Germany, Luftwaffe. A First Pattern Dagger, By F.w. Höller

(Luftwaffe Fliegerdolch). This is a very well-preserved first pattern Luftwaffe dagger, measuring 380 mm in length when inserted into the scabbard. The dagger features a 308 mm-long nickel-plated magnetic steel blade with a semi-sharpened tip and unsharpened edges. The blade presents plain with the exception of a maker’s mark on the reverse ricasso reading “F.W. HÖLLER, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s thermometer logo. The blade sits firmly within the ribbed, silvered feinzink upper crossguard, itself inset on both the obverse and reverse with a magnetic metal sunwheel-style mobile swastika, with the seam covered by an intact blackened leather washer. The handle grip is constructed of brown boiled leather wrapped with a twisted and rolled silver aluminum wire cord.

The dagger completes with a rounded, silvered pommel, similarly bearing a sunwheel-style mobile swastika on both the obverse and reverse. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a magnetic metal shaft wrapped in blackened leather. It bears three silvered feinzink fittings, each held in place by dual visible metal rivets. The throat retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the dagger in place during storage. The upper- and mid-section fittings bear integrated loops accommodating a chained dagger hanger with a functional spring clip. The throat is stamped with an issue number of “106”. Age-appropriate oxidation and material fatigue is evident to the metal, zink, and leather features, respectively. The dagger is in an overall better than very fine condition.