Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of an early war production 2nd Model Luftwaffe dagger. It is a fine Solingen-Produced example made by the legendary Solingen-based firm of Carl Eickhorn. The celluloid grip of this dagger has faded to a lovely caramel color, and remains in good condition throughout. This is very common due to exposure to light and air, which also can make the material brittle. It has a nice slightly tapered shape, and still has the bullion wrapped twisted wire wrapping fully intact. There is no cracking or chipping that we can see, just some scuffing and small stains.

The aluminum hilt mounts are in very good condition, still showing the original finish with polished aluminum raised areas, and "antiquing" in the recesses. There is only very minor wear, and the details are still crisp throughout the fittings. The "mobile" swas (hook crosses) on both sides of the pommel are clear with light wear. 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 guard shows little wear and has great feathering on the eagle. The bird, of course, flies to the left and grasps a mobile swas (hook cross) in his talons. The reverse panel is decorated with small pebbling, which is a bit worn. The ferrule looks to be plated steel, and it is still in very good condition, with just a bit of oxidation to the plated finish.

The blade on this example is not nickel plated, which is common for the 2nd model dagger blades. The ricasso is etched with the 1935-41 Eickhorn trademark: a seated squirrel holding a sword, with the word ORIGINAL above and Eickhorn / SOLINGEN below. Carl Eickhorn is a legendary maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany.

According to J. Anthony Carter's book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this marking type was specifically used on Luftwaffe and NPEA daggers, as well as the "Feldmarschall" series of swords. The company was founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn, and is arguably the most famous of all Solingen makers. Not only could the family trace their history back 500 years, but they could also demonstrate involvement in the hardening and grinding industries for the same period. Truly the nobility of Solingen Edged weapon dynasties. Eickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers. The original leather blade buffer is in place within the deep recesses of the guard.

The very good condition blade is bright throughout, showing much of the original cross grain on both sides. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The needle-like tip tip is still intact with no bending. There are some small spots of past staining / light oxidation, now cleaned away in areas. There is only light runner wear, and the edge has correctly not been sharpened. Definitely a great example here!

This steel scabbard is in very good condition, dent free and with much of the original plating intact and still bright. The hanger bands look to be zinc, and are well defined and have hand enhanced oak leaves tipped at a 45 degree angle. The throat is the narrower version seen, secured by single flush screws on the narrow sides of the scabbard.

This really is a very nice 2nd Model Luftwaffe dagger by a legendary maker, offered in very good condition, ready to display!

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