Second Model Luftwaffe Miniature Dagger

Product Description: This second model Luftwaffe Miniature Dagger is a nice example of a scarce and desirable three-quarter sized piece. The maker marked blade on this one is outstanding, with bright shine. The front of the blade is neatly etched with the factory name “Leistenwerk Kohlfurt,” with this dagger presumably being a presentation piece made for that factory. The reverse of the blade is marked on the ricasso with the SMF maker emblem as well as “D.R.G.M.” indicating Reich trademarked design. The handle on this dagger is beautiful. The Luftwaffe flying eagle and swastika emblem on the crossguard boasts great detail. The grip is undamaged, and is a very appealing light yellow. The grip wire is present. This second model Luftwaffe Miniature Dagger is complete with its original scabbard. The scabbard shows crisp pebbling, and intricate oak leaf ornamentation on the bands. The suspension rings on the scabbard are intact. This is a great, wonderfully detailed miniature, with outstanding eye appeal. The condition rates as excellent.

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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