Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good example of a 2nd Model Luftwaffe dagger, typical of the style produced later in the war, complete with portepee and a very nice belt hanger. The celluloid grip of this 2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger is a lovely pumpkin orange color and in fine condition. It is still wrapped with a twisted pair of wires, which have a lovely patina. There is a bit of wear on the grip, with a few scratches and dents, but no cracks or chips.
The hilt mounts are very nice on this dagger, though there is a small amount of wear. The pommel is aluminum, a very common material used on 2nd model Luftwaffe Daggers. The oak leaves around them are raised out and heavily hand enhanced. It shows overall light wear, with a nice patina. There is a bit of wear and oxidation, and show.
The crossguard is made of Aluminum, which was an "Air Age" material, which was used to make most airplanes. It was considered fitting and desirable for the eagle-shaped guard to be made of this material. The front side is an eagle with a breast and talon area that is vaulted out much more so than the crossguards seen on other types of daggers. This guard shows little wear and has excellent feathering on the eagle. The bird, of course, flies to the left and grasps a mobile swas in his talons. The reverse panel is decorated with small pebbling, which shows a bit of wear. The ferrule is in great shape, and still bright, having been protected by the portepee, which is in very good condition, and tied in the Luftwaffe style. There is fraying and loss of the bullion in areas, typical of a dagger that was worn often. The slider is also missing part of the wooden insert, and is in delicate condition.
This scabbard is a fine example, having a good aged nickel plating over the steel base, with a lovely patina. It does however have a "door close" style dent about 1.5 inches above the bottom on all sides. It does not interfere with sheathing the dagger. The carry bands are well defined and have hand enhanced oak leaves tipped at a 45 degree angle, though they are somewhat worn. The upper band has quite a bit of wear inside around the steel ring, which has worn through the softer zinc alloy. The throat is retained by a two flat headed screws on the narrow sides of the scabbard.
The carbon steel blade is in very good condition, and has not been sharpened or used. There is the tiniest deformation to the very tip. The blade is bright with the original factory final polish crossgrain throughout. There is no maker mark that we can see, however this was not uncommon. Some blade makers would sell unmarked blades to fitting manufacturers, who did not leave any markings either. The leather blade washer is still present, and in good shape.
The dagger comes complete with genuine original hangers that are in very good condition with no major issues, and a felt backing. The hardware is mostly aluminum, and is still bright. The end clips are the standard spring clasp type, and are zinc and fully functional. The velvet backing of the hanger is mostly intact, though there is wear and some fraying at the edges. The bullion side on both straps is excellent. The hanger has however been adjusted to hang closer to the belt, by making new holes in the straps, and not using the original grommets.
This is a nice 2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger, offered in great condition with hanger and portepee, ready to display!
