2nd Luft--black handle?

[gregM]

I went to a small gun show today and happened to see a dealer with
a 2nd model Luft dagger with a black handle. It almost looked like the handle was possibly black (or VERY dark blue) leather instead of celluloid.
I didn't ask the guy to open the case for a better look-- maybe I should have.

Is this something that might be worth my going back for a second look?

It had a $500 price tag on it.

Any guidence would be appreciated.

Greg

[WW2-Collector]

Greg no 2nd lufts had a leather wrapped handle-some do gooder had too much time on his hands.

[gregM]

Greg no 2nd lufts had a leather wrapped handle-some do gooder had too much time on his hands.

Thanks,
What about black celluloid?

[rbminis]

Thanks,
What about black celluloid?

That's a negative.

[Degens]

This picture was taken at Eric Hartmanns wedding, while all of the other daggers are most obviously white, one stands out as being a little different.

[Tony]

Greg,
The black handled grips are called "funeral" in the dagger collecting world. Robert Klass is usually the maker of this dagger. The theory is black equals funeral. I saw one about 10 years ago, rare varaition and worth more than the average Luftwaffe dagger.
Tony

[rajko84]

Greg,
The black handled grips are called "funeral" in the dagger collecting world. Robert Klass is usually the maker of this dagger. The theory is black equals funeral. I saw one about 10 years ago, rare varaition and worth more than the average Luftwaffe dagger.
Tony

I agree, and with price tag of 500 and if everything is in good shape would be worth that money. Those you do not see everyday. Plus he is a dealer and you can probably lower his price.
Regards Rajko

[will jones]

Johnsons sold one with a price tag of $2495.00 AND IT SOLD!

[RUHL13]

Might be worth going back Greg...you never know.
So-called the "Funeral Dagger", but never proven, and i believe it is in
Wittmann's book.
Regards,
Gary

[gregM]

Ok, I just came back from my 2nd look.

The blade is marked "Tiger". The handle is black and is not completely
smooth. It amost has a wood grain look to it. That is why I originally
thought it might have been leather. The black is worn off on some of the
high spots. It is wraped with a yellowish (copper, brass?) wire.

sorry no pics.

Any thoughts?

Greg

[Wim Vangossum]

The black grip pieces are indeed called "funeral daggers". But I don't believe anything of that story. Now I do believe that daggers with black grips exist. Even dealers like Wittmann admit that they are often found with small traces of white paint. So probably they are just made of black material that was painted afterwards. Painted wooden grips also exist.

Regards, Wim

[Frogprince]

The black grip pieces are indeed called "funeral daggers". But I don't believe anything of that story. Now I do believe that daggers with black grips exist. Even dealers like Wittmann admit that they are often found with small traces of white paint. So probably they are just made of black material that was painted afterwards. Painted wooden grips also exist.

Regards, Wim

I’m in agreement with Wim. Years ago guys were paying a heavy premium for daggers with “special order orange general officer’s” grips. No such thing existed, but a lot of guys bought into the fantasy. Likewise the so-called “funeral” grips are simply black Bakelite. With a coating of paint on them, an easier cheaper solution for dagger grip makers when supplies of the white cast phenolic resin became scarce. FP

[Stu W]

If you use the Advanced Search feature with the term "funeral" and limit the search to the Dagger forum you will get several threads on these. Here is one...

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...hlight=funeral

There are photos on several as well. Might be worth your while to do some reading of them.

Regards,
Stu

[Frogprince]

If you use the Advanced Search feature with the term "funeral" and limit the search to the Dagger forum you will get several threads on these. Here is one...

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...hlight=funeral

There are photos on several as well. Might be worth your while to do some reading of them.

Regards,
Stu

An interesting set of pictures. But I've got a couple of images of an Army dagger with the paint wearing off from most of the high spots, that looks like the same kind of plastic grip. Especially after time, and a little aging, the paint does not seem to adhere that well. FP

[gregM]

Thanks Stu.

I've already done that and also went through a such on "Black handles"

I am interested in this dagger but I'm unsure about actually buying it.
The condition is only fair at best. The blade has some dark spots and the
aluminum fittings are dull. The handle is not cracked and it still has the
wire wrap. All in all--if it were a white handle Heer it would not be worth
$500. I am not a big dagger collector. I have one SA and one Heer and
I would like to add a Luft. I like this one but it wouldn't be my first choise
for a dagger and I want to be sure I'm getting my money's worth.

I know you guys frown on talking $$$$ but I could use some advice.