1st Model Luftwaffe Dagger – Puma

Product Description: This 1st Model Luftwaffe Dagger is a choice example, by a desirable maker. The blade on this piece is outstanding, and rates near mint, with great shine and no damage to note. The obverse ricasso has a crisp, deeply etched maker mark of the very sought-after maker Puma in Solingen. The original blue pebbled leather buffer pad remains intact. The handle on this dagger is absolutely gorgeous. The pommel and crossguard have exceptionally appealing patina, with some subtle rainbow toning. The swastikas on the pommel and crossguard retain most of the original gilding. The grip is near mint, with all of the original surface to the leather covering. The triple aluminum grip wire is intact and undamaged. The fit of all parts remains nice and tight. This lovely 1st Model Luftwaffe Dagger is complete with its original scabbard. The blue pebbled leather scabbard body remains in near mint condition, with great original color and only very minimal wear. The nickeled, scalloped scabbard fittings remain nice and bright. The fittings are tightly secured with all five original screws. The nickel chain has 8 lower and 5 upper ringlets, terminating with a fully functional clip. This desirable early Air Force dagger displays wonderfully, and would be tough to upgrade. The condition rates as excellent plus.

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.

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.

Feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com