Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a mid-war production 2nd Model Luftwaffe dagger. It is a fine Solingen-produced example made by the well-known firm of F.W. Höller, Waffenfabrik (Weapons Factory), a highly desirable maker of edged weapons. Unlike most of the grips we see on German WWII daggers, this example is still the original ivory white color, and has not faded to orange or some other color. This is extremely rare to see on celluloid grips from this period, however it has unfortunately become very brittle, showing a crack running almost the full length of the grip, with some crushing near the pommel. It has the typical Höller tapered shape, which is wider than those used by other makers, and is tightly wrapped in aluminum bullion wrapped twisted wire, which is still bright.

The hilt mounts are in very good condition with a lovely lightly worn patina of age. The pommel is very good and still shows most of the original detail. The "mobile" swas (hook crosses) on both sides are clear and show only light wear on the edges. The oak leaves around them are raised out and heavily hand enhanced. The pommel appears to be solid aluminum, and not plated, with a bit of darkening in the recesses. The hilt fittings are a bit loose on the tang, and we do not recommend tightening them with the condition of the grip.

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. 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 still clear. The leather blade buffer is still present in the recesses of the cross guard. The ferrule looks to be plated steel, and it is still in very good condition.

The very good condition blade is bright throughout, showing almost all of the original factory final grind cross grain! This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. There is some runner wear on the central blade flat, but no real staining, and just a bit of scuffing. The tip however is a bit bent over the last 1/2" inch or so, possibly from trying to pry something open. The edge has correctly not been sharpened, though it does have a few tiny dents and chips. Really a great looking blade here!

The ricasso is maker marked with a "losenge" style trademark logo that reads F. W. HÖLLER / SOLINGEN, surrounding the trademark Höller "Thermometer" emblem. This is a well-known maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany, which produced many fine edged weapons. F.W. Höller, Waffenfabrik (Weapons Factory), located in Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in western Germany. During the WWII Period they manufactured many SA and NSKK daggers, both with their "thermometer" trademark and later with the RZM code M7/33. They also produced numerous 98K bayonets and other edged weapons. The firm was founded in 1866, and registered in Solingen in 1883. By 1900 ownership had passed to Emil Höller, and it continued manufacture after WWII, finally closing in 1974. For more information please see J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS.

The steel scabbard is in very good condition, and looks to be made from zinc plated steel. It is straight with no dents or other major damage we can see, and is really a great example of this type. The hanger bands look to be made from zinc alloy, and are well defined with hand enhanced oak leaves tipped at a 45 degree angle, showing an oxidized zinc patina. The throat is the wider version seen, retained a single flush screw on the rear of the scabbard.

Attached to the scabbard is a very nice service used 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, and are made from zinc alloy. 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.

This really is a very nice 2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger with its original scabbard, made by a well-known maker and 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”