SMF Luftwaffe 3/4 Miniature Dagger 2nd Model

Product Description: This SMF Luftwaffe 3/4 Miniature Dagger is an outstanding piece, that is loaded with eye appeal. This is a 2nd model example. The blade on this one is nice and clean, and retains virtually all of the original luster. The blade is very cleanly marked with the distributor mark “Philipp Gather, Dusseldorf, Kraftfahrzeugteile-Grosshandlung.” The other side of the blade is stamped on the ricasso with the manufacturer marking of SMF in Solingen, as well as “D.R.G.M.” indicating a trademarked design. The handle of this dagger is gorgeous, with bright metalwork that is finely detailed. The pommel and crossguard show only extremely slight wear, and retain original darkening in the recesses. The beautiful yellow grip has no cracks or chips, and the grip wire is intact, with no issues. This SMF Luftwaffe 3/4 miniature dagger is complete with its original scabbard. The scabbard is dent free, and has crisp detailing and an old, uncleaned patina. This dagger is a very desirable size, nicely marked, and in excellent condition overall.

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 down swept, 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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