{"product_id":"original-wwii-german-miniature-2nd-model-luftwaffe-dagger-marked-to-kraft-co-of-hohenlimburg-by-smf-with-scabbard","title":"Original WWII German Miniature 2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger Marked to Kraft \u0026 Co. of Hohenlimburg by SMF with Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a \"Miniature\" 2nd Model Luftwaffe dagger, which have been observed from several different makers. It is a fine Solingen-Produced example made by the well-known Solingen-based firm of \u003cem\u003eSolinger Metalwaren-Fabrik Stöcker \u0026amp; Co.\u003c\/em\u003e. Often referred to as \"salesman samples\", there is definitely debate over the purpose of these miniature daggers, which are quite useful as letter openers as well. They are constructed much as the full size daggers, but the idea of a miniature dagger to be used as a sample by sales staff seems somewhat suspect, as the real thing isn't excessively large.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe celluloid grip of this miniature dagger has faded to a lovely caramel color, and remains in good condition throughout, with the original wrapping still present. One side is a bit darker than the other due to light exposure. There is a bit of staining, as well as a small chip next to the ferrule. The hilt mountings look to be of all aluminum construction, very common for use on 2nd model Luftwaffe daggers. Aluminum 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 crossguard has the iconic Luftwaffe eagle perched on a swas (hook cross), with the bird looking to the left, with the rear side pebbled. The cross guard is definitely loose, probably due to the grip shrinking over the years.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example was produced by \u003cb\u003eSolinger Metalwaren-Fabrik Stöcker \u0026amp; Co. GmbH\u003c\/b\u003e, also known as \u003cstrong\u003eSMF\u003c\/strong\u003e, who were one of the major producers of this knife during WWII. Their \"Seated King\" over \u003cstrong\u003eSMF \/ SOLINGEN \u003c\/strong\u003etrademark is seen on the reverse base of the blade. They were one of the major suppliers of edged weapons to the Luftwaffe during WWII. As the name implies, they were located in Solingen, the legendary \"City of Blades\" in Western Germany. For more information, please see J. Anthony Carter's fine work \u003cem\u003eGERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS\u003c\/em\u003e. Below to logo is \u003cstrong\u003eD.R.G.M.\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating that the miniature dagger is a protected \/ patented design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade itself is nickel plated, and still in very good condition, with some scratching and scuffing to the finish. There is a bit of damage and bending near the tip, which has resulted in some of the plating having flaked away. The blade has a lovely attribution marked on the blade:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eKRAFT \u0026amp; Co.\u003cbr\u003eHohenlimburg\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis company was founded in 1901, and is actually still in existence today, having survived both wars. They currently specialize in cargo surveying and consultation, but we see them listed earlier as \u003cem\u003eKraft \u0026amp; Co. GmbH Kaltwalzwerk u. Präzisionszieherei\u003c\/em\u003e (Cold Rolling Mill and Precision Drawing Plant), so we believe they were involved in manufacturing during the war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scabbard for this miniature dagger looks to be made from cast iron or steel, which were then plated. It looks to originally have been zinc plated, which has now oxidized to a gray patina. It fits the blade on the miniature dagger well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very interesting miniature 2nd Model Luftwaffe dagger, made by a well-known Solingen maker. Ready to add to your collection!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Length: 5 1\/2\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall length: 8 5\/8”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCrossguard: 2 1\/16”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScabbard Length: 6 3\/8”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44672658440261,"sku":"ONSV26JOS136","price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26JOS136.jpg?v=1772120554","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-wwii-german-miniature-2nd-model-luftwaffe-dagger-marked-to-kraft-co-of-hohenlimburg-by-smf-with-scabbard","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}