1st Pattern Luftwaffe Officer Dagger – F.W. Höller

Product Description:  An attractive early 1st Pattern Luftwaffe Officer Dagger – F.W. Höller, retaining strong period character and desirable early-war construction features. The blade displays expected runner marks and evidence of careful polishing, while remaining clearly etched at the ricasso with the F.W. Höller maker insignia. The grip fittings are executed in nickel silver, indicative of early manufacture, and retain a pleasing untouched patina throughout. The crossguard and pommel exhibit complete wear to the original gilt finish on the swastikas, consistent with age and service use. The blue leather grip shows moderate wear to the raised areas, while the grip wire remains tightly wrapped with attractive age toning. The leather buffer pad is no longer present.

The 1st Pattern Luftwaffe Officer Dagger – F.W. Höller is accompanied by its original scabbard, retaining much of its blue leather covering with scattered color loss from age. The silvered scabbard fittings have toned dark over time and remain free from notable damage, while the scabbard itself remains straight and well preserved. Also included is the original suspension chain, with the spring clip marked “D.R.G.M.” together with the stylized “A” logo of Assmann; the clip spring is broken. A visually appealing and honest early Luftwaffe dagger with excellent display presence and untouched wartime character throughout.

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 downswept, 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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