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 firm of Carl Eickhorn. The celluloid grip of this dagger has faded to a nice amber color, and remains in very 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 is tightly wrapped with bullion wrapped twisted wire. It does show some scuffing and staining, and there is cracking near both the cross guard and pommel, with a chunk missing near the pommel.

The hilt mounts are in in very good condition, showing some light wear from cleaning and use. This has made some of the details faint on the pommel and cross guard. The "mobile" swas (hook crosses) on both sides are clear with light wear, and the oak leaves around them are raised out and heavily hand enhanced. The pommel appears to be solid aluminum, with some of the original antiquing still present in the recesses of the design.

The cross guard 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. This 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 a lovely patina.

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. Note: We noticed after photography that the blade was installed backwards, so it was flipped the correct direction so the maker mark is now easily visible.

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 mostly bright throughout, showing much of the original cross grain. The tip is still intact, with no bending, just some light wear. There are some scattered spots of staining over a lot of the blade body, which we have left intact to preserve the history and cross grain. There also is the usual runner wear on the blade surface, however this is present on just about every dagger out there. The edge has not been sharpened, as is correct for these dress daggers.

This steel scabbard is in very good condition, with much of the original zinc plating intact, now faded to a dark gray patina. There is a dent right at the bottom of the lower pebbled panel, right before the oak leaves, and the scabbard is slightly bent at that point as well. The hanger bands look to be zinc alloy, 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 a flush head screws on the narrower sides of the scabbard, one of which is missing.

Attached to the scabbard is a very good condition belt hanger, with all spring clips fully functional. 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 straps still have great bullion on the front, however the blue felt on the back does show some mothing in areas. There is also some tearing of the upper strap around the buckle. There is some light oxidation on the fittings, as the original silver wash wore away long ago.

This really is a very nice 2nd Model Luftwaffe dagger by a legendary maker, offered in very good condition with its original scabbard & hanger. Ready to display!

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