LW Alcoso 2nd pattern..HELP!

[PaulKaizer]

Hi guys, please help me out

This is my Luftwaffe 1937- pattern dagger, it is a nice worn piece by Alcoso. But there's something strange with the rings on the scabbard...
they seem to be handeld with...well it hurts a bit to say...sandpaper(why isnt there a smilie that pukes). I bought it from a respectable dealer here in the Netherlands who told me the rings where defenitly original. But what ever happend to them and when he doesnt know.
The texture of the oakleaves is almost gone altough you can still see them very clearly. As far as i can tell the rings arent replaced or if they are...it is done by a pro. Please can somebody tell me if its a personal modification by the first orginal owner or (as i fear and almost know for sure) its been done post war....
Please take a look a the pics

Thanks!

Paul

[Skipper Greenwade]

Hi Paul,

I think you can breathe a little easier. Based on the photos, it looks like your dagger is fitted with aluminum scabbard bands - a common practice of the manufacturers of the period. The aluminum bamds tend to appear brighter than the scabbard shell and the softer metal will often - as is the case here - show more wear than the rest of the dagger.

Quoting from Tom Wittmann's excellent reference on Luftwaffe daggers, page 187 where he discusses Alcoso 2nd Model Luftwaffe scabbards:
"The shell...will have a raw, unplated appearance, contrasting dramatically with the natural color aluminum scabbard bands."

BTW, if you don't have it, your next purchase should be Tom's Luftwaffe book, followed closely by his works on the Army, Navy and SS when your budget permits. Could save you a lot of anxiety!

I don't think there is a problem with the dagger or scabbard. Enjoy!

Hope that helps,
Skip

[PaulKaizer]

Thanx

Thanx!! Ill grab a beer or two!

[Rich Yankowski]

I second what Skipper said,about the scabbard,and the books!