1st Pattern Etch - 2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger by Krebs

German WWII > Edged Weapons > Luftwaffe, DLV & NSFK Daggers > 2nd Model Luftwaffe Daggers

Thomas T Whittmann’s original description: “DOUBLE-ENGRAVED, PERSONALIZED 2ND MODEL LUFTWAFFE - Carl Julius Krebbs. This is the first example I have seen bearing the 1st type Luftwaffe (droop-tail) eagle in the blade etch that has been authentic. The engraving pattern is exactly as illustrated by famous author Frederick Stephens in Tom Johnson’s Volume 2, Page 277. The etch is absolutely gorgeous, and unlike the fakes bearing this etching, the backgrounds are perfectly plated, producing a frosted look. Engraved below the etch panel, by the tip on the obverse side is the original owner’s name, “Chr. Krohne”. The engraving is done in a professional manner and duplicates the handwriting signature of the recipient. (This is probably a retirement gift). The ricasso bears the proof of the Krebbs firm, an - oval circle containing a crown over a "K", and also the name of the firm. This blade is mint. The hilt fittings are magnificent, being much nicer than usually seen. Details are incredible, and there seems to be a silver plate across the high surfaces. Examination of the pommel crossguards indicates just the slightest remaining hue of once-present gold swastikas. These fittings are bright with dark recesses. They are very rich looking. The grip is a phenomenal thing, looking exactly like grained, off-white ivory. The Germans developed this process to simulate the genuine stuff, due to its expense. The inside of the grip is actually plaster-filled, the outside being just a shell. Without looking inside, you would never guess this grip is not real ivory. It is wrapped with the normally seen springy aluminum wire. The grip is absolutely perfect throughout and has what looks like an original-to-the-piece short 23cm portepee. The portepee is near mint. The scabbard is also a deluxe type, being silver plated and having highly detailed bands and lower leaf panel. It is straight and has 100% coverage to the plating. There is some age under the plating here and there along the edges, but nothing on the surface. A most beautiful dagger. An extremely rare original once residing in the famous Gallen David collection. Very desirable artifact. Use this one to expose your friend’s fake!”

Christian W. Krohne was born October 4, 1912, in Ostheim. He joined the Luftwaffe on July 14, 1934. Come January 4, 1941, Krohne was promoted to Hauptwachtmeister (Chief Sergeant). He ended his career on January 23, 1945, while serving with 2./lei.Fla Section 886. Records indicate that he served 99 days with combat activity and 17 days under enemy fire.

Krohne was awarded the:

• 4 Year Long Service award (Dienstauszeichnung IV Klasse).
• Emblem for Merit of Anti-aircraft Artillery or Flak Artillery Personnel’s Trade Badge (Tätigkeitsabzeichen der Flakartillerie - the presentations took place on August 1st of each year).
• Schießabzeichen der Flakart I. Klasse November 6, 1937.
• Schießabzeichen der Flakart II. Klasse November 1, 1938.
• War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords December 14, 1940.

Records from Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt) indicate that on January 23, 1945, Krohne was sick in the Mödrath Hospital from a bomb fragment that was left in his lower leg. This indicates that Krohne was likely awarded the Silver Wound Badge or perhaps the Gold if the leg needed to be removed, at that time. Whittmann also indicates this dagger was “possibly a retirement gift”. Given his injuries, this was most likely the case.

I do have 35 years history on this exact example:

• “the Famous Gailen David collection” (pre-1989).
• Thomas T. Wittmann (1989).
• The previous collector (1989-2024).
• Lakesidetrader (2024).

• A copy of his military records from the Bundesarchive from Aachen.
• Records and troop announcements etc. from the Deutsche Dienststelle (WASt).
• Whittmanns original description and letter to the previous owner.
• A personal ledger description from the previous owner.