Newbie with questions

[Alex H.]

Hello all together!
As you can see, I´m new here and I´m thinking of collecting/keeping daggers!
Now my questions :
I´m a "Fallschirmjäger" and for this I´m very interested in the history of my branch. Did Fallschirmjäger have a own kind of dagger? If not, were their daggers from the Luftwaffe or from Heer?

I´d be very glad, if someone would help me!

Thanks
Alex

[lakesidetrader]

Welcome!!. There are lots of experienced guys here who can guide you through the hobby. The Luftwaffe officers were authorized to have the 1st and 2nd model dagger. There was also a luft fighting knife as well. The Fallschirmjäger in particular used a "gravity knife", this was a practical knife as oppossed to a dress dagger. http://www.lakesidetrader.com/pics/PAR-3d.jpg
These came in 2 models, a nickel plated prewar model and later a blackened "takedown" version. These knives are highly sought after in todays collector market and fetch prices from $250-$500 depending on maker and condition. Mint examples will sell for as much as $1k.
These continuted to be produced in the postwar period. Pre-1945 examples will have wooden grips. Good Hunting, Enjoy this is a great hobby!
Paul

[Alex H.]

Thanks a lot Paul.

I think it is going to be an addiction...

But I cannot imagine fallschirmjäger officers, wearing their gala uniforms with the gravity knifes. I think in the WWII times the fallschirmjäger were related to the Luftwaffe and for this had a Luftwaffe dagger, right? These beautiful daggers couldn´t be used in every day war life!?

Alex.

[lakesidetrader]

Correct, Dress Daggers were more for formal wear. The Gravity on the other hand was for combat wear. This site may interest you:
http://www.fortunecity.com/marina/harbour/1478/

[Skipper Greenwade]

Alex,

The most logical choice of a dagger for a paratrooper uniform display (the walking out or dress uniform - not a combat uniform) would probably be a 2nd Model Luftwaffe dagger. You are corect in your assumption that the daggers were not worn in "very day war life".

For the combat uniform the logical choice would be the gravity knife or, perhaps, the small fighting knife with a spring clip on the scabbard. I wouldn't rule out the standard pattern bayonet as a sidearm, either.

Welcome to the hobby!

Skip

[Alex H.]

Thanks

Well, thank you!

The links were very helpful Paul.
Skip, you encouraged me in my decision! My first dagger will be a Luftwaffe 2nd model.

Alex