Opinions needed on Luftwaffe 2nd pattern dagger

[peterwyndavies]

I have come across this dagger which I think is genuine, but would welcome opinions on it. It is dammaged in that the plastic handle is chipped and split and I think that the ferrule between the handle and the blade has been replaced, though I might be wrong. I attach some pictures.
Thanks,
Peter.

[peterwyndavies]

Another View.

[peterwyndavies]

Yet another view.

[peterwyndavies]

And another view.

[peterwyndavies]

A view of the maker's mark on the reverse. I nshould state that I unscrewed the handle and found that the Tang was flattened right up to the thread, which I am informed is found on genuine items and not on reproductions, though I may stand corrected on this.

[chrisjs100]

The pommel and the crossguard are very poorly defined. They look like post war pieces.

[Skipper Greenwade]

The details in that soft aluminum didn't always hold up well when - as seems to be the case here - the dagger was worn/used quite a bit. Coould well be a parts piece, but the mis-matched grip ferrule is not unheard of. The tone/color of the metal matched much better when the dagger was new.

Still - given the overall condition, the possiblity of it being a parts piece and the relative commonality of 2nd Model Luftwaffe daggers - I would keep looking.

Hope that helps,
Skip

[peterwyndavies]

Thanks Chris and Skip. What do 2nd pattern daggers go for and how much less would you think it appropriate for a piece like this?
Peter.

[kirk]

I would not buy this one.Much better examples are available.

[peterwyndavies]

Thanks Kirk. This definately seems to be the consensus of opinion.
Peter.

[Wim Vangossum]

These daggers are still 'common' and only attractive when they are in very good condition. Often you see them heavy cleaned etc... In that case they are miles away from a nice preserved example. A textbook has in most cases an even dark gray scabbard finish, nice detail to pommel and crossguard with artifical black contrast in the natural coloured alumnium. wearing or cleaning can easy destroying that delicate finish. Of course there are other types of finish: silvered, darker almost black appereance and also natural aluminium. But the type I described first is the most encountered.

Regards, Theo
(Wim Vangossum)

[Stu W]

Hi Peter,

I too would pass as they are common and easily located in far better condition. A parts piece comes to mind when I view that one.

You ask about cost. Well, Paul Hogle has about a dozen on sale now and here is a link.

http://www.lakesidetrader.com/Luftwaffe.html

Have a look and see the condition and costs. As you probably know Paul is a member here (lakesidetrader) and any edged weapons collector will confirm he is one of the best to deal with. Hope this helps.

Regards,
Stu

[peterwyndavies]

Thanks Wim and Stu. I will defnately pass on this.
Peter.

[heyst56]

yes i agree with Stu . Paul is verry good to deal with there are verry nice and good daggers on his site he is one off the best dealers

Hans

[peterwyndavies]

Thanks Hans.
Peter.