Luft dagger, early 1st, and unit marked

[Bob in OH]

What I was intrigued with is the unit marking. The scab is marked: St. K. III 254. The underside on the hilt is marked: 9. St. III 254. Seems odd they are not identical yet isn't the piece numbered '254' and therefore matches??? The gold on the swatika is very strong and the point is great. Bought today from an 89 yr old vet who had numerous for sale at his house... he's the real deal. Came home in '46 and he still had the 2cm box he shipped stuff home in!!

Here are my questions~~

1) Tell me about the maker... common or not?
2) I assume this is an early one?
3) Tell me about the unit mark...matched... and which unit?
4) Your overall comments
5) Value range?

Thanks...BiO

[Frogprince]

The dagger is an early first model Fliegerdolch from a known maker of issue Luftwaffe items. And one that perhaps is not seen as often as some other makers, but not rare.

Because of inconsistent marking practices identifying Luftwaffe unit markings very often is a best guess. In this case my interpretation of the markings is: “9 St” (9th Staffel) “III” (Gruppe) “254” (Kampfverbande = K.). Meaning 9th Squadron, third Group (with usually 3 Stafflen/Squadron each), of the 254th Bomber Formation). With the Luftwaffe acceptance/inspection marking (LWaA/5) being another indicator of the dagger itself being intended for a Unteroffizier mit Portepee (Senior Grade NCO). Although on rare occasions there is no reason that it could not have been loaned to an officer who temporarily needed one. Nice dagger. FP

[Colorado]

Nice looking dagger. Good answer Frogprince!

The dagger looks very clean, many of the early ones have dark patina on the nickel-silver. Did it get polished?

[Frogprince]

I would be remiss not to include the fact that the Luftwaffe was more liberal in its policies regarding the wearing of bladed sidearms than other branches of the military. Specifically as regards lower ranking flight personnel who were permitted to wear the dagger w/o the knot. With the daggers being provided from government owned stores/supplies. FP