditional manufacturing of swords at WKC dates back to the year 1774 when the Weyersberg first registered the ”Kings head” as their trademark. Later in 1883 the company merged with the Kirschbaums and the company WKC was formed as it exists today.

The aluminum scabbard shell is straight throughout with no dents. The Moroccan leather covering the scabbard is unfortunately entirely missing between the chape and the center fitting, and is also partly missing below the throat.  This scabbard has steel mount brackets, with a good amount of the original silver plate intact, and a great patina. These mounts are retained by headless flush mounted side screws.

The attached aluminum chain has six ringlets making up the upper chain and nine on the lower, not counting the rings attached to the scabbard fittings. 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.

An very nice service worn example of the classic 1st model Luftwaffe dagger, by a legendary Solingen maker, offered at a very attractive price. Ready to display!