Original Item. Only One Available. This is a lovely early-production German 2nd Model Luftwaffe Officer's Dagger, complete with its original scabbard. Introduced in 1937, this pattern was worn by officers of the German Luftwaffe throughout WWII. This is a fine Solingen-produced example bearing the uncommon maker's trademark of Richard Plümacher Sohn of Solingen, with attractive aluminum fittings and a particularly well-preserved ivory-white celluloid grip.

The grip is especially appealing, having retained its original ivory-white coloration, which is quite desirable for celluloid of this age. This material frequently develops yellow or orange discoloration over time, making the light color of this example particularly noteworthy. The grip retains its elegant tapered shape and is free of cracks or chips. The spiral grooves are wrapped with twisted brass wire, which remains complete but has become slightly loose with age.

The hilt fittings are constructed from aluminum alloy and display attractive age toning, with darker antiquing remaining in the recesses of the decoration. The spherical pommel bears a raised mobile swas. on either side, surrounded by an elaborate oak-leaf wreath. The oak leaves and acorns exhibit deeply defined, hand-enhanced detail, and the raised surfaces have developed a pleasing silver-gray patina. The hilt remains tight on the blade, with no detectable wobble.

The aluminum crossguard is equally attractive, formed as a Luftwaffe eagle with broad, outstretched wings and a prominently raised head and breast. The eagle faces toward the viewer's left and grasps a mobile swas. in its talons. The feathering is well defined, particularly along the wings, while the reverse retains its finely pebbled decoration. The grip ferrule is constructed from nickel-plated steel and exhibits surface oxidation and finish wear. The original leather blade buffer remains seated in the recess beneath the crossguard.

The double-edged steel blade retains its full profile and characteristic central ridge. It displays considerable evidence of past oxidation and subsequent cleaning, which has left scattered dark spotting, surface pitting, and fine abrasions throughout. The original Pließten, the fine blade-grinding finish traditionally associated with Solingen cutlery manufacture, is now only faintly visible. The blade retains its unsharpened edges, which are largely free of dents, although a noticeable bend is present approximately 5/8" [1.59 cm] from the tip.

Of particular interest is the faint maker's trademark on the reverse ricasso, identifying Richard Plümacher Sohn, Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelware Factory), of Solingen. The trademark is arranged within a double-oval border and incorporates the firm's distinctive exclamation-point device enclosed within a triangle:

RICH. PLÜMACHER SOHN
(Triangle Trademark)
SOLINGEN

Richard Plümacher Sohn developed from the earlier Richard Plümacher Messerfabrik, with the business reorganized during the early 1920s and subsequently registered in 1934. Based in Solingen, the historic German center of blade manufacture, the firm produced cutlery and edged weapons and was among the manufacturers involved in the production and assembly of German military and political daggers. Its distinctive triangular trademark makes this a particularly interesting maker-marked example.

The dagger is accompanied by its original nickel-plated steel scabbard, which retains the characteristic finely pebbled panels separated by smooth raised borders. The two suspension bands are constructed from zinc alloy and decorated with diagonally arranged oak leaves, retaining their original steel carrying rings. The lower fitting is ornamented with a finely detailed oak-leaf and acorn spray, terminating in a rounded finial. The narrow scabbard throat is secured by two slotted cheese-head screws, one on either side.

The scabbard remains straight and dent-free, fitting the blade well. Its original nickel plating exhibits considerable age and service wear, with flaking and finish loss particularly noticeable along substantial portions of the narrow sides. The pebbled panels have developed an attractive aged appearance, while the suspension bands and carrying rings show additional wear and oxidation. The oak-leaf decoration remains clearly defined throughout.

Overall, this is a very appealing, service-used 2nd Model Luftwaffe Officer's Dagger displaying considerable original character. The hilt fittings retain attractive detail and natural patination, while the original ivory-white grip is especially well preserved. The principal condition concerns are the slightly loose brass grip wire, the oxidation and past cleaning to the blade, its bent tip, and the plating loss on the scabbard. Complete with its original scabbard and uncommon Richard Plümacher Sohn maker's marking, this is a desirable Solingen-produced Luftwaffe officer's dagger, ready for display!

Specifications

Blade Length: 10" [25.40 cm]
Overall Length: 15 3/8" [39.05 cm]
Crossguard Width: 3 1/4" [8.26 cm]
Scabbard Length: 11 5/8" [29.53 cm]

Historical Context

The Second Model Luftwaffe Officer's Dagger was introduced in 1937, two years after the official establishment of the Luftwaffe as an independent branch of the German armed forces. The new pattern was authorized for officers and certain senior noncommissioned officers and remained in use throughout WWII. Its introduction formed part of the Luftwaffe's continuing development of its own military traditions, dress regulations, and ceremonial equipment under the command of Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring.

During the early years of the Luftwaffe, officers carried the First Model dagger, a design closely connected with the earlier German Air Sports Association (Deutscher Luftsportverband, or DLV). Established in 1933, the DLV provided an organizational framework for German aviation activities at a time when Germany's military aviation program was being developed in violation of the restrictions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles. When the Luftwaffe was publicly established in March 1935, it inherited personnel, organizational structures, and elements of the DLV's uniform traditions. The First Model dagger continued in use until the introduction of the revised 1937 pattern, which became the characteristic Luftwaffe officers' ceremonial sidearm of the Second World War.

The Second Model was intended primarily for wear with prescribed dress and service uniforms during formal military occasions. Officers carried their daggers during parades, official ceremonies, inspections, and other occasions requiring ceremonial dress. The dagger was suspended from a special two-piece hanger assembly, or Gehänge, secured beneath the uniform tunic. These hangers were generally constructed with silver-colored brocade and a dark backing, with metal clips attaching to the suspension rings of the scabbard. A decorative silver-colored Portepee could also be tied around the hilt according to Luftwaffe dress regulations.

The production of these daggers relied heavily upon the established edged-weapons industry of Solingen, Germany. Located in the Rhineland, Solingen had been an important center of blade manufacture since the Middle Ages, developing an international reputation for swords, knives, razors, and other steel products. By the 1930s, its manufacturers possessed the specialized machinery and skilled workforce required for military edged-weapons production. The rapid expansion of the German armed forces created considerable demand for ceremonial swords and daggers, and numerous Solingen firms participated in supplying these items.