1st Model Luftwaffe Officer’s – D1016
The 1st Model Luft dagger is kind of unique Nazi era edged weapon in several ways. It’s the only dagger which was while introduced in 1934, manufacturing carried out until the end of production in 1942, all the while being constructed out of 3 distinct different materials. Those being initially nickel silver, then going to pot metal, and finally ending up with aluminum, as the 3 different base metals for construction. Additionally, even though the new 2nd model Luft dagger saw it’s introduction in 1937, the 1st model examples still continued to be manufactured at the same time.
An excellent grip and hilt assembly begins this 1st model off in fine order. All of the dyed blue Moroccan leather is place, being void of any splits, tears, missing sections, or dry rot. Nicely wrapped around the circumference, the decorative triple strand wire remains tight in the recesses, and all firmly snug. As the hardware is aluminum on this edged weapon, those components show at their very best as seen in the photos. Check out the nice bright gilded swastikas on both sides of the pommel, as well as on the crossguard. Like the condition of the fittings themselves, the gilding has held up wonderfully as well !
The scabbard to this dagger remains in exceptional condition. It is straight, void of any bends, creases, splits, or hits. The period leather has endured the test of time, and is truly outstanding in every aspect. All 3 shell fittings are firmly in place, with their condition and matching tone nicely complementing that of the hardware on the hilt. The o-ring chain suspension hanger remains all intact, though the one large top segment is somewhat out of round.
And we finish up with the blade. It is full length, straight, void of any tipping, sharpening, pitting, or cutting edge chips. A nice bright factory plated surface graces both the obverse and reverse, with just a couple very small specks of age. The blade washer is intact, though has a small section missing in one area.
There you have it. A very nice 1st model Luft representation, in it’s entirety. SOLD