1st Model RLB Leader’s Dagger – Weyersburg

Product Description: This 1st Model RLB Leader’s Dagger is a great example of this extremely rare dagger type. The blade has some light spotting, and typical runner marks. The reverse of the blade is neatly marked with the early, commercial type maker marking of the firm of Paul Weyersburg, in Solingen. Remnants of the original thin leather buffer pad are still present. The handle of this dagger is really nice. The leather grip covering is completely intact, and retains virtually all of the original color and finish. The first pattern RLB grip emblem shows some wear and some losses to the blue enamel. The crossguard and pommel have a beautiful, uncleaned old patina. This 1st Model RLB Leader’s Dagger is complete with its original scabbard. Like the handle, the scabbard has perfect leather, and really attractive, deep patination to the metalwork. There are no dents or other damage evident to the scabbard, which remains in its desirable early configuration, never having been converted to the second model style. The scabbard is complete with its original leather hanger. The leather is dry and a bit fragile, but all there, riveted in place with a nickel silver plate. The functional spring clip on the hanger is marked “DRGM” indicating an officially registered design, and has the stylized “A” maker mark of Assmann. This is an exceptional dagger, extremely hard to find, especially in this 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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