Early Luftwaffe Dagger

[RobertCOUTTS]

Hi,
finally got an early Luftwaffe Dagger which is not easy in Australia.This place is a police State, Daggers whilst not illegal in my State are prohibited imports which means if they find one they take it. Customs will only release it if you get a permit, a permit is necessary for each dagger and has to be approved by first the Police then the Customs Minister and then the fee always bloody fees.Well this one is now in my hands. The makers mark is very faint it is F A Helbig I didnt know Helbig produced these Daggers was he a common maker, the chain is marked DRGM Can anyone place a rough date on when this would have been made.?
Thanking you. Robert

[RobertCOUTTS]

Early Luft Dagger

A closeup of the Handle.

[RobertCOUTTS]

Luft Dagger

The chain.

[RobertCOUTTS]

Luft Dagger

One showing blade, need better photographs. the blade has some 'lifting' very slight, what is best way to preserve and prevent further damage, I always use light covering of gun oil. Anyhow all the best.
Robert

[Daggerob]

Hi Robert:

I'm sorry to hear that things are so tough for edged weapons collectors in your country.
Congratulations on a nice early first model luft dagger.
It looks as though it has the silver plated fittings like the one that I have. (Very Nice)
I believe that these daggers are currently undervalued.
The best "Bang for the Buck" in my opinion.
They are clearly the most affordable chained dagger on today's market.
I'm not an expert but I think that these were produced in the early to mid 1930s, some of our other members may know better.
Some say that oil may not be a good idea.
Check on the preservation forum but I think that Renwax may be best.

[SwordFish]

Echo Bob's comments.

Nice looking 1st model. I would avoid the oil. Renwax is probably your best bet for preservation.

[Gene]

Your dagger is a little more rare than most 1st models due to the zinc clip marked A and DRGM. The only other dagger I'm familiar with that had this clip was a postal example. It is a very fragile clip and most broke, so baby that baby!

[zet]

Stay away from oil always use Renwax Ive made that mistake and I had to polished one of my WH dagger.Nice looking dagger Zet