Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger [1937] with Pilot’s License, Blade Etching & Dedication to Ernst Rottmann
Model
M1937 - 2nd Model
Inscription
Als Anerkennung für Ernst Rottmann 1943
Blade
double-edged
Length
425 mm
Weight
365 g
Condition
EXC++
Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger [1937] with Pilot’s License, Blade Etching & Dedication to Ernst Rottmann
Luftwaffe officer dagger of the 1937 pattern (2nd model), featuring a decorative blade etch with dedication: “Als Anerkennung für Ernst Rottmann 1943”. Offered together with a short Luftwaffe portepee and a Luftwaffe pilot certificate (“Flugzeugführerschein”). Overall length approx. 42.5 cm.
Grip: Light-colored round grip with convex fluting, fitted with triple wire wrap. The pommel is decorated on both sides with swastikas and oak-leaf motifs and is screwed onto the tang. The crossguard shows the typical Luftwaffe eagle (facing left) with downward-swept wing ends; the eagle holds a swastika in its claws. The reverse of the crossguard has a pebbled/grained finish.
Blade: Bright blade in very good condition. The front side features the etched dedication “Als Anerkennung für Ernst Rottmann 1943”. The original buffer pad (leather washer) between blade shoulders and lower guard is present.
Scabbard: Steel scabbard drawn from one piece of sheet steel. Both sides show the typical grained/textured surface. With a separate throat piece and two oak-leaf decorated bands, fitted with two loose, fully closed carry rings. The tip is rounded and undamaged. The throat is separately fitted and secured with two side screws.
Historical Context: Luftwaffe Officer Dagger 1937 Pattern (2nd Model)
The Luftwaffe officer dagger formed part of Luftwaffe dress uniform equipment and was produced in several variants. The 1937 pattern (2nd model) is recognized by characteristic details such as the wire-wrapped grip, the specific crossguard form and the typical scabbard with a grained surface.
Examples with dedications or personalized etching are particularly appealing to collectors, as they establish a concrete contemporary link. The inscription “Als Anerkennung für Ernst Rottmann 1943” documents a personal occasion and clearly distinguishes this dagger from standard issue pieces.
The addition of period-style accessories such as the portepee and the pilot certificate enhances the set, helping to illustrate the original context of wear and use.
Review(s)
Exclusive offers 10 € voucher when you sign up to our newsletter.
