The 1st Model Luftwaffe dagger, although still a fairly long weapon, was a shorter variation of the previously carried DLV Officer. In 1935, Hitler unveiled the "secret" Luftwaffe to the world, defying the Versailles Treaty. It became the third fighting branch of the German Wehrmacht, and was headed by Hermann Göring as Commander-in-Chief. Initially, only Luftwaffe Officers with flying status wore the new Fliegerdolch. Later, regulations were relaxed and other Officers were permitted to wear the "flying dagger". After 1937, Officers were required to wear the newly introduced Offizierdolch (2nd Pattern Luftwaffe dagger). The 1st Pattern, from that point on, was worn by high ranking NCO's, not officers. Initial patterns of the early Fliegerdolche were constructed using heavy solid nickel materials for hilt and scabbard mounts. Gilded brass sunwheel swastika inserts decorated the pommel and crossguard. The cigar-shape, wood-based grip and scabbard shell are covered in a rich Moroccan blue leather. A chain hanger with snap clip is attached to the scabbard. Examples produced after 1938 have aluminum fittings. Late examples were produced of nickel pot metal hilt fittings with plated steel scabbard fittings. Blades were usually quality nickel plated.

LD1 - 013 - 27153 - 1ST MODEL ALUMINUM LUFTWAFFE - SMF

The fittings of this 1st model Luftwaffe are the satin aluminum type. They are in good shape throughout, showing only minor usage signs. The cross guard area in the center has 100% of the gilt remaining to the sun wheel swastikas. The pommel, however, appears to have the swastikas perhaps painted into the area some time back and this paint is beginning to wear on the reverse, but is still pretty good on the obverse. Sometimes, these fittings were produced with no gilt on them and, apparently, this was the case with this example. Whoever painted the gilding in the swastikas, though, did good, as it does look better than if there were nothing there. The best thing, though, would be to find a replacement SMF pommel and that would add probably $300.00 to the value of this dagger. At any rate, the cross guard arms have good detail to their descending quillons. The grip is a wood base covered with Moroccan blue leather. The leather is still in perfect condition and is tightly wrapped with twisted aluminum wire. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. It has matching original blue Moroccan leather. This leather shows some usage signs but no cuts or problems. This scabbard leather is really good looking. The scabbard shell is fitted with satin aluminum mounts. These mounts show minor carrying time, but they have no dings or problems. These mounts are retained by headless side screws which are flush mounted. There is an aluminum chain attached. The chain has six upper ringlets and seven lower ringlets. The two chains are connected to an OLC marked clip. The blade of this example is still nice and bright. It is a plated surface and easily grades in near mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with a stick bird waffenamt and the bird has a number “5" in his belly. Below the waffenamt is the seated king trademark. The king sits over the firm’s initials “SMF” which is over the city of “Solingen”. The original blade washer is in place. A nice 1st model aluminum Luftwaffe here, which would be terrific if you have an original gilded pommel.
Excellent Plus Plus. $1,195.00

LD1 - 014 - 25835 - EARLY 1ST MODEL LUFTWAFFE WITH FLIGHT SCHOOL MARKINGS - BALLOON MAN

This 1st model Luftwaffe shows some age and wear but it is a unique weapon and would make a great addition to the serious collector of Luftwaffe items. All of the fittings throughout this piece are the solid nickel heavy variety. The pommel shows a little bit of usage signs around the edge of its obverse rim, but the reverse rim is still in pretty good shape. This pommel has the medallion inserts which feature a brass sun wheel swastika on each side. The silvering between the legs of the brass swastika on the obverse is still all there. On the reverse, the silvering is mostly gone, which is probably attributable to wear against the uniform. On the cross guard center block sun wheels, the silvering seems to be intact on both of them. These brass sun wheels really look effective against the silvered background. The cross guard of this example has good, downswept quillon arms and they remain crisp throughout. On the lower section of the arms there is a professionally done engraving which cites the flight school at Hildesheim. (Hildesheim was an air force base where much training was in play.) The lower cross guard is engraved on both sides “Fl. Sch. Hildesheim”. The reverse upper scabbard fitting is engraved exactly the same “Fl. Sch. Hildesheim” , with the exception that above this professionally done engraving is the number of the flight group “72". This number is etched into the surface and also appears on the reverse ricasso of the blade. Getting back to the hilt area of this piece, the grip reflects original leather covering over a wood base. This Moroccan leather is still in good condition, showing usage but no severe cuts or problems. In fact, there are places where the grain still shows in the leather. This grip is tightly wrapped with triple brass wire, the center wire being twisted. The scabbard shell is the steel type and it is great throughout. This shell reflects original Moroccan leather matching the grip leather. There is an old leather patch which has been put onto the left edge of the upper scabbard where, apparently, the leather was either pulled back or worn. This leather patch appears to have been done with period leather, so it does not show obnoxiously. (The patching is certainly a lot better than replacing the original leather.) The fittings for the scabbard are the heavy nickel type, exactly matching that of the hilt. The fittings are still in relatively good condition and are retained by flush mount, headless screws in the sides. The chain of this example is an aluminum type. It is, however, completely original, as it reflects the same patination on the surfaces and has the same wear throughout as the rest of the dagger. This aluminum chain features six upper ringlets and nine lower ringlets. Both chains are connected to an aluminum snap clip which is marked on the reverse “OLC” and “ges. gesch.”. Additionally, there is a period belt loop attached to the grip. This belt loop is complete with “d” ring and brown leather loop section. It appears original to this piece. The mirror bright blade of this example is a fine nickel plated type. Other than the normal runner marks, this blade appears in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is dark etched with the Balloon Man trademark. This vendor is walking along a pathway and is holding five balloons which are floating above him. The man is above the firm’s name, location and Gau area “Gebr. Heller/Marienthal/b.Schweina/Thr.”. Below this is the etching of the flight group mentioned above “72". The original leather washer is in place on this dagger. A very fine example here, showing wear from the 1930s and just holding this dagger in your hand will give you a good feeling of what it must have been like to be around the Hildesheim Air Force Base taking flight training! Excellent Plus. $1,695.00

LD1 - 015 - 27267 - EARLY 1ST MODEL LUFTWAFFE - PAUL WEYERSBERG

This fine, early 1st model Luftwaffe is of earliest vintage construction. It has the heavy all-nickel fittings throughout. The pommel is in excellent condition, showing only minor usage around the circumference rims. The sun wheel swastikas are the insert medallion variety and they feature fine brass construction. The silvering between the legs of the sun wheels is still there, beginning to thin a little bit, but there is no brass showing below. Good looking sun wheels here. The same is true of the sun wheels on the two center blocks of the cross guard. They also have full silvering between the legs. The cross guard wings are the downswept variety and they are still in crisp condition. The grip is a wood base wrapped with dark blue Moroccan leather. This leather is still in good condition throughout. It is tightly wrapped with double wire, one being twisted. This piece does not appear to have originally had triple wire. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. It has fairly nice original leather which has no breaks or nips in the edges, but does have some cracking here and there. These cracks are superficial, though, as it is nice to see original leather that is still covering everything. The scabbard mounts are a matching nickel variety. They are in good shape throughout and are retained by flat head, flush mount side screws. Attached to the upper and center mount is a matching nickel chain. There are nine ringlets on the upper chain and fourteen on the lower. The snap clip is attached to the two chains and is a matching nickel unmarked type. The blade of this example is a fine, bright, nickel plated type. This blade has the normal runner marks, but still remains in mint condition with mirror surfaces. The reverse ricasso is etched with the trademark having double ovals. Inside the ovals is the firm’s name and location “Paul Weyersberg & Co. Solingen”. Below the trademark is the inspector’s stamping, consisting of an early style waffenamt stick bird having a “5" in his belly. The original leather washer is in place. A fine, all-nickel example here which I personally Vet purchased. This Veteran was from New York and was taking his wife down to the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. He was nice enough to stop by my house in between and sell me this excellent dagger. This will be the first time it has been in a collection. Excellent Plus. $1,595.00

LD1 - 016 - 26967 - EARLY 1ST MODEL LUFTWAFFE - ROBERT KLASS

This early example has a nice patination throughout its hilt and scabbard fittings. The pommel has good, crisp edges throughout both sides and the sun wheel swastikas appear to have a copper base to them. They are extremely nice and slightly different looking from most. These pommel swastikas are the medallion style. The nickel crossguard is a good heavy variety, and it has the standard sunwheel medallion inserts. They have good detail to the brass raised areas, and the patination in the backgrounds also is quite effective. This wood based grip has fine Moroccan leather covering. This blue leather still has some of its original grain, and there are no cuts or problems in its surfaces. The grip is wrapped with triple brass wire, the center being twisted. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. It has outstanding Moroccan blue original leather covering. This leather still has good grain in its surfaces, and it is completely perfect condition. The scabbard mounts have a fine silvered patination to their surfaces. The base metal is nickel on these quality fittings. They are in perfect condition throughout, and are retained with headless flush mount side screws. Attached to the two carrying eyelets, is a nickel chain. This chain is attached by way of early “S” clips. There are 8 ringlets at the top, and 14 at the bottom. These ringlets are attached to one of the white metal-style clips, which have the built in “DRGM” markings on the reverse, as well as the built-in “A” marking for Assman. This is the same clip that we often see on NPEA Leader Daggers, as well as Postal Officials. A very fine chain assembly here! The blade is also a quality example. It is of highest caliber nickel plate, and it remains in mirror bright condition. This blade has its nice needle-like tip, and really is a winner. The blade is marked on the reverse with this rarely seen logo for 1st Model Luftwaffe being the “Kissing Cranes” trademark. Beneath the bird’s name and location, “Robert Klaas, Solingen”. This beautiful mint blade is protected by an in-place blue leather washer. An outstanding 1st Model Luftwaffe here, which would look great in any collection.Uncleaned, Near Mint 26967 $1,595.00

LD1 - 017 - 27105 Early 1st Model Luftwaffe by David Malsch

This Early Luftwaffe is of initial production, and has good heavy solid nickel fittings throughout. The pommel cap shows only a bit of usage signs along the edges, and it is the style that has the sunwheel medallion insert. These sunwheels are all brass throughout, and none of the original silvering remains between the legs. The crossguard is a fine down-swept winged example, and this guard also shows some age to the plating. The sunwheel inserts are also completely all brass. Stamped beneath one of the crossguard wings is the number, “25”. The grip of this example is a wood base, covered with dark Moroccan blue leather. The leather is in good shape throughout, without any cuts or problems. It does show some wear, however, to the surfaces, and there is not a lot of graining still left in this leather. This leather is tightly wrapped with a single twisted silver wire. The scabbard is a steel shell covered with matching blue Moroccan leather. This leather shows signs of usage throughout, but there are no cuts or problems. The grain of this original leather is still quite good throughout the surfaces. The shell is equipped with matching nickel mounts. These mounts show overall carrying signs, but there are no bends, splits, or problems. The mounts are retained by flush mount headless screws in the edges. The chain is one of the desirable, but rarely seen, flat ringed type. These rings are the same as I show in my Luftwaffe book, on page 57, center. This all- nickel chain is equipped with 8 upper rings, and 13 lower rings. These flat ringed chains are connected to an unmarked nickel snap clip. The throat of this example is stamped with the number “3”. The blade is a fine, heavily nickel-plated, example. This blade is still nice and bright, showing the usual runner marks, but overall it is still quite nice, easily rating in a near mint condition. The ricasso is waffen amted with an early stick bird figure, having the number “5” in his belly. Lightly etched above the waffen amt is an ellipse, which has the firm’s name and location etched around it. It is etched, “David Malsch Steinbach Thur”. The center of the ellipse has the firm’s initials intertwined, “DM”. The original blue pebbled leather washer is in place. This dagger shows some carrying time, but overall, it is in excellent condition and is of high quality construction. Excellent, Plus, Plus 27105 $1,295.00

LD1 - 018 - 26794 – 1st Model Aluminum Luftwaffe by E. & F. Hörster

This is a beautiful dagger in choice condition. The fittings are the fine satin toned aluminum. The pommel shows a little bit of wearing time, but it is nothing serious, and gives you more a feeling of reality, than it does to take away from the condition of the dagger. The edges of the pommel are still mostly crisp, and the sunwheel swastikas on both sides have easily 100% gilded finish. The gilding on the Hörster pieces is much darker and bolder than you see on other examples, so that this thing can be seen across the room! The crossguard has a fine matching satin finish, with downswept quillon arms. The sunwheel swastika on both sides of this fitting is also perfect, and has 100% gilt. The grip of this example is a wood base, with leather covering. The rich blue Moroccan leather is extremely nice, and has its fine original graining. This grip is tightly wrapped with triple brass wire, the center being twisted. A choice hilt here! The scabbard shell is straight throughout. It has outstanding original Moroccan blue leather covering. The leather is in near perfect condition, showing only the slightest carrying time, but no cuts, nips or problems. The scabbard has fine matching satin aluminum mounts. These mounts are in perfect condition and they are retained by flathead, flush mount side screws. There is also a matching aluminum chain. This chain has seven upper links and eight lower links. This is slightly unusual for aluminum chains, but it is absolutely original and must have been the preference of the carrier. The matching aluminum snap clip works well and is stamped on the reverse “OLC” and “Ges. Gesch.” The blade of this piece is as nice as you think it will be. It is a quality nickel plated surface and it is mirror bright. This blade is in mint condition. It has only the slightest of runner marks in the center segment, but this is normal. The reverse of the ricasso is etched with the larger trademark used by this firm. It consists of double ovals which contain the firm’s name and location “E & F Hörster Solingen”. In the center area is the large “H” letter with the two smaller letters “h” and “s” in the center being pierced by a sword. This beautiful blade has been protected by the in-place blue pebbled leather washer. An outstanding example here which would fit into almost anyone’s collection. It is such a nice dagger, it will give you pleasure to examine it every time you get it out. Mint Minus. $1,195.00

LD1 - 019 - 26393C – MID-PERIOD 1ST MODEL LUFTWAFFE - TIGER

This 1st Model Luftwaffe is equipped with the silvered pot metal fittings used later in production. The silvering is still quite good throughout these fittings, something seldom seen when this base metal was used. The pommel is crisp throughout both of its circumferences and the silvering covers the two sun wheel swastikas perfectly. I do not see any gilding left on the swastikas. The cross guard has a slight golden glow to it, an indication that perhaps there was brass plating put over the base pot metal. This would give a good reason why the silvering is still pretty much all there on this piece. Nevertheless, the cross guard is a nice looking item, having its down swept quillon arms and a sun wheel swastika on both sides of the center block. The grip is a leather covered wood base having ribs which flow downward from left to right. This leather is still in good shape, having only minor usage signs. It is tightly wrapped with diminutive triple brass wire, the center being twisted. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This shell is covered with matching blue Moroccan leather also in excellent condition, having no cuts and nicely matching the grain and color of the grip. This shell is complete with the three scabbard mounts. Since this is a Mid-Period example, the mounts are a steel plated base and are therefore magnetic. They have all of their silvering and these mounts are in exceptional condition. They are retained by headless, flush mount screws in the sides. There is an aluminum chain attached to the two upper rings. This chain has six upper ringlets and ten lower ringlets. They are attached to an aluminum snap clip which is “OLC” and “Ges. Gesch” marked. This aluminum chain also has lots of the original silvering which was the matching plating this chain was finished with. The silvering is about 50% throughout the links and clip. Tiger did a nice job here, and I am sure their Mid-Period production piece was quite impressive when new. The blade of this example is a choice nickel plated type still having its needlelike tip. The plating is quality all the way, and this blade still rates in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with a small tiger which is making his way down the center of the blade. The tiger has excellent detail and the viewer can easily see his stripes, mouth and eye. Behind the cat is the maker mark and location “Tiger Solingen”. The blade has been protected by an in-place, blue pebbled leather washer. A nice looking example here and in good, collectible condition. Excellent Plus. $995.00

LD1 - 023 - 26020 - 1ST MODEL ALUMINUM LUFTWAFFE - E & F HÖRSTER

This First Model Luftwaffe is made of the satin finished aluminum mounts and, since they do not age, at first glance there is a newness throughout the piece. If you look close, though, you can see the signs of time in the surfaces throughout. This example has an outstanding pommel which still has crisp edges and 100% gilt to both of the sun wheel swastikas. There is some mild scratching appearing here and there, but it can only be seen close up. The cross guard is also a beauty, having fine tripl-tiered, down swept quillon wings. The center blocks sport 100% gilt to the sun wheel swastikas. The grip leather is also in excellent condition, being tightly stretched over a wood base. This leather shows only the most nominal of wear, still being in perfect condition. It is tightly wrapped with triple aluminum wire, the center being twisted. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This shell is covered with matching original blue Moroccan leather. This leather shows some signs of being around, but basically it is still in good condition with no cuts or nips. It perfectly matches the grip leather color. The scabbard mounts are the same satin finished aluminum matching the hilt. These aluminum fittings are retained with flush mount side screws. The matching aluminum chain is equipped with seven upper ringlets and nine lower examples. They are connected to an OLC marked clip which is also stamped “Ges. Gesch.”. The blade of this example is still mostly bright, but there is a little bit of smudge here and there keeping it from a full mint rating. It has its needlelike tip intact and the reverse ricasso is etched with the large double oval trademark used by this firm. The ovals trap the firm’s name, “E & F Hörster Solingen”. Inside is a large “H” which, inside of this has the letters “H” over “S” being pierced by a sword. The blade grades at at least excellent plus. This blade has been protected by an in-place blue grained leather buffer. A nice aluminum example here showing some mild usage, but still in good condition also.
Excellent Plus Plus. $1,095.00(#122007)

LD1 - 024 - 25911C Untouched Early 1st Model Luftwaffe by David Malsch

This 1st Model Luftwaffe has never been cleaned, and does not look to have ever been apart. It has substantial patination throughout, and is a good one for those of you out there that like these kinds of pieces. This one looks to have just come out of the woodwork, and has all of its history clinging throughout its surfaces. The pommel shows some mild usage around the rim, but is still in good condition. It is fairly dark patinated, but it is possible to see that there is still some silvering between the sunwheel swastika legs. The brass swastikas are the medallion insert type, and they are in good condition. The same is true of the sunwheels at the crossguard. These appear to have more silvering between the legs. The downswept crossguard quillon arms are very black with patination. It is possible to see, though, that the segments are still nice and crisp throughout. The grip still has excellent original leather. This leather shows some wear to the graining across the top of the ribs, but there are no cuts, and it is all still there. The leather is tightly wrapped with triple silver wire, the center being twisted for contrast. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. The steel-based shell is covered with Moroccan blue leather, which exactly matches that of the grip. This leather still has most of the graining showing, being a little bit thinned at the handhold, between the two fittings. The leather, though, shows very little usage, and is all there. It is rare to see original leather still in this condition. The scabbard mounts are deeply patinated, matching the hilt fittings. These mounts show some usage throughout, but overall, they look to be in good condition, with no bumps or problems. Each mount is retained by flush mount, headless, nickel screws on each side. The chain assembly is a fine example, being the style with flat rings. These flat style rings can be seen in my Luftwaffe book, on page 57, center. This chain assembly is identical to the book example, as is the snap clip. There are 9 upper ringlets, and 14 lower ringlets. The chain is connected to the scabbard carrying rings, via two nickel tabs. It is a pleasure to view the blade on this example, as it is mirror bright, contrasting drastically with the toned fittings. This blade reflects high quality nickel plating. It shows a little bit of age here and there, but overall, the blade is still in bright, near full mint, condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the producer’s ellipse logo. The firm’s name and location are positioned around the ellipse, “David Malsch, Steinbach (Thur)”. Inside of the ellipse is the firm’s initials, “DM”. There is also a waffen amt, positioned next to the logo, on the side of the ricasso. This waffen amt is the early style stick bird, and it is positioned over the numeral , “8”. The original blue leather blade buffer is in place, and has done a good job protecting this blade. A fine untouched example, having many desirable features for the “type” collectors out there.Excellent, Plus $1,395.00

LD1 - 034 - 24995 – Early 1st Model Luftwaffe with Unit Marked Blade

This 1st Model Luftwaffe has all early nickel fittings throughout. It has been cleaned, not too long ago, and looks its best. The pommel and crossguard have the medallion type, brass insert, sunwheel swastikas. There is no silvering left between the swastika legs, but they still look great, contrasting with the outside areas of pommel and crossguard mounts. The grip is the typical leather covered wood type. It shows wear, and a couple of small cuts hear and there, but for the most part, the leather is still good. There is little graining, which is an indication this piece was worn quite a bit. The blue-black leather is tightly wrapped with triple silver wire, the center example being twisted. There is also, what appears to be an original to the piece, 23 CM portepee wrapped about the lower portion of the grip. The portepee shows age only, and has no fraying. The scabbard is straight throughout. It is covered with matching blue-black leather. This leather also shows some usage, and a few bumps here and there, but there is no metal showing below and the leather looks fine. The grain is still quite prominent throughout this leather covering. The matching silvered solid nickel scabbard mounts are in perfect condition throughout. They are retained by flathead, headless, side screws. There is a desirable early nickel chain, having the flat style edge variety, not seen too often on ringlets. This chain is identical to the example I show on page 57 of my Luftwaffe book. There are 9 upper ringlets, and 14 lower ringlets. They are connected to an unmarked nickel snap clip, the same as the book illustration. The blade is a fine nickel-plated example. It is nice and bright throughout, and still remains in mint condition, showing only nominal usage. The obverse of the blade ricasso has the original owner’s unit scratched into the center and lower segment surfaces. The scratching is quite predominant, and although not professional, still looks good. The identification reads,
“F.H.K.Qu./15”. I do not know what this unit marking would translate to, but perhaps the “H” letter could have stood for “Hildesheim”, which was the name of a Luftwaffe airport. “Qu” at the end, probably means “quarters”, so it could be a Flight Quarters at Hildesheim, Unit 15, but this, of course, is just a guess. The reverse blade is lightly etched, with the ellipse-shaped makers name and location. The top portion has the name, “F.& A. Helbig”, and the lower portion has the area where they come from, being Steinback “Kr.M.”. The word, “Saefler” is in the center of the ellipse. The blue leather washer is in place. An interesting dagger here, and although showing usage, still remains in nice condition.
Excellent, Plus $1,295.00

LD1 - 058 - EARLY 1ST MODEL LUFTWAFFE - Tiger

This rarely seen trademark on this 1st model Luftwaffe represents earliest production for this Tiger firm. This choice dagger is made of solid nickel fittings throughout having the brass sunwheel inserts at the pommel and crossguard. The sunwheels are in excellent condition and the nickeled areas in between the legs show just the slightest of thinning to the plating. This is more so on the pommel than the crossguard. The pommel edges are still crisp and this dagger shows little carrying time. The down swept quillon arms are also in crisp condition. The fine dark blue leather wrapped grip is in excellent shape having no hits and near perfect leathering. This leather is tightly wrapped with triple silver wire, the center being twisted. The scabbard is straight throughout. The original leather is in excellent condition having no cuts or nips. This leather has fine graining and shows just a little bit of normal usage in the surfaces. At the lower portion the seam has spread open just a little bit, but this is from shrinkage, not something that caused damage. The fittings are matching high quality nickel and they are in perfect condition. These fittings show normal carrying usage only and are retained with flush mount headless side screws. There is a fine nickel chain having nine ringlets at the upper and fourteen at the lower. These chains are connected to an unmarked nickel clip. The chains are connected to the two scabbard mounts via nickel tabs. The blade of this example is a real beauty. It is a high quality nickel-plated example, and other than a little bit of in and out usage, it is still in mint condition. This choice blade is etched with the early Tiger marking which is not seen too frequently. It is identical to the logo I show on page 75, lower, of my Luftwaffe Book. It features a large striped Tiger which is prowling across the blade heading towards the left edge segment. This cat has great detail throughout its head, eyes, legs, tail, ears and stripes. Below the feline is the large name of the firm with a smaller name of the location, "Tiger Solingen". The blade has been protected by a fine, in-place matching blue buffer. This is a nice dagger with a rarely seen producer. (23555) $1195.00

LD1 - 060 - MID PERIOD 1ST MODEL LUFTWAFFE - Emil Voos

This mid period example is equipped with the aluminum hilt fittings having brass insert sunwheel swastikas which occasionally are used by some of the small producers of 1st Luftwaffes. Emil Voos did not make a lot of 1st Lufts’ as most collectors know. The aluminum pommel still has fairly good crisp edges but shows just a little bit of usage. The crossguard is still crisp throughout having a nice yellowy age patination to the aluminum parts. The sunwheel inserts of both fittings have an outstanding copper look and the swastikas are nicely vaulted. I think that these are good looking fittings. The grip is a beauty having perfect original dark blue leather wrap over the wood base. This grip is highlighted by a triple brass wire wrap, the center being twisted. The scabbard shell is the lightweight aluminum base type that we see during this period. The leather scabbard covering is still in very good condition having good graining throughout and no problems. There is a little bit of under-the-surface lumpiness to this leather, but it is very minor and the fact that the leather is perfect makes up for a lot. The fittings are the nickel-plated steel type. These fittings are in excellent condition having full plating and being retained by flush mount flat headless screws. Attached to the two carrying rings is a very collectible early style chain. This nickel chain is the style which has the flat rings. It is identical to the chain I show on page 57 of my Luftwaffe Book. This chain has nine ringlets on the top and fourteen on the bottom. These ringlets are retained to the hanging rings with nickel tabs. The clip is a unmarked nickel type. The upper chain is attached to the clip with what looks like a period done tab, as this one is made out of copper, and the one on the bottom end is the normally seen nickel style. The copper period addition, though is well done and does not detract from this piece. The blade is a fine example. It is mirror bright and reflects high quality nickel plating. This blade has an outstanding needlelike tip and easily rates in full mint condition. It is interesting to note that the trademark on this example is the late style which is used on the well known etched 2nd Lufts; and Army's which this company produced. I show two Voos trademarks on 1st Lufts’ on page 77 of my Book, but these two trademarks are on earlier pieces. Evidently this was the last trademark used which appears on this piece. It is the single oval circle, which on the inside perimeter, has the name and location of the firm, "Emil Voos Solingen". In the center is a snake with flickering tongue wrapped about a stump. This is a good sight to collectors who seek this brand name. The blade has been protected by a blue felt buffer instead of the usual leather type. This factory done felt buffer is another nice touch! This is an interesting dagger and a good one for the "type" collectors out there. Excellent Plus, Plus (23553) $1150.00

LD1 - 063 - 1ST MODEL LUFTWAFFE - WKC

This 1st Luft example is a transitional piece, but it has excellent silvered finish throughout the hilt. The pommel and crossguard still have very crisp edges and are in choice condition. These fittings are the type which have the sunwheel swastika design built into the casting. At one time they were gilded, but some sixty five years later, much of the gilding has worn from these sunwheels. The pommel does, however, have about forty percent of the original gild remaining on the obverse and maybe thirty percent on the reverse. The wear to the gild has a nice natural look to it and does not take away from the piece. The grip wrap is as nice as you will see. It is totally pristine having full grain and rich original blue color. This mint conditioned grip is tightly wrapped with triple brass wire, the center being twisted. A fine looking hilt here. All of the silvered fittings have taken on a nice patination. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. It has matching original leather, but it has a couple of problems. The leather is fine except for a small cut about the size of a half a dime on the lower obverse area. The lower reverse area has a tension crack that runs down the center of this leather nearly covering the distance between the center and lower fitting. This original leather, though, still has good graining, and other than these two flaws, has no nips or bites out of its surfaces. The leather is still very nice actually and just reflects the happenings of time. For those that are looking for a realistic historical piece there should be no objection to this condition. The scabbard mounts are the nickel type. They show some normal usage, the lower fitting does have signs of being carried over the years, but no dents or problems. All three fittings are retained by flush mount headless side screws. There is a nickel chain hanger. It is the style that has the flatter edges on the rings per page 57 of my Luftwaffe Book in the center. The hanger consists of nine upper and fourteen lower ringlets. They are connected to an unmarked matching nickel clip. The chain assembly is attached to the scabbard ringlets via nickel tabs. This is a good looking outside obverse. These mid period pieces can be easily spotted by the thicker butt plate. You can see a thicker butt plate on page 79, upper of my Luft Book. The blade of this piece is an outstanding example. It has mirror bright finish and easily 100% nickel plating. It has a fine needle tip and the center blade segment is slightly wider than we normally see. This choice blade is in full mint condition. The reverse is stamped with the knighthead trademark and beneath are the firm's initials, "WKC". The fine blue pebbled blade washer is in place. The beautiful WKC piece which graces my Luftwaffe Book cover, and is featured on pages 84 and 85, has many of the same characteristics of this dagger. For instance, the grip, hilt fittings, butt plate and scabbard all look the same as this piece. This piece even has the wider segment blade type WKC seemed to use. A good collectible example here. Excellent (23680) $995.00(#122007)