Original Item: One of a Kind. This is a lovely 1st Model Luftwaffe Dagger made in in the late 1930s, made by the legendary Solingen-based firm of Carl Eickhorn, Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelware Factory). It has the earliest pattern fittings on the blade and steel scabbard, which were nickel alloy, which were both plated and then coated with a type of blue oxide finish. As the finish ages, it gives them a lovely patina from the degradation of the top finish, as well as the plating.

The grip on this early example looks to be made of nickel alloy, which is silver plated and still retains most of the original blue oxide coating, giving it a great dark tarnished look. The pommel has inlaid brass "Sunwheel" style swas (hook cross) emblems. The sides are only very slightly vaulted, less so than later pattern daggers we have seen. The grip is a carved wood base covered in blue Moroccan leather, which shows wear to the finish, but no tears through the leather or exposed wood. The original quadruple wire wrapping, with the center pair twisted, is still fully intact, with a lovely oxidized patina. The guard is the standard down swept "wing" type, with good detailing remaining, and with more "sunwheel" swas's, which are slightly vaulted, like on the pommel. The oxide coating is very well retained on the guard, probably one of the best we have seen. There is also what looks to be "3M8" or "3118" marked on the bottom of the guard.

The blade of this piece is a high quality nickel-plated example, and is in very good condition. It shows the usual runner wear, present on just about every German dagger out there, but otherwise the plating is in really good condition. There is some dried grease or preservative in places on the blade, which looks like oxidation, but could be removed easily with solvent if desired. There is just a bit of oxidation spotting, and the tip of the dagger does have a minor "dogleg" bend about 1/2" from the very tip. The edge has also correctly not been sharpened. The original blue leather blade buffer is still present, and in very good condition.

The rear of the blade is etched with the 1935-41 Eickhorn trademark: a seated squirrel holding a sword, with the word ORIGINAL above and the firm's name and location, Eickhorn / SOLINGEN below. Carl Eickhorn is a legendary maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany. According to J. Anthony Carter's book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this company was founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn, and is arguably the most famous of all Solingen makers. Not only could the family trace their history back 500 years, but they could also demonstrate involvement in the hardening and grinding industries for the same period. Truly the nobility of Solingen Edged weapon dynasties. Eickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers.

The steel scabbard shell is straight throughout with no dents we can see or feel. The Moroccan leather covering the scabbard nicely matches the grip and is in very good condition, with some denting and tears, but no major lifting or other issues. There is also what looks to be part of a dried out rubber band stuck to the exterior, which is almost falling off. This scabbard has non magnetic nickel alloy mount brackets, which still have some of the original blacked silver plate intact, particularly on the drag fitting. These mounts are retained by headless flush mounted side screws, with all four still intact.

The attached hanger chain has nine ringlets making up the upper chain and twelve on the lower, not counting the rings attached to the scabbard fittings. These look to be made from either solid nickel alloy or plated brass, and show brass where the rings are brazed closed. They are attached to a nickel snap clip with a flat steel spring.

A great example example of the classic early 1st model Luftwaffe dagger, made by the most desirable of all Solingen Makers. Complete with scabbard and hanger chain, this dagger is ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 12 1/8"
Overall length: 17 3/4”
Crossguard: 4 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 13 1/2”