Germany, Luftwaffe. A Second Pattern Dagger, with Hanger, by Lauterjung & Sohn

(Luftwaffe Dolch mit Anhänger). A well-preserved second pattern Luftwaffe dagger, measuring 430 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a polished magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges. The blade is fully unmarked with the exception of a maker’s mark on the reverse ricasso of “PUMA, SOLINGEN”, for the firm of Lauterjung & Co., topped by the company’s classic puma head logo. It sits firmly within a silvered alloy upper crossguard, the obverse of which takes the form of a detailed Luftwaffe eagle clutching a mobile swastika, with the seam covered by an intact black leather buffer pad. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of ribbed light brown celluloid, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and rolled silver aluminum wire cord. It completes with a rounded pommel bearing a double-sided wreathed mobile swastika design, 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 decorated with oak leaves near the tip. The upper third of the shaft features integral oak leaf bands culminating in integral loops for the accommodation of a dagger hanger. The throat retains a functional spring catch to firmly hold the dagger in place during storage, and is held together by dual side rivets. Accompanying the dagger is a matching hanger, constructed of two dark grey doeskin wool straps topped by layers of dark grey rayon, in turn trimmed by dual machine-embroidered silver aluminum wire tresses. The straps descend from a zink alloy spring clip, and each complete functional spring clips for scabbard attachment. Two zink buckles are set into each strap for adjustable suspension. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some oxidation and loss of finish to the scabbard, and moderate material fatigue to the hanger. The set is in an overall near extremely fine condition.