Germany, RLB. A II Pattern Officer’s Dagger

(Reichsluftschutzbund Offiziersdolch). A Reichsluftschutzbund (RLB) second pattern Officer’s dagger, measuring 385 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 250 mm-long polished magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy upper crossguard, presenting with a ribbed design and with one half broken off and lost to time. Inset into the centre of the crossguard is a RLB-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. The handle gripe is composed of a single piece of curved wooden lined on the exterior with a boiled dark blue leather liner. Pinned onto the centre of the handle grip is a silvered and enameled RLB insignia measuring 25 mm (w) x 28 mm (h). It completes with a flattened, oval pommel, similarly constructed of a nickel-plated alloy, which screws in to securely maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a magnetic metal shaft. The exterior is lined with a boiled dark blue leather liner. Magnetic metal fixtures are secured in place at both the tip and throat, while an additional nickel-plated fixture is set into the mid-section. The latter two retain integral loops for the accommodation of a hanger. The throat also retains a functional spring catch, firmly holding the dagger in place during storage. In addition to the broken crossguard, a number of other issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include minor oxidation of the blade, loss of finish to the nickel-plated features, and fatigue to the leather of both the handle and scabbard. The dagger is in an overall fair condition.