First Model Luftwaffe Dagger

Product Description: This Aluminum First Model Luftwaffe Dagger is a gorgeous piece. It has a fantastic blade with mirror-bright surfaces, and only a few tiny marks. The reverse side of this incredible blade is neatly etched with the SMF seated king logo, indicating manufacture by Stocker & Co. in Solingen. The handle fittings are typical early quality and show only very light, even wear. The original gilding on the pommel and crossguard swastika emblems remains strong, and adds visual appeal. The blue leather on the grip shows light wear and remains completely intact, as is the twisted grip wire. There is a portepee which is in excellent condition, with only very minor wear in a couple of places, and typical age toning to the wire. The original leather buffer on the blade is present. This first model Luftwaffe dagger is complete with its original scabbard and chain hanger. The scabbard is excellent, nice and straight, undamaged, with clean metal fittings. The blue leather scabbard covering has a few scattered marks, nothing that especially detracts. The clip on the hanger has the diamond maker logo of OLC and is marked “Ges. Gesch.” indicating a legally protected design. This first model Luftwaffe dagger is an outstanding example with a lot going for it. It’s a great representation of this desirable early dagger type.

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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