This is an original German Third Reich 1st Model Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger, produced by the renowned Solingen firm Carl Eickhorn. Introduced in 1935, the 1st Model is highly regarded for its early war craftsmanship and refined materials.
The dagger is fitted with the correct nickel-plated silver crossguard, showing attractive age toning. Detail remains crisp, with the centrally placed sunwheel clean and well defined. The grip is dark blue leather, tightly wrapped with twisted silver wire, remaining solid with only minor age-related wear. The pommel is aluminum and notably retains an excellent gold gilt sun swastika well preserved, and sharply detailed, standing out as a particularly strong feature of this example.
The nickel-plated blade is bright and well preserved, showing only light handling marks with a few minor dings. It is clearly etched with the desirable “Original Eickhorn – Solingen” seated squirrel logo holding a sword. The blade seats properly and shows no evidence of sharpening, but does have some very minor dings near the point of the blade. The fine blue pebbled leather washer remains in place.
The scabbard is the correct Moroccan blue leather covered type with original aluminum fittings. The leather shows expected wear and some minor losses consistent with age, yet remains structurally sound. Both suspension bands are present and fitted with the original Luftwaffe aluminum dagger chain, complete and displaying matching period patina.
Overall, this is a very attractive and correct 1st Model Luftwaffe Dagger by Carl Eickhorn, combining strong originality, excellent pommel detail, and honest period wear. An excellent example for any advanced Third Reich edged weapon or Luftwaffe officer collection.
