Rare DLV Officers Dagger with Original Leather Covered Scabbard and Hanging Chain by SMF - Unit Marked 109
Here on offer is a rare untouched example of a DLV Officers dagger, with its original blue leather covered scabbard and hanging chain by SMF, circa 1935.
I must acknowledge the edged weapon expert, Thomas Whittman for the research he has undertaken to correctly document the existence of this very short production dagger.
This is covered in Chapter 3 of his excellent reference book; Exploring the Dress Daggers of the German Luftwaffe.
These types of daggers have also been referred to as transitional DLV/1st Pattern Luftwaffe Officers daggers.
Whittman points out the two differences between a DLV dagger and a 1st Pattern Luftwaffe dagger are:
1) The scabbard shell is usually made from a leather covered composition cardboard material and the scabbard fittings are retained with large staples.
2) If the dagger does not have the Waffen-Amt inspector stamp, it is a DLV Officers dagger. The inspection marks only appeared on 1st Pattern Luftwaffe daggers.
So I am pleased to say this example “ticks” both boxes and is therefore a genuine DLV Officers dagger.
As with all SMF produced edged weapons, the quality of this dagger is exceptional.
It seems to have solid nickel silver fittings throughout, which how some age patination.
The pommel and crossguard have the early-stylised gilt/brass swastikas that have loss most of the light gilt finish.
The Moroccan blue leather grip is in mint condition and retains its original triple twist wire wrap, which is still held tightly in place.
The nickel-plated blade is in excellent/near mint condition. It remains mirror bright and just has some very small “pepper” dark spots towards the tip of the blade that I believe would polish out?
On one side of the blade, the ricasso is stamped with a very crisp SMF maker mark, being the seated king logo.
Below the makers mark it is stamped with the number “109” which I believe refers to the Flight Training Group.
It is NOT Waffen-Amted marked which conforms it is a real DLV dagger.
It is also still complete with its thin blue leather buffer pad.
The dark blue Moroccan leather scabbard is again in excellent condition and still retains all of its original leather that shows just very minor age/usage bruising.
Interestingly just to add to the proof this is a DLV dagger it has a slight “push-out” in the bottom section which is to be expected with these composition scabbards. It is caused by the internal spring –steel metal runners pushing against the soft composition scabbard shell, after 85 years of existence.
All three-scabbard fittings are in excellent condition and they are each held in place by a large nickel rivet to the reverse. They all have slight wobble movement on the scabbard shell, again which is expected.
The original fitted hanger chains and spring clasp are still in place and in excellent condition.
The clip has no makers stamp on the reverse.
The short chain has 8 rings and the long chain 13 rings, with no repairs or damage.
The blade measures 12” (30.5cm) and the dagger itself 17.5” (44.5cm) long.
Inserted in the scabbard it measures 18.75” (47.6cm) long.
It weighs 540g.
This is a great opportunity to obtain a genuine DLV dagger in wonderful condition that is missing from many collections.
Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.
Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.
The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.
Code: 50492