Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive German WWII 2nd Model Luftwaffe Officer Dagger manufactured by the renowned Solingen firm of W.K.C. Waffenfabrik GmbH, complete with its original style scabbard, double strap hanger, and aluminum bullion portepee. Particularly desirable is the grained ivoroid celluloid grip, manufactured to imitate the natural striations of genuine ivory. Combined with the WKC Knight's Head maker mark, extensive surviving blade crossgrain, complete suspension rig, and handsome aged finish throughout, this is an impressive and substantially complete Luftwaffe officer dagger grouping.

The 2nd Model Luftwaffe dagger was introduced in 1937 for Luftwaffe officers and certain officer candidates and senior NCO personnel. Its distinctive eagle shaped crossguard, spherical oak leaf decorated pommel, spiral grip, and pebbled steel scabbard made it one of the most recognizable German military edged weapons of the period.

The grip on this example is an especially attractive grained ivoroid type made from celluloid to simulate the striated appearance of natural ivory. It has a pleasing slightly tapered profile and remains tightly wrapped with twisted bullion wire. Condition is very good overall, showing only light staining and wear together with an attractive lightly aged appearance. One side has become somewhat flattened from having rested in the same position for an extended period.

The hilt fittings are in very good condition and appear to be constructed from solid aluminum alloy with a matte oxidized antiquing applied to emphasize the relief decoration. The pommel retains strong detail, with the canted hook crosses on both sides remaining clear and showing only light wear. The surrounding oak leaves are boldly raised and heavily hand enhanced. There is some wear through the darkened oxide finish on the higher points of the decoration.

The eagle shaped crossguard is likewise constructed from aluminum. The obverse features the characteristic Luftwaffe eagle with a deeply vaulted breast and talon area, detailed feathering, and a canted hook cross held in its talons. The reverse is finished with fine pebbling that remains clearly visible. Much of the original darkened finish survives, with expected wear through along the raised edges. The ferrule appears to be plated steel and remains relatively bright.

Wrapped around the grip and crossguard is an original aluminum bullion thread portepee. It is tied in the correct Luftwaffe style and shows considerable service wear, suggesting it has been with the dagger for a long period of time. The metallic covering has worn away from portions of the cord and the terminal knot shows substantial fraying. Oxidation from the aluminum thread has also produced some staining on the grip where the portepee has rested.

The blade is in very good condition and retains extensive original factory crossgrain across both sides, a finish commonly referred to by collectors as Pließten. The survival of this fine polishing pattern is an important factory characteristic, as aggressive later polishing or resurfacing can easily diminish or remove it.

Scattered light oxidation staining is present across a good portion of the blade. Some areas appear to have been cleaned in the past, but not aggressively enough to remove the surviving factory crossgrain. Light runner wear is visible along the flats from normal contact with the scabbard. The edge remains correctly unsharpened, while the tip is intact with only a slight bend at the extreme end. The original leather blade buffer also remains present within the recess of the guard.

The reverse ricasso bears the distinctive WKC Knight's Head trademark above the firm's initials and location:

(Knight's Head)
W K C
SOLINGEN

This identifies manufacture by W.K.C. Waffenfabrik GmbH, descended from the famous Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie. concern of Solingen. Per J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS, the Weyersberg and Kirschbaum firms had deep roots in the Solingen blade making trade and merged in 1883 to form Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie. After WWI the company rebranded as W.K.C. Waffenfabrik GmbH, and became one of the best known German military edged weapons manufacturers and continued producing swords, daggers, and related items through the Third Reich period. Solingen itself had been internationally renowned for centuries as the Klingenstadt, or “City of Blades.”

The steel scabbard remains straight and free from dents, with much of its original darkened oxide finish intact. The suspension bands appear to be zinc alloy and retain strong detail, including their hand enhanced oak leaf decoration set at approximately a 45 degree angle. Much of the original darkened finish survives in the recessed areas, with wear to the raised portions from handling and use.

The throat is the wider pattern and is retained by a single cheese head screw located at the top of the scabbard.

Attached to the scabbard is a very attractive double strap Luftwaffe dagger hanger. All of the spring clips remain functional, and the lower scabbard clips are the more elaborate sliding type. The buckles and keepers carry the same oak leaf and acorn decorative theme seen throughout the dagger and appear to be constructed from zinc alloy.

The hanger hardware is marked:

D.R.G.M.

The upper fitting is additionally marked:

RZM
U.E. 10.

D.R.G.M. indicates a legally registered German utility design. The U.E. marking is generally understood as Uniformeffekten Erlaubnißschein, or Uniform Accessories License, followed by manufacturer number 10. This early RZM/U.E. marking format is documented on period Luftwaffe dagger suspension hardware, although the specific manufacturer represented by U.E. 10 has not been securely identified.

The hanger is in very good overall condition. The metal fittings show oxidation and have lost most of their original silver wash, leaving a gray aged patina. The fabric straps remain in good condition with light wear. The lower strap was torn or cut through approximately 1/2" below the end fitting at some point and was subsequently stitched back together. The repair is clearly visible but remains secure.

For the Luftwaffe edged weapons collector, this WKC example has an especially attractive combination of features: a desirable grained ivoroid grip, extensive surviving factory blade crossgrain, clear Knight's Head maker mark, original leather blade buffer, straight darkened scabbard, complete double strap hanger with early RZM / U.E. 10 marked hardware, and a well worn aluminum bullion portepee. The slight blade tip bend, portepee fraying, hanger repair, and localized oxidation are fully disclosed, while the completeness and strong WKC identity make this an impressive addition to an advanced Luftwaffe dagger or Solingen edged weapons collection.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 10"
Overall length: 15 1/2”
Crossguard: 3 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 11 3/4”