*German, WW2, Luftwaffe 2nd Pattern Officer’s Dagger with Scabbard & Hangers (D.R.G.M RZM U.E.10), Excellent Condition*
An outstanding and complete Luftwaffe 2nd Pattern Officer’s dagger, offered here with its original and fully marked hangers. The dagger features the highly desirable amber-coloured, wire-bound grip, in excellent condition with only the lightest natural age lines. The aero-alloy crossguard and pommel are finely cast, displaying the Luftwaffe eagle and swastika to the guard and oak-leaf decoration to the pommel. The steel blade measures 26.5 cm (38.8 cm overall), bright and clean with only slight toning at the tip, retaining a fine finish. The scabbard is straight, pebble-textured, and fitted with oak-leaf suspension bands.
Accompanying the dagger is a complete set of Luftwaffe hangers, constructed with aluminium wire weave over rayon backing, lined in dark velvet. Both scabbard clips are marked “D.R.G.M.”, while the upper hanger clasp is stamped “D.R.G.M.” and with the Reichszeugmeisterei code “RZM U.E.10”, identifying the maker as Wilhelm Deus, Solingen. The oak-leaf ornamentation on the clips and buckles remains sharp, and all fittings are intact and functional.
Historical Note:
The Luftwaffe 2nd Pattern dagger was introduced in 1937, replacing the leather-covered 1st Model. Its refined design—with metal scabbard, oak-leaf pommel, and eagle crossguard—reflected the prestige of Luftwaffe officer rank. Grips were produced in white, yellow, or amber-orange celluloid, with colour being a matter of personal preference.
The fittings of these daggers were often manufactured from aero-grade aluminium alloys, the same light metals used in German aircraft production—something confirmed decades later by Luftwaffe ace General Adolf Galland. Indeed, although regulations stated that pilots were not to wear their daggers in flight, many did, and examples captured from downed aircrew during the Battle of Britain are preserved in British museum collections today. This was the sidearm most associated with Göring’s Luftwaffe during the 1940 Blitz and throughout the war.
The hangers are equally significant. Both scabbard clips are stamped D.R.G.M. (Deutsches Reichsgebrauchsmuster), denoting registered design protection under German law. The upper hanger clasp bears the RZM logo (Reichszeugmeisterei der NSDAP), which oversaw quality and standardisation of uniforms and accoutrements from 1934 onwards, alongside U.E. 10 — indicating early approval (circa 1933–1935) under the Uniform Accessories License (“Uniformeffekten Erlaubnisschein”) system. The numeric maker code 10 is accepted by collectors as referring to Wilhelm Deus of Solingen, a documented manufacturer of Luftwaffe dagger fittings. These combined markings — RZM, U.E., and D.R.G.M. — reinforce the authenticity of the hangers as genuine period airforce officer’s gear, produced under official regulation and design registration.
*Condition*
This set is in exceptional condition for its age. The amber-coloured grip remains vibrant and complete with its original twisted wire binding intact. There is a single visible hairline crack along one ridge of the grip, entirely stable and typical of period examples, caused by natural shrinkage of the celluloid material over time. This does not detract from the overall presentation, and the grip remains secure and attractive. The fittings are sharp, retaining excellent detail and a pleasing patina. The blade remains bright, with only minimal toning at the point. The scabbard is straight, undented, and well-preserved. The hangers are complete and functional, showing expected wear to the braid and velvet lining, but with all oak-leaf fittings intact and markings D.R.G.M. / RZM U.E.10 clear and legible. A superior example of a Luftwaffe Officer’s dagger with its original hangers — a set rarely found so complete and well-preserved. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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