Maker
Hörster E. & F. Co., Solingen
Model
1. Modell [M1935]
Blade
double-edged
Length
489 mm
Weight
499 g (with Chain)
Hanger
Aluminum chain with snap clip (Ges. Gesch., OLC)
Condition
EXC++
Luftwaffe Dagger [M1935] by E. & F. Hörster Co. Solingen
Original Luftwaffe Bord Dagger Model 1935 (1st Model) with aluminum chain hanger, manufactured by the renowned maker E. & F. Hörster & Co., Solingen. This example represents an early production piece in good overall condition. The total length is approx. 49.5 cm.
Grip: Wooden core wrapped in original blue Moroccan leather, tightly fitted and free of damage. The pommel is screw-mounted and features gilded swastikas on both sides, retaining an almost untouched original finish. The emblems on the crossguard likewise show fully preserved gilding.
Blade: Double-edged, bright blade with a very clean surface. The reverse bears the clear maker mark “E. & F. Hörster Co. Solingen”. Between the blade shoulders and the lower crossguard is the original blue leather blade buffer.
Scabbard: Three-piece scabbard, also covered in blue Moroccan leather. The original aluminum chain hanger consists of 6 upper and 8 lower rings. The snap clip is reverse marked “OLC” and “GES. GESCH.” and still retains its original lacquer.
Historical Background: Luftwaffe Bord Dagger Model 1935
The Luftwaffe Bord Dagger Model 1935 evolved from the earlier daggers of the German Air Sports Association (DLV), a paramilitary organization established in 1933 for aviation training. These early daggers were significantly longer and formed the technical basis for the later Luftwaffe pattern.
With the official public announcement of the Luftwaffe in 1935, the Bord Dagger was introduced as an official sidearm. Initially, it was worn exclusively by flying personnel; later regulations expanded the group of authorized wearers.
The 1st Model is characterized by its distinctive blue Moroccan leather fittings, gilded sunwheel swastikas, and chain hanger. From 1937 onward, it was gradually replaced by the Officer’s Dagger (2nd Model) and was thereafter mainly worn by senior non-commissioned officers.
Early examples with aluminum fittings and fully preserved gilding, such as this dagger, are today regarded as highly desirable collector’s pieces within the field of Luftwaffe edged weapons.
Review(s)
![© DGDE GmbH - Luftwaffe Dagger [M1935] by E. & F. Hörster Co. Solingen](https://www.dg.de/media/images/org/luftwaffen-borddolch-dagger-1935-ef-hoerster-solingen-3962-1.jpg "© DGDE GmbH - Luftwaffe Dagger [M1935] by E. & F. Hörster Co. Solingen")
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