DLVNSFK #31343 DLV GLider Pilot Dagger - Josef Munch, Brotterode

This early DLV Dagger is a real beauty, being in untouched, uncleaned condition. The dagger features heavily silver plated, solid nickel mounts. The pommel cap is in perfect condition, with no hits to the three stages. The crossguard center block features the insert, having the black enamel mobile swastika on both sides. The enamel is 100% perfect. The crossguard quillons slope downward slightly, having three tiers. The grip is a wood base, being bulbous in the center, and tapering on both ends. This grip is covered with Moroccan blue leather, still having its full graining, and being in perfect condition. The end of the crossguard quillon is stamped with the letter “K”.

The scabbard shell is completely straight throughout. This shell has Moroccan leather covering, which exactly matches the color, texture, and the grain of the grip. It is in perfect condition, except for a very slight pull back at the seam, located on the right edge at the upper area. This is miniscule, however, and hardly shows. The scabbard mounts are matching, deep patina, silver plate, being in choice condition. The ball has just a small ding on the bottom, but it is not noticeable. The silvering is so nice there are still frosting signs around the protected areas. These mounts are retained by unturned, flathead style side screws. The original hanger is intact, being a fine, brown leather. The leather is still fairly supple, and will last for years to come. The leather is retained by two oval silvered nickel plates, which are held by two rivets. The snap clip is an unmarked, silvered, nickel one, also having frosted finish.

The blade is also a fine example. The blade is nice and bright, has its needle-like tip, and has all of its crossgraining. Other than the normal runner marks, this blade is in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is marked with a double ellipse, which contains the firm’s name and location, “JOSEF MUNCH/BROTTERODE”. Inside is the firm’s initials, “J.M.B.”. The original leather blade buffer is in place. An extremely fine, untouched DLV glider pilot.

Untouched, Near Mint. $1,995.00

 DLVNSFK #34847 DLV Glider Pilot Dagger - Paul Weyersberg

This Weyersberg DLV piece is equipped with early, nickel, solid mounts throughout. The pommel is in excellent condition, with no hits, and has fine, crisp tiers. The center block of the crossguard is equipped with the inserted medallions, which have perfect black enamel to the swastikas. The crossguard arms are in excellent condition, with the quillon end being marked with the letter “K”. The wood based grip is bulbous in the center, tapering on the ends. This grip has recently been recovered by us, with Moroccan leather.

The scabbard shell is straight throughout, and has also been recovered. The leather is perfect, and if you did not know redone, I doubt if it would be noticeable. The scabbard mounts are in perfect condition, including the lower ball. These mounts exactly match the patination of the upper mounts. The four flat style side screws are all in place. The short hanger is attached, having fairly good brown leather, but care should be given with handling this leather. The leather is retained by the two nickel ovals, which each have two rivets. The matching, unmarked, nickel, snap clip works well.

The blade shows some minor age, but it is still fairly bright. This blade grades at excellent to excellent plus. The reverse ricasso is marked with the ovals, containing the Paul Weyersberg logo, with sword pointing downward between two wheat shafts. The original blue leather washer is in place. A nice example here, having some restoration, but it is priced accordingly.

Excellent. $1,295.00

DLVNSFK #31146C DLV Glider Pilot Dagger - Paul Weyersberg

This DLV Glider Pilot Dagger has the early nickel mounts which have been silver plated. The plating remains at about 80% throughout the piece. The pommel is the three stage type and there are no wearing hits around the edges. The original plating can be seen in the recesses. The crossguard has a good crisp center block featuring the mobile black enamel swastikas on each side. These swastikas are in perfect condition. The crossguard wings have a gentle flow downward and it is interesting to note that there is quite a bit of the original frosting still left in the areas protected by the center block. The crossguard has the “K” stamped into the end. I believe that this “K” was probably the initial of the man who made these fittings for most of the producers. The grip of this example is a wood base and it is bulbous in the center and tapers evenly on both ends. The original leather is in choice condition having no problems anywhere and still retaining its fine original grain.

The matching scabbard shell leather is also in perfect condition having a good deep blue color and also all of its graining. It is rare to see original leather this good on a DLV piece. After all these pieces were mostly carried by young men and most of these knives went through many of the same horrors as did the Hitler Youth knives only not as bad. The scabbard mounts are matching nickel and they are in good shape throughout. All four screws are in place and they are unturned. The short hanger is also a real gem. It is of blue leather having the decorative lines on the edges. The leather is in almost new-like condition and it is retained by the standard two nickel oval plates held together with rivets. The snap clip is a matching unmarked nickel type which also has some frosting in the hinge areas. A very good outside!

The blade of this example is nice and bright. The obverse has all of the crossgraining and other than the standard runner marks is in mint condition. The reverse appears to have had a spot down from the trademark and someone rubbed it off a while ago. It is not noticeable but can be seen there as the rest of the reverse blade is still in mint condition also having its crossgraining. The reverse blade is etched with the double ovals. These ovals contain the firm’s name and location, “Paul Weyersberg and Co. Solingen”. Inside is a downward pointing sword which is flanked by wheat shafts. The original matching blue leather blade buffer is in place.

A very nice example here, one not seen too often in this condition.

Near Mint. Originally $1,895.00, now only $1,700.00! (#040213)

DLVNSFK #34666 DLV NSFK Glider Pilot Dagger

This Glider Pilot example appears to be quite early yet it is not marked with a maker nor does it have the “K” stampings on the crossguard or the DLV/NSFK markings on the throat. It is an oddball piece but absolutely authentic and in great condition. The pommel is the three stage type still having lots of silver frosting within the lower areas. The crossguard also has lots of silver frosting throughout having a fine black swastika on the obverse center block and the reverse center block having some hits to the enamel but I don’t see any metal showing beneath. The grip is a wood base having beautiful leather covering being in perfect condition.

The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This scabbard shell also has fine leather covering with just a couple of minor nips in the leather at the edge but they hardly show. The scabbard mounts also have silver frosting matching the hilt mounts. They have turned darker on the obverse and reverse surfaces though being an indication that air has gotten under the lacquer. These mounts are retained by four dome head style screws which are also a little different from norm as most of the time we see flatter head screws. Attached to the hanging ring is the original short hanger. It is a beauty having fine leather and retained by the two oval nickel plaques. One of these plaques has the name, “Stred” scratched into the surface and on the other plaque there are a series of rune-like characters in the surface. The DRGM marked clip has frosting matching the rest of the piece. The original NSFK belt loop is enclosed having fine matching brown leather with pebbled “D” ring.

The unmarked blade is a beauty being completely bright and having most of its original crossgraining. It has a needlelike tip and is most impressive. The blade is buffered by the original matching blue leather example showing some wear to the edges. A really great DLV/NSFK pilot dagger here with lots of interesting aspects about it. Despite being unmarked and unstamped on the throat this is absolutely an original piece guaranteed to be 100% authentic. Near Mint. $1,895.00

DLVNSFK #34154C DLV Glider Pilot Dagger - SMF

This DLV Glider Pilot Dagger is a miracle that somehow has survived the ravages of time. I don't know whether the piece was ever issued or not, but if it was it couldn't have been worn more than one or two times, and then put away in perfect storage for the last seventy years. This DLV knife is spectacular. All of the mounts are the solid nickel base with silver plated surfaces. Not only is all of the silvering still on the nickel surfaces, but most of the original frosted finish is still there too. A remarkable state of preservation here! The pommel is the usual three staged affair. The obverse portion is slightly more frosted than the reverse portion, which has a little bit of darkening in the silver. The darkening that occurs is only where air has gotten under the lacquer. The crossguard is spectacular. It is as crisp as the day it was made, having all of the original frosted finish and beautiful black enamel swastikas on both sides. As is the norm with DLVs the end of the crossguard is stamped with the original maker's initial "K". The two ferrels that are installed on each end of the grip also have total frosted finish. The grip itself is a carved wood base having a bulbous center and tapering on both ends. The base is covered with beautiful blue leather. This leather is in absolute pristine condition, still having 100% of its grain. A very fine new-like hilt here!

The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This scabbard shell has outstanding original leather covering. The leather exactly matches the color of the grip leather, and has the same fine grain. It is really refreshing to see original leather like this that has not been nicked up or scuffed. There is only one tiny, minor bruise on the obverse just below the upper mount, but it is really nothing. The scabbard mounts exactly match the hilt mounts as to the frosted silver finish. Just beautiful! There are tiny amounts of patination where air has penetrated under the lacquer, but for the most part, the frosted finish is about 80% on each mount. The lower ball is in perfect condition. The mounts are retained by unturned flat head silvered screws. Attached to the hanging ring is the original short hanger. This hanger has pristine brown leather, which is accented with grooves running on both edges of both sides. The leather is retained by an oval disk on each side of the center area, and held in place by two rivets. The snap clip is an unmarked nickel type that also has an exact frosted finish. Believe me, collectors, just looking at the condition of this beautiful DLV will make you smile. The throat also is frosted, and is stamped with the DLV image, having a propeller with swastika underneath.

As we would expect, the blade of this example is totally pristine. It is bright, with 100% crossgraining and needle-like tip. You won't see a better DLV blade. The reverse ricasso is etched with the seated king trademark. The king rests upon the firm's initials "SMF" and retains an upward pointing sword. Below the king in an upward arch is the name of the town "Solingen". The original blue leather matching washer is in place. If you are looking for the best of the best, and for something where time has stood still, this DLV Glider Pilot Knife should suit your taste.

Mint, Mint, Mint! $3,695.00

DLVNSFK #33480 Untouched NSFK Glider Pilot Dagger - SMF

This early NSFK Glider Pilot knife is a very interesting example, as it is in untouched condition, and it has lots of markings to be seen throughout. The mounts are all nickel silver type and they have a patina consistent with this piece not being cleaned since the war. The pommel is the usual three-staged affair. It has excellent surfaces throughout, and it has no hits or dings. The crossguard still has good, crisp edges to the square center area. The enamel mobile swastikas are absolutely perfect, and are a separate round medallion which is soddered in to fit flush with the center block. The crossguards wings are also in outstanding condition, being crisp throughout, and no carrying damage. The one crossguard quillon end is stamped with the letter "K", and the other example is stamped with the letter "H", having the charachters "F" and "36" stamped into the inside of the legs of the letter "H". You can see an exact stamping like this in my Luftwaffe book on page 26, left hand side. Beneath the crossguard, into the lower surface, is stamped "T S 1" and on the other side "254". This stamping is identical to the example shown on page 27 upper. In fact, this Glider Pilot knife appears to have come from the same technical school as the pictured example. Very interesting indeed, and since both pieces were made by the same producer, SMF, they no doubt served time at the school during the same period. The grip of this example is a carved wood base, having a bulbous shape tapering on both ends. The grip has outstanding blue Moroccan leather with fine, prominent grain. This grip is in completely perfect condition. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. The scabbard has perfect, matching, dark blue leather with the exact same grain. The obverse of the leather is totally perfect, and the reverse has only a couple of scuffs that would have been caused by the short hanger buckle. There are no cuts though, or problems. The scabbard mounts are deeply patinated, matching the hilt fittings. These mounts are in perfect condition, having the decorative lines above the dual edges where they meet the scabbard shell. The original unturned screws are all in place. Connected to the hanging ring is a fine, dark brown leather short strap. This strap shows usage and some age, but it is still in good, supple condition. The strap is retained by two oval shaped discs, which each have a rivet retainage. The discs are patinated, perfectly matching the other mounts. The matching early snapclip is the unmarked nickel silver type. The throat of this example is stamped with the open-armed Icarius, with a swastika below. Above the stamping is just a slight swastika, where it appears as though this stamping might have been hit twice. Below the NSFK marking, is a matching "H" letter, with the "F 36" stamping. The blade of this piece is still nice and bright, and has all of its crossgraining. There is just the slightest of smudge in a few areas on the surfaces, but this blade still grades easily in near mint condition. It retains its needle like tip. The reverse ricasso is etched with the seated king trademark. The king is sitting on the firm's initials "SMF" while he holds an upward pointing sword. Below in an arch is the location city of "SOLINGEN". The original leather blade buffer is in place and in excellent condition. This is an outstanding Glider Pilot knife, especially with its untouched condition, exceptional leather, fine blade, and interesting stampings. We see about 10 of the DLV knives as compared to the NSFK types. So not only does this weapon have all of the interesting facets, but it also is a lot rarer than the DLV versions. A good opportunity here to pick up a really nice piece.

Excellent Plus Plus $1,895.00

DLVNSFK #33307 NSFK Glider Pilot Dagger – F. & A. Helbig

This Helbig example is complete with early nickel fittings throughout, all of which are in good condition. The fittings show normal wear but are still mostly crisp. The pommel is the typical three-stage type and there are no nicks or problems around the circumferences. The cross guard has the square center block with black enamel swastika medallions applied. The enamel to the swastikas is perfect on both sides. The quillon arms are the three-stage variety, tapering slightly toward the ends. One end of the cross guard is stamped with the letter “k”. The grip is a carved wood example having a bulbous center and tapering on both ends. The grip is covered with fine Moroccan leather. This leather has a couple of scuffs here and there on one side and the other side is still in perfect condition. The grain of the leather is still quite prominent. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. The Moroccan leather of the scabbard exactly matches that of the grip, having good grain pattern throughout. There are a couple of scuffs in the scabbard leather and on the lower edge there is a small nip about the size of a small peanut. The nip happened many years ago and the area is quite dark where the steel shows and is not noticeable. The scabbard mounts have the typical twin line decoration where they meet the shell. The lower ball has a minor tap at the very center. The scabbard throat is stamped with the NSFK winged man clutching a mobile swastika. All screws are in place. They are the dome head variety as opposed to the flatter head type, but they all appear to be original and in place. The hanger is in place. It is interesting to note that the Helbig Company made the later produced aluminum examples and the hangers which appear on these pieces have a metal structure which is covered with leather. This piece also has the same metal structure we see on the crackle finish pieces. When we acquired this piece, the leather was gone from the metal base and we re-covered it. If I didn’t tell you, you probably wouldn’t know that it is re-covered. We used a matching darker leather with nice grain and re-applied the two oval connecting discs and re-did the rivets in a proper manner. The original unmarked nickel snap clip is in place. The blade of this example is still bright throughout. It shows some in-and-out usage marks but overall, the grain still appears in about 90% of the surfaces. This blade easily grades at excellent plus plus. The reverse ricasso is marked in the shape of an ellipse with the producer’s name above “F & A Helbig” and below, the area where the factory was located “Steinbach (Kr. M.).” In the middle is the word “Saeller”. The original matching leather blade washer is in place, showing some age and a small nip to one portion of the edge. Overall though, a good, livable example here. NSFK marked pieces seem to be much more difficult to acquire than the DLV types.

Excellent. $1,395.00

DLVNSFK #32090 NSFK Glider Pilot - Gebr. Heller, Balloon Man Logo

The fittings on this Heller example are very early and they have not been cleaned in recent years but have a good strong patination throughout. The pommel is the three-stage type and it shows no hits or problems. The cross guard center block has the medallion insert. The insert has a black mobile swastika on each side. The enameling still looks good throughout. The gracefully curving cross guard wings are three-stage motif and on one edge there is a letter “k” stamped. The grip is a wood base covered with blue Moroccan leather. The covering is done in two pieces as we usually see. This grip is more bulbous in the center and tapers to both ends. This leather is in perfect condition throughout, still having good prominent graining. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This shell is covered with matching blue Moroccan leather also having fine grain pattern. This leather is also in perfect condition. The upper and lower scabbard mounts nicely match the patination of the hilt fittings. The mounts have the twin line decoration near the edges where they meet the scabbard shell. The throat on this example is marked with the winged man clutching a swastika. Additionally, the throat is stamped with a stick bird waffenamp. Looking at the opposite end of the cross guard quillon, I also see there is a waffenamp stamp there which appears out of the depths of the patination. The scabbard mounts are retained by flathead style screws which are all present and unbuggered. Attached to the carrying ring is the original leather short hanger. This leather shows age and usage but it is still sound. The leather is retained by two oval discs which are rivet-held. There is a matching patinated unmarked snap clip attached to the hanging strap. The blade of this example is still mostly bright. It has some or most of its original cross graining in the surfaces. On the obverse, there is a little rub spot near the ricasso area where someone cleaned off some rust long ago. The tip of this example was broken off when they obtained the dagger. We welded, shaped and polished a new tip for this piece and I think if I did not tell you, you would probably never know. This new tip came out outstanding. The reverse of the ricasso is deeply etched with the pleasing marking of a balloon man selling his wares. The balloon man walks over the firm’s name, town and location “Gebr. Heller/Marienthal/b.Schweina/trh.”. This fine blade is protected by the original matching blue grained leather washer. A nice glider pilot here if you can live with the fact that it is re-tipped. It is priced accordingly.

Excellent Plus. $1,495.00