Germany, Luftwaffe. A Dress Dagger, with General’s Hanger, by Robert Klaas

(Heer Dolch für Offizier - mit Gehänge für den Dolch der Generäle). A well-preserved Luftwaffe dress dagger, measuring 42 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 26 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 “ROB’T KLAAS, SOLINGEN”, topped by the firm’s classic “kissing cranes” logo. It sits securely within a silvered feinzink crossguard, the obverse of which bears a raised Luftwaffe eagle clutching a mobile swastika, with the seam covered by an intact blackened leather buffer pad. A single piece of ribbed orange-brown celluloid composes the handle grip, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and rolled silver wire cord. The dagger culminates in a feinzink pommel in the form of a double-sided wreathed and gilded mobile swastika, screwing in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. Wrapped around the handle is a knot consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorn suspended from a cord of identical construction. Accompanying the dagger is its original scabbard, constructed of a pebbled and nickel-plated magnetic metal shaft. Two integral oak leaf bands set just below the throat retain loops for the inclusion of a hanger. A functional catch within the throat firmly holds the dagger in place during storage. Some issues consistent with age and war are evident, and include running marks to the blade, extensive loss of silver finish to the feinzink fixtures, and some loss of finish to the scabbard. The dagger remains in a better than very fine condition.

Accompanying the dagger is a hanger for General ranks, consisting of a functional gilded feinzink spring clip with two loops emanating from the lower edge. Each loop retains a dark grey doeskin strap, topped by a layer of dark grey rayon threading trimmed with silver aluminum wire tresses. Each strap is adjusted with a functional gilded feinzink oak leaf buckle, and culminates in a functional gilded feinzink spring clip to lock onto the scabbard’s loops. The uppermost clip is marked with a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and code of “UE10”, likely indicating manufacture by Wilhelm Deus, Solingen. It measures 27 cm in length as configured. Moderate loss of gilt finish is visible throughout the base metal, but the hanger remains in a better than very fine condition.