Luftwaffe Dagger [M1937] with Hangers and Knot by Alcoso ACS Solingen
Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger, Model 1937 – 2nd Model. Total length: 43.5 cm.
This Luftwaffe officer’s dagger was manufactured by ACS Alcoso Solingen, easily identified by the trademark scales with the letters ACS on the reverse side of the blade.
Grip: Light-colored grip featuring a wooden core covered with celluloid – a characteristic construction of Alcoso Solingen.
The celluloid surface shows a fine, even texture and fits tightly around the core.
The double wire wrap runs spirally along the convex grooves.
The spherical pommel is decorated on both sides with sun wheels and oak leaves and is firmly screwed onto the tang.
The crossguard is shaped as a Luftwaffe eagle facing to the left, its wings pointing downward. The eagle clutches a swastika in its talons; the reverse side is finely pebbled and precisely executed.
Blade: Double-edged with a bright polished surface.
The reverse bears the manufacturer’s mark ACS Alcoso Solingen with the distinctive scales trademark.
Between the blade shoulders and lower crossguard sits the original leather buffer pad.
Very well-preserved example with a clean surface and clearly visible maker’s mark.
Scabbard: Made from a single piece of steel sheet, featuring a fine pebbled texture on both sides.
Two oak leaf–decorated bands with closed carrying rings.
Rounded tip, undamaged. The separately inserted throat fitting is secured by two side screws.
Typical fine workmanship by Alcoso, showing precision and excellent material quality.
Hanger: Original two-piece Luftwaffe dagger hanger with detailed oak leaf ornamentation.
The reverse side is backed with light fabric. Clearly stamped: “DRGM – RZM U.E.10” (Wilhelm Deus, Solingen), indicating production under supervision of the Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM). Portepee: Short Luftwaffe portepee in typical period style – silver-gray with slight age patina.
Historical Background: Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger Model 1937 (Alcoso, Solingen)
The Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger was officially introduced on July 19, 1937, replacing the earlier aircrew dagger of 1934. It became a symbol of rank and prestige, worn by officers, cadets, and officials of equivalent status, and later by NCOs authorized to carry the portepee. Wearing was officially discontinued in December 1943.
Alcoso (Alexander Coppel & Söhne, Solingen) was among the premier Solingen manufacturers of edged weapons. The company’s scales logo with the letters ACS symbolized precision, balance, and quality craftsmanship. Alcoso daggers are noted for their fine metalwork and meticulously finished crossguards.
The grips, as on this example, were built with a wooden core covered in celluloid, giving them an elegant ivory-like appearance. Over time and exposure to light, the celluloid often aged into a warm amber tone. Such grips are rarer than solid plastic examples and highly valued among collectors.
The steel scabbard with a pebbled finish and oak leaf fittings was drawn from a single piece of metal – a technically demanding process typical of the finest Solingen craftsmanship. These qualities distinguish Alcoso daggers from later wartime productions of lesser quality.
This example, complete with an original hanger DRGM – RZM U.E.10 and short Luftwaffe portepee, stands as a fine representation of the precision, design, and aesthetic excellence of Solingen blade production in the late 1930s.
![© DGDE GmbH - Luftwaffe Dagger [M1937] with Hangers and Knot by Alcoso ACS Solingen](https://www.dg.de/media/images/product/info2/luftwaffen-offiziersdolch-1937-dagger-alcoso-acs-solingen-3915-1.jpg "© DGDE GmbH - Luftwaffe Dagger [M1937] with Hangers and Knot by Alcoso ACS Solingen")
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