RLB 2nd Model Leaders Dagger – Weyersberg

Product Description:  RLB 2nd Model Leaders Dagger – Weyersberg — A scarce and highly collectible example of a leadership-edged weapon from the Reichsluftschutzbund (RLB), this RLB 2nd Model Leaders Dagger – Weyersberg reflects both the craftsmanship of Solingen production and the distinctive aesthetic associated with Luftschutz leadership accoutrements of the Third Reich period.

The blade displays well-defined cross-graining along its length, with minor freckling and light runner marks consistent with careful handling and age. The reverse ricasso is crisply marked with the etched maker’s emblem “Paul Weyersberg & Co. Solingen,” a respected and desirable manufacturer among collectors of German edged weapons.

The hilt components, including the crossguard and pommel, are constructed of aluminum, featuring the characteristic RLB eagle and swastika motif. These elements exhibit a pleasing, even patina within the recesses, along with light surface marks. The grip is properly wrapped in two sections of blue leather, retaining the majority of its original finish with only minor wear at the high points. The inset second-pattern RLB emblem shows expected wear, including some chipping to the black enamel surface.

The dagger is housed in its original scabbard, which presents attractively with a consistent patina. The steel body is wrapped in matching blue leather, displaying minimal flaws aside from light pressure indentations and slight edge wear. The nickel-plated fittings remain intact and visually appealing, with an even aged finish; the lower tip exhibits minor denting that does not detract from the overall presentation.

Condition is best described as excellent +, with a strong degree of originality and visual appeal throughout. As a less commonly encountered pattern, this example represents an excellent opportunity for collectors to acquire a genuine and increasingly scarce RLB leadership dagger, valued for its craftsmanship, completeness, and historical significance within the field of World War II militaria.

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 in 1933 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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