1st Model Luftwaffe Dagger – G. Weyersberg Sne

Product Description: This 1st Model Luftwaffe Dagger is a choice example of a rare dagger, in outstanding condition. The stunning blade is neatly marked on the obverse ricasso with “G. Weyersberg Sne,” an abbreviation for Gottfried Weyersberg Söhne. This is the only dagger that we have ever had with this maker, which we have been told is the rarest of makers for the 1st model Luftwaffe dagger. We know members of the Weyersberg family had been making blades in Solingen for generations and Gottfried’s maker mark is one of the rarest of those to be found. Don’t miss it, as you may never see another. The blade is near mint and virtually pristine, with great luster and some attractive light toning. The original blue pebbled leather buffer pad remains intact. The fit on this dagger is nice and tight throughout. The handle on this piece is virtually perfect, and likely impossible to upgrade. The four sun-wheel swastikas on the crossguard and pommel have all their original gold finish, and there is no evident wear. The grip leather is mint, with beautiful original color, and all of the original surface. The triple aluminum wire grip wire is tight. This incredibly well-preserved 1st Model Luftwaffe Dagger is complete with its original scabbard. The blue pebbled leather scabbard body remains in near mint condition, with only very minimal traces of wear. The aluminum scalloped scabbard fittings are nice and bright. The fittings are tightly secured with all five original screws. The aluminum chain has 8 lower and 5 upper ringlets, as is correct, and terminates with a fully functional spring clip that is marked “Ges. Gesch. OLC” indicating a legally protected design, made by Overhoff. The chain still has nearly all of its original lacquer which is rare to find intact. This is a mega dagger, that could be a highlight of an advanced collection. The condition rates as near mint 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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