Germany, Luftwaffe. A Second Pattern Officer’s Dagger

(Luftwaffe Offiziersdolch). A well-preserved second pattern Luftwaffe Officer’s dagger, measuring 430 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 270 mm-long polished magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges, which presents fully unmarked. The blade sits securely within a silvered alloy upper crossguard, the obverse of which takes the form of a finely-detailed Luftwaffe eagle clutching a mobile swastika, with the seam covered by an intact black leather buffer pad. A single piece of ribbed white celluloid composes the handle grip, with the ribbing retaining an original silver aluminum wire cord. The dagger completes with a rounded pommel featuring a double-sided wreathed mobile swastika, securely screwing in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a pebbled magnetic metal shaft. The upper third of the shaft features two integral bands bearing raised oak leaf designs, each retaining a loop for the accommodation of a dagger hanger. The throat retains a functional spring catch, firmly holding the dagger in place during storage, and is held together with a single side rivet. Also accompanying the dagger is a matching hanger. It consists of two grey doeskin wool straps topped by machine-embroidered grey rayon tresses, in turn trimmed with silver aluminum wire bands. The straps descend from a pair of silvered bronze loops connected to a non-functional spring clip, marked on the back with a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo.The straps are each adjusted with zink and magnetic metal buckles, and connect to functional silvered bronze spring clips for attachment to the scabbard’s loops. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident to the overall set, and include slight oxidation of the blade, oxidation and loss of finish to the metal and silvered features, chipping of the handle, and friction or internal issues within the scabbard which render insertion of the blade difficult. It is in an overall very fine condition.