Germany, RLB. An Officer’s Dagger, Second Pattern, by Paul Weyersberg & Co.

 (Reichsluftschutzbund Führerdolch, 2. Modell). A well-preserved, second pattern Reichsluftschutzbund (Reich Air Protection League/RLB) Officer’s dagger, measuring 38 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 24.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to the tip and edges, and which demonstrates a striking cross grain throughout. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “PAUL WEYERSBERG & CO., SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s wreathed sword logo. The blade sits securely within a multi-piece hilt which features a nickel-plated metal crossguard in the form of stylized wings, overlaid on the centre by a central German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. The handle grip consists of a wooden core fully lined on the exterior with dark blue Moroccan leather. Inset into the obverse of the handle is a second pattern RLB insignia in the form of a silvered eight-pointed radiant starburst bearing a central black enameled swastika. It culminates in an oval nickel-plated alloy pommel which screws in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. Accompanying the dagger is its original scabbard, constructed of a magnetic metal shaft which is lined on the exterior with dark blue Moroccan leather. Nickel-plated magnetic metal fixtures are secured to the tip, mid-section, and throat. Emanating from the latter two are loops for the accommodation of a hanger. A functional spring catch situated within the throat firmly holds the dagger in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, minor fatigue to the leather elements, sporadic fatigue to the nickel of the plated fixtures, and the loss of both of the scabbard’s tip fixture rivets. The dagger remains in a better than very fine condition.