2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger – Eickhorn

Product Description: This 2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger – Eickhorn is a gorgeous piece, that is extremely eye-catching. The blade is nice, with loads of shine, though there are some typical graying spots on both sides. The reverse of the blade is etched on the ricasso with the commercial type “Squirrel” maker mark of the firm of Carl Eickhorn, in Solingen. Eickhorn was renowned as a maker of quality blades, and this piece is no exception. The handle on this one is fantastic, with a deep pumpkin orange grip that has no chips or cracks. The crossguard and pommel show full original detail, with dark original finish contrasting nicely with the lighter tones of high points. The grip wire is intact and bright. The handle is complete with an awesome original Luftwaffe Portepee. The Portepee has toned nearly golden from age, which looks fantastic in combination with the orange grip. This 2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger – Eickhorn is complete with its original scabbard. The scabbard shows light wear, with attractive age toning and patination. Both of the hanger rings on the scabbard are intact. Overall, this handsome dagger remains in excellent condition.

Historical Description: The Luftwaffe dagger was a piece of regalia with a unique history. After WWI, Germany was prohibited from having an Air Force. In 1933, the Nazis formed the Deutscher Luftsport-Verband (DLV), which was a paramilitary aviation organization. DLV officers wore a long dagger. In 1935, in violation of the Treaty of Versailles, Hitler instituted the new German armed forces, the Wehrmacht. One of the branches of the Wehrmacht was the Luftwaffe. Luftwaffe officers at this time wore what we know as the first model Luftwaffe dagger. This was a shortened version of the earlier DLV dagger. It featured a scabbard covered in blue leather, and a blue, wire-wrapped grip. The crossguard featured a round, “sunwheel” type swastika, flanked by downswept, stylized “wings.” The pommel was in the form of a vertical disc, with another, larger “sunwheel” swastika. In 1937, the Luftwaffe instituted a new dagger form, known to collectors as the second model. This new dagger was similar to that worn by officers of the German Army. The second model had a metal scabbard with impressed decoration, and no leather covering. The crossguard bore a Luftwaffe eagle, clutching a swastika. The blue grip was replaced with one that was orange, white or yellow. The various types of grips were a matter of personal preference and did not indicate branch or rank. The pommel of the new dagger featured a swastika within an oak leaves motif. The blades of these daggers were steel, and many but not all were manufacturer marked.

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