Germany, Luftwaffe. A First Model Officer’s Dress Dagger, with Postwar Dedicated Damascus Blade

(Luftwaffe Dolch für Offizier, 1. Modell mit Damastklinge). An interesting and unusual example of a first model Luftwaffe Officer’s dress dagger, measuring 48 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a striking magnetic Damascus steel blade of quality post-1945 manufacture, measuring 30.5 cm in length and featuring a sharpened tip and edges. The obverse bears a gilded owner’s name of “FELDW. LUDWIG DIETSCH”, flanked on each side by Luftwaffe eagles clutching mobile swastikas. The reverse bears a gilded dedication of “FÜR BESONDERE TAPFERKEIT IM LUFTKAMPF” (“FOR EXCEPTIONAL BRAVERY IN AERIAL COMBAT”), flanked by the signature of Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring. Also visible on the reverse ricasso is a maker’s mark of “CLEMEN & JUNG, SOLINGEN”. The blade sits securely with a nickel-plated crossguard which takes the form of stylized wings, bearing double-sided central gilded sunwheel-style mobile swastikas, with the seam covered by an intact black leather buffer pad. The handle grip is composed of a wooden core wrapped in a ribbed dark blue Moroccan leather liner, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and rolled bronze wire cord. It completes with a flattened and rounded pommel which bears double-sided gilded sunwheel-style mobile swastikas, screwing in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a magnetic metal shaft which is wrapped in a dark blue Moroccan leather liner and riveted with magnetic metal fixtures at the tip, mid-section, and throat. Emanating from the latter two are loops securing in place two aluminum chains which culminate in a functional spring clip for uniform suspension. The clip is maker marked with the logo of Overhoff & Cie, Lüdenscheid. The throat of the scabbard retains a functional spring catch to firmly hold the dagger in place during storage. It demonstrates some issues in addition to the replaced blade, including loss of finish to the plated fixtures and some material fatigue to the leather features. A scarce example of a postwar upgraded dagger in better than very fine condition.