Luftwaffe officer's dagger “LOD” ( 2nd model Original WL WW2) Manufacturer EICKHORN

The Luftwaffe dagger is a ceremonial piece with a unique history. After the First World War, Germany was not allowed to have an air force.

In 1933, the Nazis created the Deutscher Luftsport-Verband (DLV), a paramilitary aviation organization. DLV officers carried long daggers.

In 1935, in violation of the Treaty of Versailles, Hitler established Germany's new armed forces, the Wehrmacht.

One of the Wehrmacht's branches was the Luftwaffe. At that time, Luftwaffe officers carried what we call the first Luftwaffe dagger.

This is a shortened version of the DLV dagger. The scabbard is covered in blue leather and the handle is surrounded by blue wire.

The crossguard featured a round “sun wheel” swastika, flanked by stylized downward-slanting wings. The pommel was shaped like a vertical disc, with another, larger sun-wheel swastika.

In 1937, the Luftwaffe instituted a new form of dagger, known to collectors as the second model.

This new dagger was similar to the one worn by German army officers.

The second model had a metal scabbard with printed decoration, without leather covering.

The transverse guard bears a Luftwaffe eagle, clasping a swastika.

The blue handle was replaced by an orange, white or yellow one.

The different handle types were a matter of personal preference and did not indicate branch or rank.

The pommel of the new dagger was adorned with a swastika inside an oak leaf motif.

The blades of these daggers were made of steel and many, but not all, bore the maker's mark.