Germany, Luftwaffe. An Officer’s Dress Dagger, First Pattern, by Carl Eickhorn

(Luftwaffe Dolch für Offiziere, 1. Form). A first pattern Luftwaffe Officer’s dress dagger, measuring 48.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 31 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the edges and tip. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “CARL EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic squirrel logo, in a pattern appropriately used by the company between 1933 and 1935. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy crossguard which takes the form of a pair of stylized wings, both sides of which are inset with central gilded sunwheel-style mobile swastikas. The handle is constructed of a wooden core lined on the exterior with a dark blue  ribbed Moroccan leather grip, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and rolled wire cord. The dagger culminates in a flattened and rounded pommel, bearing double-sided gilded sunwheel-style mobile swastikas, screwing in to maintain its structural integrity. Accompanying the dagger is its original scabbard, constructed of a magnetic metal shaft fully lined on the exterior with dark blue Moroccan leather. Magnetic metal fixtures are secured to the tip, mid-section, and throat with side rivets, with the latter two featuring integral loops connecting to dual multi-link chains which meet a functional spring clip. The latter is maker marked with the logo of Overhoff & Cie, Lüdenscheid. A functional catch situated within the throat holds the dagger in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include minor running marks and pitting to the blade, minor loss of nickel plating to the hilt features, and extensive material fatigue to the leather liners. This early example remains in a very fine condition.