1st Model RLB EM Dagger by Witte – D995

This dagger has been on my desk for a month, as I considered whether to offer it for sale or not. Though at times collectors come across an unissued late Heer officer’s dagger or perhaps and RZM SA, seldom do we ever see a 3^rd Reich edged weapon considered to be in the rare category, exhibiting exceptional preservation in regard to condition. This RLB is the exception to the rule.

The grip to this 1^st model remains in wonderful condition, considering how brittle and susceptible to various form of damage these handles usually endured over time. The wood is void of any splits, cracks, flaking or missing material. A couple miniscule and I mean small, pressure marks to the surface on the reverse. In the center of the grip the starburst shape RLB emblem is all toned dark with age. In lieu of that, the delicate and fragile period blue enamel has held up exceptionally well. As shown, there is just one little scosch missing from the letter R regarding the organization’s initials. Finally, the plating to the art deco crossguard eagle as well as the pommel has held up quite nicely. While the surface shows some small bubbling specks, there is no large sections of missing material what soever.

The scabbard to this beautiful 1^st model RLB is truly a sight to behold! Over the surface the factory black enamel rates virtually 99.9999%. One little surface mark on the reverse truly is the only imperfection, the rest of the paint is flawless. And that even includes the triangle brace component, where not in direct contact with the hanger. The lower nickel plated fitting on this shell is a perfect as every other section of the scabbard. It exhibits a couple minor specks of age, if you can even call it that. Lastly, the hanger is truly the best that you are apt to see with one of these early air raid protection daggers. The leather remains supple, with the hardware all in place.

We conclude with the blade. The photos tell more of the story than what a description could depict. It is absolutely outstanding to say the least. A couple extremely minor age specks, and the typical light runner mark is basically it. This edged weapon has never been touch, cleaned, in a collection, nor anything else.  It is exactly how it was obtained from the U.S. veteran’s family just a month ago.

These 1^st model RLB with the starburst grip emblem came out in 1936. They were made for approximately 18 months. It is hard to imagine one any nicer than the one in this listing.   SOLD