WWII German RICH A. HERDER 1st Model LUFTWAFFE Third Reich Officer’s Dagger SOLINGEN MANUFACTURED Military Dagger w/SHEATH

Product Description

WWII German RICH A. HERDER 1st Model LUFTWAFFE Third Reich Officer’s Dagger

SOLINGEN MANUFACTURED Military Dagger w/SHEATH

Here we present a Rich. A. Herder First Model Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger, made circa the 1935 to 1937 in Solingen, Germany. In 1935, Hitler unveiled the “secret” Luftwaffe to the world, defying the Treaty of Versailles. dt became the third fighting branch of the German Wehrmacht and was headed by Hermann Goring as the 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, or 2nd Model Luftwaffe dagger.

The First Model, 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-shaped, wood based grip is covered in Moroccan blue leather. A chain hanger with snap clips 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. The blades were usually quality nickel plated.

The Luftwaffe dagger was a piece of regalia with a unique history. After WWI, Germany was prohibited from having an Air Force. In 1933, the Third Reich formed the Deutscher Luftsport-Verband (DLV), which was a paramilitary aviation organization. DLV officers wore a long dagger. In 1935, in violation of the Treaty of Versailles, Hitler instituted the new German armed forces, the Wehrmacht. One of the branches of the Wehrmacht was the Luftwaffe. Luftwaffe officers at this time wore what we know as the first model Luftwaffe dagger. This was a shortened version of the earlier DLV dagger. It featured a scabbard covered in blue leather, and a blue, wire-wrapped grip. The crossguard featured a round, “sunwheel” type swastika, flanked by downswept, stylized “wings.” The pommel was in the form of a vertical disc, with another, larger “sunwheel” swastika. As mentioned above, in 1937, the Luftwaffe instituted a new dagger form, known to collectors as the Second Model. This new dagger was similar to that worn by officers of the German Army.

The overall condition is good. The blade is mostly bright with some surface pitting and light rust. Solid hand guard, grip, brass wire, and pommel. Legible markings. Good sheath and hanger.

Overall Length is 17-5/8 inches.

Blade Length is 12 inches.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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$1250
#227692