Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of mid-war production 2nd Model Luftwaffe dagger. It is a fine Solingen-Produced example made by the well-known firm Tigerwerk Lauterjung & Co.. Unlike most we see, the celluloid covered wooden grip of this dagger is still the original ivory color, and hasn't faded to yellow or orange as they usually do. It has a nice tapered shape, and is tightly wrapped with twisted wires, which do show oxidation and have lost their original plating. There is also light wear and scratching on most of the surface of the grip, and also dirt from use and handling in the grooves.

The hilt mounts are in similar condition with a lovely patina of age. The pommel is very good and still shows most of the original detail. The "mobile" swass on both sides are clear and the oak leaves around them are raised out and heavily hand enhanced, and there are still traces of the original gilding on them. The pommel appears to be solid aluminum, which was given a lightly oxidized finish overall. It is tight on the tang, however there is definitely wobble in the grip and crossguard. Tied around the end of the grip is an original portepee, which is in good condition, and tied in the Luftwaffe style. It shows a good amount of oxidation and worked in dirt on the cord, and definitely looks to be original.

The crossguard is also made of Aluminum, which was an "Air Age" material, which was used to make most airplanes. It was considered fitting and desirable for the eagle-shaped guard to be made of this material. The front side is an eagle with a breast and talon area that is vaulted out much more so than the crossguards seen on other types of daggers. The guard shows little wear and has great feathering on the eagle. The bird, of course, flies to the left and grasps a mobile swas in his talons. The reverse panel is decorated with small pebbling, which is still clear. We cannot see the ferrule due to the portepee being present, which we did not want to remove.

The very good condition blade is mostly bright throughout, showing most of the original factory final grind cross grain on both sides. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The tip is in great shape, with just the tiniest flat area at the top, and the edge is correctly unsharpened. We can see some past staining in areas, which was mostly cleaned away, and also the usual wear from the scabbard runners in the flats of the blade. Definitely a very nice blade with no signs of being messed with, and the original leather blade buffer is still present in the recesses of the guard.

The reverse ricasso is marked with the "Left Facing Tiger" trademark of the Lauterjung & Co. firm, and to the right of the trademark is:

TIGER
SOLINGEN

Lauterjung & Co., Tiger Stahlwaren- und Waffenfabrik (Steelware and Weapon Factory) is a famous manufacturer in Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in Western Germany. Their trademark was a Tiger, and their factory was thus often referred to as Tigerwerk (Tiger Works). The firm was founded in 1873 to make knives, scissors, and other steel ware, and survived until after the war. There were several different branches of the Lauterjung family involved in edged weapons, operating under different trade names to avoid confusion. For more information please see GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter.

This steel scabbard is a fine, straight dent-free example, having much of the original plated finish, which shows some staining and oxidation in areas. It has a somewhat mottled look from past cleaning and there are also some areas that have rusted due to the plating wearing off. It still retains the finely pebbled panels on both sides, with the correct finely toothed oak leaves and acorns on the panel nearest the drag. The bands look to be aluminum or zinc, which are still well defined and have outstanding hand enhanced oak leaves tipped at a 45 degree angle. The throat is retained by flush mount screws on the narrow sides of the scabbard.

Attached to the scabbard is a very good condition belt hanger, with functional pebbled spring clips for the scabbard, though the belt clip is missing the spring and claw. The scabbard end clips are the more complex and desirable sliding type. The buckles and keepers are embossed with the same oak and acorn motif seen throughout the dagger. The hardware is marked D.R.G.M., indicating that these were registered in the German trademark office. The end clip is also marked on the back with RZM and maker code U.E. 10.. "U.E" indicates Uniformeffekten Erlaubnißschein, (Uniform Accessories Licence), and the manufacturer’s numerical code, "10". It appears the combined RZM/U.E., markings were utilized circa May 1933 to March 1935. These were used when the RZM was still being officially organized. There is unfortunately no listing of the early RZM makers. The straps still have almost complete velvet backing, and the fittings are all in good shape, except for the belt clip. There is some light oxidation, as the original silver wash wore away or oxidized long ago.

This really is a very nice 2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger made by a well-known maker and offered in very good service used condition. With a scabbard, hanger, and portepee, this is the full setup! Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 10"
Overall length: 15 1/8”
Crossguard: 3 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 11 3/4”