Early 1st Pattern Luftwaffe Dagger by rare maker F & A HELBIG STEINBACH (Kr.M.) with Waffenamt Stamp

Here on offer is an early-untouched 1st Pattern Luftwaffe Dagger by a rare maker of this dagger, F.A. HELBIG STEINBACH (Kr.M.).

The F. & A. Helbig (Gaesler) Messerfabrik company traces its beginnings prior to 1928. The company had previously been named "F. & W. Helbig" for Ferdinand & Wilhelm Helbig, but was renamed after Frieda and Alfred Helbig when he took over later that year. During the Third Reich era, Helbig was actively involved in the production of edged weapons, including: DLV/NSFK knives, Gravity knives, 1st Model Luftwaffe daggers, Luftwaffe swords, SA/NSKK and SS daggers along with HJ knives. Helbig manufactured RZM era knives under the code M7/73 and SS contract code RZM 1163/38 SS. Unfinished SA/NSKK daggers made by August Bickel, were sent to Helbig for completion. The company was located in Steinbach Kreis Meiningen (Kr.M.), Hauptstraße (subsequently renamed Paul-Voigt Straße). In 1945, the town of Steinbach was occupied by the Russian army and the business dissolved. Alfred and Frieda both passed away in 1984.

This early example has nickel silver fittings throughout, which all show some loss of plating and dark patination to the remaining plating.

The pommel and crossguard have the early-stylised brass swastikas.

The dark blue leather grip is in great condition with a dark patina and some brown showing through on the front, with just some tiny scuffs. It retains its original triple twist wire wrap, which is still held tightly in place.

The blade is in excellent condition, no pitting, greying or nicks and is complete with its blue leather buffer pad. It has a lightly engraved early makers mark for F & A HELBIG STEINBACH (Kr.M.), without the double ovals and has the official Eagle and 5 Waffenamt stamp. There are signs of light runner marks where it has been inserted into the scabbard. The blade is that mirror bright it was really hard to get some clear photos.

The dark blue leather is all in place on the scabbard, with just minor age/usage bruising.

The scabbard tip has some “train door” dents on both sides but the middle and top fittings are undamaged.

All three fittings show loss of plating but all 5 retaining screws are in place and they would polish up bright if required.

It original chain and spring clasp are still in place and in excellent condition.

The blade measures 12” (30.5cm) and the Dagger itself 17.75” (45cm) long.

Inserted in the scabbard it measures 18.75” (47.6cm) long.

It weighs 585g.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

Code: 50025