Luftwaffe 1st Model Dagger

Product Description: This Luftwaffe 1st Model Dagger is a beauty. It’s got a great blade, very bright, with only normal runner marks. The reverse of the blade is etched with the manufacturer logo of Paul Weyersberg & Co. in Solingen. The handle of this Luftwaffe 1st Model Dagger is outstanding, with a great, uncleaned patina to the early nickel fittings. The grip wire is intact, as is the leather grip covering. All of the handle components show even, honest wear, with some worn finish and a couple of wear spots on the leather. The original leather buffer is present under the crossguard. This Luftwaffe 1st Model Dagger is complete with its original scabbard, which is a perfect match, with deep old patina on the metal fittings, and a few scuffs and wear to the blue leather covering. The chain hanger is intact and functional, with wear to the finish, and a spring clip with the maker logo of OLC as well as “Ges. Gesch.” indicating a legally protected design. This dagger is uncleaned, untouched and loaded with eye appeal.

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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