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2nd Pattern Luftwaffe Dagger Adopted in 1937, this dagger was authorized for wear by Officers and Officer Candidates. As the Luftwaffe rapidly expanded, these daggers are numerous and affordable on today's collector market. | |
Manufacturers | Some known makers include Eickhorn, Alcoso, WKC, Klaas, Pack, 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 |
Fittings are cast in a variety of materials, including
steel, nickle, aluminum, and pot metal. Hilt fittings and scabbards
come in a variety of finishes, including the grey or black finish (often
called "airplane grey" by collectors and dealers). A few examples are
found nickle plated. Scabbards feature a pebbled design and are
adorned with scabbard bands featuring an oakleaf design. Brass or zing
runners are secured by a variety of screws and screw configurations.
The crossguard features a Luftwaffe eagle in
flight clutching a swastika. The ball pommel features
a swastika, sometimes finished in gold.
Both Pommel and ferrule feature a raised
oakleaf design.
Grips produced in many
materials, including ivory, blown celluloid over wood or plaster (always
appear white in color), Trolon and other phenolic resins (identifiable by
the strong odor and the yellow and orange hues resulting from oxidation over
time). The pebbled
scabbard featured two suspension bands with rings. The bands and the
scabbard tip were decorated with oakleaves. Overall length is
41cm (16.2 inches). |
Rarity | Common |
Variations | Eickhorn and WKC production daggers commonly exhibit gilted pommel swastikas, as do products by other manufacturers. Each manufacturer used parts that are slightly unique in construction and design. Learning these configurations can help collectors spot daggers that are assembled from parts. The above Wittmann reference presents these variations in detail. |
Warnings | Although pommel swastikas are not always gilted, gold is often added by overzealous collectors and dealers in an effort to spruce up their daggers. On many (but not all) models, gilting is present on the interior or the pommel. An inspection of a disassembled pommel can often assist collectors in identifying touched-up exterior swastikas. Additionally, as is the case with Etched Army daggers with standard "voos" pattern etches, the safest Luftwaffe dagger purchases will exhibit "sprigs" or small branches underneath the eagle on the obverse of the blade. While original examples do exist without this feature, most reproductions lack this detail. Additionally, as is the case with Army daggers (and for the same reason), Luftwaffe daggers should NOT be RZM marked. |