Germany, DLV. A Rare Flyer’s Knife, by Josef Munch

(Deutscher Luftsportverband Fliegermesser). A Deutscher Luftsportverband (German Air Sports Association) flyer’s knife, measuring 34 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 16.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges. The reverse ricasso bears an acid-etched maker’s mark of “JOSEF MUNCH, BROTTERODE”, circumscribing the firm’s initial logo. The blade sits securely within a nickel-silver upper crossguard which takes the form of a pair of stylized wing bearing double-sided central black mobile swastikas, with an intact dark blue Moroccan leather buffer pad covering the seam. The handle grip is lined with dark blue Moroccan leather, and connects to a rounded, cascading pommel which screws in to maintain the knife’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a magnetic metal shaft similarly lined in dark blue Moroccan leather. Nickel-plated fixtures are secured to both the tip and throat, with the latter retaining a loop for the accommodation of a hanger. The latter is included and consists of a dark blue leather strap culminating in a functional nickel-silver spring clip. A functional spring catch within the throat firmly holds the knife in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, loss of finish to the nickel-plated fixtures, and significant material fatigue to the leather elements. An example by an uncommon manufacturer in very fine condition.