Germany, Luftwaffe. A First Pattern Dagger, by David Malsch

(Luftwaffe Borddolch). A first pattern Luftwaffe dagger, measuring 480 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 310 mm-long polished magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and semi-sharpened edges. The blade presents plain with the exception of an acid-etched maker’s mark of “DAVID MALSCH, STEINBACH THUR.”, circumscribing an unusual variant of the firm’s initial logo. It sits securely within a nickel-silver upper crossguard, which presents as stylized wings, and with the centre of each side bearing a sunwheel-style mobile swastika. The seam where the blade enters the crossguard is covered by an intact dark blue leather buffer pad. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of ribbed dark blue Moroccan leather, with the ribbing wrapped in an original twisted and rolled bronze wire cord. The dagger completes with a flattened, rounded pommel, with each side bearing a raised sunwheel-style mobile swastika finished in gilt. It screws into place to securely maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. The dagger is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a dark blue Moroccan leather shaft set around a magnetic metal core. The tip, midsection, and throat each feature a nickel-silver fitting secured in place at the reverse with flattened non-magnetic metal studs. Emanating from the throat and midsection features are integral loops which secured in place a silvered bronze alloy chain, itself bearing a functional spring clip for uniform suspension. While well-preserved, issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include some oxidation and running marks to the blade, wear of the leather features, and a consistent patina throughout the nickel-silver elements. It is in an overall better than very fine condition.

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