Original German WWII 1st Model Luftwaffe Dagger By SMF

This is an excellent original German Third Reich 1st Model Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger, manufactured by the respected Solingen firm SMF (Solinger Metallwaren-Fabrik). Introduced in 1935 and carried during the formative years of the Luftwaffe, the 1st Model dagger is highly sought after for its elegant design, quality construction, and association with Germany's early air force officer corps.

The dagger features the correct silver-plated crossguard and pommel, both retaining an attractive, untouched patina developed through decades of age. The distinctive sunwheel swastika emblems inset into the pommel and crossguard remain exceptionally crisp and well-defined, adding excellent visual appeal. The dark blue Moroccan leather grip remains tightly wrapped with its original twisted silver wire, including the upper and lower retaining wires. The grip shows only light age-related wear and remains solid and attractive.

The nickel-plated blade is exceptionally bright and clean, exhibiting a strong mirror-like finish throughout. It shows only minor handling marks and a few very small edge nicks of someone hitting against an object. The blade remains unsharpened and retains its original profile. The obverse ricasso is clearly marked with the desirable SMF Solingen king logo, accompanied by the Luftwaffe acceptance stamp WaA5 beneath. The original blue leather blade washer remains firmly in place at the guard.

The scabbard is the correct early Luftwaffe type, covered in dark blue Moroccan leather with nickel-plated fittings. The leather covering remains in very good condition, displaying only minor wear and small losses expected from age and storage. The fittings retain matching patina and remain securely attached. Both suspension bands are intact and fitted with the original aluminum Luftwaffe dagger hanger chain. The complete 14-link chain exhibits matching age and is fitted with its original aluminum spring clip, clearly marked by Overhoff & Cie, one of the principal wartime manufacturers of Luftwaffe dagger chains and fittings.

Overall, this is a highly attractive and completely authentic 1st Model Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger by SMF, combining an excellent blade, desirable maker markings, complete chain assembly, and pleasing untouched patina throughout. A fine example that would make an outstanding addition to any advanced Luftwaffe, German edged weapons, or Third Reich militaria collection.

Condition: Excellent. Bright blade with minor handling marks and small edge nicks, tight grip wire, attractive age patina to fittings, complete original chain, and sound leather-covered scabbard with only light wear consistent with age.