Luftwaffe 2nd Model Dagger

Product Description: This Luftwaffe 2nd Model Dagger is an attractive, uncleaned example, that very likely was actually worn by a Luftwaffe officer during WWII. It shows even, honest wear. The plated blade retains nearly all of the original bright plating, with some very minor freckling and tiny losses to the plating along the edges. There is no manufacturer marking, which is not unusual on these Luftwaffe daggers. The grip fittings have gorgeous patina to the recessed areas, which adds depth to the detailed crossguard eagle. The swastika on the pommel retains nearly all of the original gold wash. The grip wire is intact and tight. The honey-colored grip has a couple of chips on the back, one at the top and another at the bottom. The scabbard on this Luftwaffe 2nd Model Dagger has toned dark with age, with some oxidation in a few areas. It’s nice and straight, with intact rings, and no indication that the screws have been turned since before 1945. The overall condition of this handsome piece rates as excellent.

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.

We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers free evaluations and the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates.

Click the link here to learn more: Free Evaluation or Inquiries

or feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com