First Pattern Luftwaffe Dagger Adopted in 1935 and initially authorized for wear by Luftwaffe Officer pilots.  Because regulations eventually allowed other officer and (when the 2nd pattern was adopted specifically for officers in 1937) noncommissioned officers to wear this pattern, they are available in large number on the collector market and is the most inexpensive "chained" dagger available.
Manufacturers	Manufacturers include Eickhorn, Alcoso, WKC, Klaas, EP&S, Herder, SMF, Tiger, Puma, and Clemens & Jung.  For a complete listing, see Tom Wittmann's difinitive reference on Luftwaffe daggers, Exploring the Dress Daggers of the German Luftwaffe.
Construction	Early models exhibit hilt and scabbard fittings cast in Nickel Silver (often silver plated).  Later models are cast in aluminum.   Blade is usually plated, and can be found with and without a maker's mark.  Scabbard is pressed steel with a blue leather covering.  Grip is covered in matching blue leather and decorated with twisted gold-plated, silver-plated or plain brass wire.  Runners should be brass or zinc, secured by two side-screws, usually of the headless variety.  Overall construction is 48cm (18.9 inches).
Rarity	Common
Variations	As this model is based on the earlier (and rarer) DLV 55cm Dagger, "transitional" models of this dagger pattern can be located with scabbards that are NOT steel, but are constructed of a softer material.  These daggers will be encountered with staples on the reverse of the scabbard fittings which affix the fittings to the scabbard.
Warnings	First pattern Luftwaffe daggers are very rarely encountered with factory etched blades and should be examined closely for authenticity when located.  It is also common to find mint examples of the aluminum type, as many examples were leftover in factories and uniform showrooms after the war.