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2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger

Condition: Excellent

Maker: Alcoso

Pattern: 2nd

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Product Description: This 2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger is a very handsome piece, with a lot going for it. The blade on this one is in fantastic shape. The tip and edges are undamaged, and the surface shows a bright, eye-catching original shine. It’s maker marked on the reverse ricasso with the emblem of Alcoso in Solingen. The handle has a very appealing, untouched look. The fittings are very attractive, and retain very strong original darkening, with only slight wear. The fine original detail is intact. The grip is beautiful, and undamaged, with a very pleasing white color. The original grip wire is intact. The handle is complete with an original aluminum wire portepee. The portepee shows light, even surface wear, with no major damage to note. This gorgeous 2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger is complete with its original scabbard. The scabbard is nice and straight, and boasts lots of original finish, with typical age toning. The light metal scabbard bands show nice detail, and retain the suspension rings. This choice Alcoso dagger displays outstandingly well. Overall, 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.

 

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