*German, WW2, c1937, Third Reich Luftwaffe 2nd Pattern Officers Dagger & Scabbard, by SMF Solingen*
Excellent 1937-45 amber celluloid gripped example with twist wire binding. The blade bears a seated king over SMF, Solinger Metallwaren-Fabrik (Stöcker & Co.), along with the Luftwaffe acceptance mark. Aluminium cross guard and langet bearing an eagle and swastika; the pommel ornamented with gilt swastika in oakleaves. Housed in its plated metal scabbard fitted with two suspension rings.
Background:
The Luftwaffe dagger holds a unique historical significance. After World War I, Germany was prohibited from having an Air Force. However, in 1933, the Nazis established the Deutscher Luftsport-Verband (DLV), a paramilitary aviation organization. DLV officers were distinguished by wearing a long dagger. In 1935, Adolf Hitler violated the Treaty of Versailles by creating the new German armed forces known as the Wehrmacht, which included the Luftwaffe as one of its branches. During this time, Luftwaffe officers began wearing the first model Luftwaffe dagger, which was a shortened version of the earlier DLV dagger.
The first model Luftwaffe dagger had a scabbard covered in blue leather and a blue grip wrapped with wire. The cross guard featured a round swastika known as the “sunwheel,” flanked by stylized “wings.” The pommel took the form of a vertical disc, featuring another larger swastika. In 1937, the Luftwaffe introduced a new dagger design, known as the second pattern. This second model resembled the daggers worn by officers in the German Army. It had a metal scabbard with impressed decoration and lacked a leather covering. The crossguard displayed a Luftwaffe eagle clutching a swastika. The blue grip of the first model was replaced with orange, white, or yellow options. The choice of grip color was a matter of personal preference and did not indicate branch or rank. The pommel of the second model featured a swastika surrounded by an oak leaves motif. The blades of these daggers were made of steel, and while many were manufacturer marked, not all possessed such markings.
SMF:
The SMF - Solinger Metallwaren-Fabrik (Stöcker & Co.) company was founded in 1871. It registered in Solingen on July 19, 1905. This metalsmith made fine steel and nickel-silver products, as well as: metal ware, razors and razor blades (under the "Somefa Klingen" brand). SMF was located on Burgstraße 101 in 1932. SMF was a large producer of edged weapons during the Third Reich era. The company specialized in air force (and associated) products including: 1st and 2nd Model Luftwaffe daggers, NSFK/DLV and gravity knives. They also produced Wehrmacht and NSDAP edged weapons of all sorts. Their trademark consists of a seated king above "SMF" and an arched "Solingen." In 1935, SMF received its RZM license M7/9. Tableware, knives and manicure articles were made from the end of WWII until the business closed in September 1974
*Condition*
In excellent condition – the blade is in great condition with no nicks or pitting. The grip is similarly good, the buffer pad is missing. The scabbard is undented and fits snugly. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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