Luftwaffe Funeral Dagger [1937] with Portepee & Hangers by Robert Klaas Solingen

Luftwaffe Funeral Dagger [1937] with Portepee & Hangers by Robert Klaas Solingen

Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger Model 1937, 2nd Model, in the rare so-called “Funeral Dagger” configuration with black grip, preserved with portepee and two-piece hangers. The dagger was manufactured by Robert Klaas Solingen and has an overall length of approximately 42.5 cm. The reverse side of the blade bears the maker marking “Robert Klaas Solingen”. The black grip variant is known among collectors as a so-called Funeral Dagger and represents a particularly striking version of the Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger Model 1937.

Grip & Crossguard: Round grip made of black synthetic material with convex fluting, curving outward in the typical form of the Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger Model 1937. The fluting is fitted with silver-colored wire wrapping. The massive pommel is firmly screwed onto the tang and decorated on both sides with national emblems as well as finely executed oak leaf ornamentation. The crossguard shows the typical Luftwaffe eagle with head facing left and downward swept wing tips. In its claws, the eagle holds a swastika. The reverse side of the crossguard has a finely granulated finish.

Blade: Double-edged, bright polished blade, plain on both sides and tapering to a sharp point. The reverse side clearly shows the maker marking “Robert Klaas Solingen”. Between the lower crossguard and the blade shoulders is the original leather buffer washer. The clear maker marking, bright blade surface and original leather washer are important features when identifying this Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger.

Scabbard: The scabbard is made from drawn sheet steel and displays the typical granulated surface texture on both front and reverse. The rounded tip is undamaged. Two oak leaf decorated suspension bands with closed suspension rings decorate the scabbard and match well with the preserved hangers. The separately inserted throat piece is secured from the side by two screws.

Hangers & Portepee: The dagger is preserved together with two-piece Luftwaffe hangers and a portepee. These wearing accessories complete the representative appearance of the dagger and belong to the typical equipment of a Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger. Together with the black grip, maker-marked blade and granulated scabbard, the dagger forms a particularly decorative ensemble.

Special Features: Especially noteworthy is the rarer configuration as a so-called “Funeral Dagger” with black grip, silver-colored wire wrapping, maker Robert Klaas Solingen, bright blade, original leather buffer washer, two-piece hangers and portepee. This dagger is a very interesting and clearly attributable example of the Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger Model 1937 in a particularly distinctive grip variant.

Historical Background: Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger Model 1937, so-called Funeral Dagger

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