Early 1st Model Luftwaffe Dagger by SMF

German WWII > Edged Weapons > Luftwaffe, DLV & NSFK Daggers > 1st Model Luftwaffe Daggers

Early 1st Model (1934/35) Airforce Dagger (Luftwaffe Fliegerdolch/Borddolch) by SMF of Solingen. The plated, double edged, spear point 12 inch long blade on this one looks wonderful! The etched seated king “SMF Solingen” maker mark is a bit lightened likely from cleaning. The Luftwaffe inspection mark is beautifully executed. The plating gives it a mirror like finish. The tip comes to a perfect point and the fit is tight. There are a few scuffs and a "nail catcher" to one edge. The blue pebbled leather buffer pad remains in place. The scabbard is constructed out of a steel sheet metal base that has been covered in a blue textured leather. The leather is in wonderful condition with a perfect seam. It has the odd pressure mark is all. The solid nickel-silver fittings look excellent but... wait. Why is there solder to the scabbard fittings? These very frugal guys took fittings predrilled for staples and filled them in and used them when the regulations changed to use screwed on fittings! Likely after the initial factory plating the solder was not visible. I think that's cool! All of the five headless screws remain intact. The chain solid nickel-silver chain has a period replaced lower connector. How do I know it was period done?, Because I bought this from the Vet's family! The chain consists of nine top ringlets and has 13 lower, connected to a well working early DRGM clip. The crossguard and pommel top are in wonderful condition with separately inserted brass sunwheel swas’. The grip is wood based and covered in a blue leather. It has the odd pressure mark throughout. The triple nickel-silver wire wrap has lost one wire. Lastly peek under the crossguard, it is numbered NOT matching the throat. Why you ask and I will venture an answer. In the period these guys were poor. They were just coming out of a depression and many did not have the funds to buy a dress dagger. These were all private purchase items. The unit itself owned several daggers and for dress occasions would lend them out. Like anything not owned these guys cared less for the than had it been their own. As a result after a few Becks Hofbrauhaus they would compare each other's dagger and this was the result. A wonderful early example!