Germany, Luftwaffe. An Officer’s Dagger, II Pattern with Hanger, by Paul Weyersberg & Co.

(Luftwaffe Offiziersdolch). A Luftwaffe Officer’s second pattern dagger, measuring 430 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 265 mm-long polished magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges. The blade presents plain with the exception of a maker’s mark on the ricasso reading “PAUL WEYERSBERG & CO., SOLIGNEN”, circumscribing the firm’s logo of a wreathed sword. It sits firmly within an aluminum upper crossguard, the obverse of which presents as a finely-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 brown celluloid, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and rolled silver aluminum wire cord. It completes with an aluminum pommel, bearing a double-sided wreathed mobile swastika, which securely screws in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of pebbled magnetic metal shaft. The upper third of the shaft features two integral bands bearing raised oakleaf designs, in turn culminating in loops for the accommodation of a hanger. The throat retains a functional spring catch, firmly holding the dagger in place during storage, and is secured together with two side rivets. It is also accompanied by an unusual, late-period hanger, consisting of two black leather straps which descend from a pair of silvered zink alloy loops, in turn emanating from a functional spring clip. Each strap is adjusted with a functional buckle, and completes in an additional functional spring clip for attachment to the scabbard’s loops. It measures 275 mm in length as presented, and is marked with a Reichzeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and code “U.E. 10” for an unconfirmed manufacturer. Issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include some oxidation to the blade, chipping of the handle, friction of the pommel which renders disassembly difficult, oxidation of the scabbard, and consistent material fatigue through the hanger. It is in an overall very fine condition.