1st Model RLB Dagger – E.F. Hörster

Product Description:  An excellent example of the scarce 1st Model RLB Dagger – E.F. Hörster, retaining strong overall condition and attractive period character. The blade shows evidence of cleaning in its life and now displays typical runner marks along with a small amount of light speckling toward the tip. The reverse ricasso bears the early commercial maker’s mark of E. & F. Hörster, Solingen, clearly struck. The original thin leather buffer pad remains intact at the base of the blade.

The ebony grip is particularly well preserved, remaining fully intact with no chips or cracks and showing only light pressure marks consistent with age and handling. The first pattern RLB grip emblem remains in place, displaying a small shallow chip to the center of the letter “L,” resulting in minor enamel loss while the overall blue coloration remains strong. The crossguard and pommel retain a pleasing, even patina with traces of the original nickel plating finish. This 1st Model RLB Dagger – E.F. Hörster is accompanied by its original black-painted scabbard, which retains approximately 85% of its glossy finish with scattered surface scratches but no dents or significant damage. The scabbard loop remains present, though the leather hanger is absent. Overall, an exceptional and increasingly difficult-to-find dagger, offered in Excellent+ condition.

Historical Description: The Reichs-Luftschutz-Bund (RLB) was a Nazi organization tasked with air raid defense in German cities and towns. It was a civil organization that was subordinate to the Luftwaffe. Originally organized by Herman Göring in 1933, the RLB had 15 million members by 1939. As with virtually all civil, political and paramilitary organizations during the Third Reich, the RLB had ceremonial edged weapons for use with formal wear by enlisted members as well as officers. The first pattern enlisted dagger was introduced in 1936, with a grip emblem that featured the stylized organizational initials “RLB” in blue enamel, over a swastika, on a black ebony grip. The scabbard was painted black. The organizational emblem of the RLB changed in 1938, so a new, updated pattern of dagger was introduced that year, with the “RLB” grip emblem replaced with the new logo of a black enameled swastika on a sunburst. Officers of the Luftschutz carried similar daggers, with the first, 1936 pattern featuring the early type organizational emblem on a leather-covered grip, paired with a matching leather covered scabbard with a single suspension ring. The second pattern, 1938 RLB officer dagger used the later organizational emblem on the grip, and a second suspension ring and band was added to the scabbard. Many first pattern officer daggers were converted with the second scabbard ring, after the new pattern was introduced. Although the Luftschutz was a huge organization, few members had formal or dress uniforms, and so only a relatively small number of its members purchased daggers. RLB daggers are scarce and very desirable collectors items today.

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