Germany, Luftwaffe. A First Pattern Dagger

(Luftwaffe Dolch). A well-preserved, 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. Each side of the blade bears intricate and striking acid-etched arabesque and floral designs, with the obverse also bearing a central Luftwaffe eagle clutching a mobile swastika, itself set above laurel leaf branches. The blade sits securely within a silver-plated alloy crossguard, presenting as stylized wings, each inset in the middle with a raised sunwheel-style mobile swastika. An intact dark blue leather buffer pad covers the seam where the blade meets the crossguard. The handle grip is composed of a single strip of ribbed dark blue Moroccan leather, with the ribbing retaining an original bronze wire cord. Completing the dagger is a flattened and rounded pommel, each side of which bears a gilded sunwheel-style mobile swastika. The pommel screws in to securely maintain the structural integrity of the dagger. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a magnetic metal shaft wrapped with a single piece of dark blue Moroccan leather. Magnetic metal fixtures have been applied to the shaft with side rivets, each demonstrating a consistent patina. Emanating from the throat and midsection fixtures are integral loops connecting to a chain completing in a functional spring clip, the latter maker marked with the logo of Overhoff & Cie, Lüdenscheid. The clip itself connects to a period original leather loop for uniform suspension. The throat fixture also retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the dagger in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and use are evident throughout, and include some oxidation and running marks to the blade, oxidation and loss of finish to the gilded and silvered alloy features, and slight material fatigue of the leather features. There is also slight loosening of the dagger’s structure, and one side rivet is missing from the scabbard’s tip fixture. This privately-commissioned, unmarked dagger is in an overall very fine condition.