1st Model Luftwaffe Dagger – Puma

Product Description: This 1st Model Luftwaffe Dagger by Puma of Solingen, one of the most desirable makers of the period, presented here in nice overall condition. The blade is outstanding, retaining much of its original bright polish with only minor speckling and slight plating loss near the tip, and bears a deeply etched Puma maker’s mark on the obverse ricasso—crisp and well-defined.

The grip, wrapped in original blue leather,, and bound with triple aluminum wire wrap, shows color wear to the high points of grip. The pommel and crossguard exhibit honest age toning and uniform plating loss, adding character without detracting from overall appeal. The original scabbard, covered in matching blue leather, remains in excellent condition, showing rich color and only light, even wear. The scalloped nickel fittings display finish loss consistent with the hilt, while the original chain hanger survives intact, complete with a fully functional spring clip shows break in metal, and evidence of an old repair.

Altogether, this dagger presents as a well-balanced and highly collectible early Luftwaffe sidearm—an excellent representative example of the first model pattern, produced by one of Solingen’s premium makers.

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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