Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent condition Army Officer's Dagger, produced by the well-known Solingen-based firm P.D. Lüneschloss. It features a very nice etched steel blade, however close examination shows that while the blade is WWII production, the etching was probably added during the immediate post war period. It shows lovely foliate designs on both sides, with a "Spread Wing" Heer Army Wehrmachtadler eagle on the front side.

The fittings on this dagger actually look to be silver plated aluminum alloy, which now has matured to a lovely tarnished patina. This gives it a fantastic "deep blue" color in many of the recessed areas of the design. The alloy pommel of this dagger is in very good condition, showing only light wear with most of the original plating still intact. It has a nice lightly tarnished patina throughout, and the standing oak leaves and acorns are crisply detailed and have good backgrounds.

The plated crossguard is in similar condition, with a lovely color, showing only light use from service. The details throughout the characteristic eagle are exceptional throughout the head, breast and wing feathering, talons and wreathed mobile swas. The alloy grip ferrule looks great, with the plating now the same lovely tarnished color, matching the other fittings. Unlike almost all that we see, the celluloid grip of this dagger is still the original ivory white color, which is very rare to see! Most fade to yellow and orange over the years due to the instability of the material. It does some some light wear and staining, but overall has a fantastic look.

The blade is in very good condition, as it had to be fully cleaned and prepared for the etching. It does look to still show much of the original factory final polish grind cross grain in areas. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The needle-like tip is still intact, with no bending, and the edge is still nice, with no chips or sharpening.

The ricasso is etched with the P.D. Lüneschloss trademark oval logo, partly hidden by the cross guard:

P. D. LÜNESCHLOSS
(Roman Helmet & Sword Trademark)
SOLINGEN

The well-known P.D. Lüneschloss, Fabrik blanker Waffen (Factory of Bare Weapons) company was founded in 1810 by Peter Daniel Lüneschloss, and produced numerous edged weapons, both for domestic and foreign contracts. They manufactured many private purchase officer's swords and blades for the U.S. Civil war. This logo was particularly used during the Third Reich period, per J. Anthony Carter's work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

The scabbard is a fine straight example with no denting, and is made of high quality plated steel. This scabbard has very crisp, finely pebble grained panels, and the carrying bands have a very nice overlapping oak and acorn motif, a common design seen on German edged weapons. They do show some wear from use, being made from a relatively soft alloy. The throat is the thinner style, and has a single "cheese head" securing screw on the upper edge of the scabbard. The finish looks to be silver plate, and is in great shape, with a lovely dark tarnish of age. The top of the throat is still lighter in color, having been protected by the cross guard.

A very nice example from a desirable maker, with post war etched blade. Complete with scabbard, this will make a great addition to any collection!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 9 1/2"
Blade Style: Spear Point Dagger
Overall length: 14“
Crossguard: 2 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 11 1/8"

The German Army (Heer) first carried a dagger beginning in 1935. The weapon was worn in lieu of occasions not demanding the wearing of a more formal sword. The dagger design was quite attractive featuring silvered heavy fittings with white or colored grip. The crossguard depicted a Wehrmacht open-winged eagle clutching a wreathed swas.

The pommel depicted oak leafing around the outer circumference. The scabbard had panels of pebble designs. Later produced examples were plated with nickel, and late war-made pieces were unplated, finished in a gray color metal. This early war version is quite nice, and in great shape.