Germany, DLV. A Flyer’s Knife, by Stöcker & Co.

(Deutscher Luftsportverband Fliegermesser). A scarce and very well-preserved Deutscher Luftsportverband (German Air Sports Association/DLB) Flyer’s Knife, measuring 34 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 17 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “SMF, SOLINGEN” for the firm of Stöcker & Co., topped by the company’s classic seated king logo. It sits securely within a nickel-silver crossguard which takes the form of a pair of stylized wings, bearing double-sided central black mobile swastikas, with the seam covered by an intact dark blue Moroccan leather buffer pad. The handle grip is composed of a wooden core lined with dark blue Moroccan leather, while the knife completes with a nickel-silver pommel. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a magnetic metal shaft with an identical leather liner. Nickel-silver fixtures are riveted to both the tip and throat, with the latter retaining a loop for the accommodation of a hanger. The former is included and consists of a brown leather strap culminating in a functional nickel-silver hanger for uniform suspension. The throat retains a functional spring catch to firmly hold the knife in place during storage, and is stamped with a DLV logo. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include slight running marks and tarnishing to the blade, some tarnishing of the nickel silver features, and sporadic fatigue to the Moroccan leather and hanger strap. This rare knife remains in a near extremely fine condition.