German, WW2, Third Reich M1937 2nd Model Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger by Ernst Pack & Söhne, Solingen – With Luftwaffe Portepee, VGC

*German, WW2, Third Reich M1937 2nd Model Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger by Ernst Pack & Söhne, Solingen – With Luftwaffe Portepee, VGC*

A striking and very well-preserved M1937 (Second Pattern) Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger by Ernst Pack & Söhne of Solingen, complete with Luftwaffe officer’s portepee. This is a strong example from one of the better-regarded Solingen manufacturers, combining crisp detail, attractive patina and excellent overall preservation.

The bright plated steel blade remains in very good condition, retaining strong lustre with light age-related spotting visible under close inspection. The tip is intact and the blade sits correctly within the crossguard. The original leather buffer pad is present. The ricasso is crisply marked: “Siegfried – Ernst Pack & Söhne M.B.H. Waffenfabrik Solingen – Waffen” The distinctive Siegfried trademark — depicting the youthful Siegfried wielding a hammer within an oval cartouche — is sharply executed and deeply etched, a desirable feature of Pack production.

The early trylon grip has aged attractively to a warm honey-orange tone. It is free from cracks and major chips, showing only light handling wear. The original twisted aluminium grip wire remains tight and complete. The alloy eagle crossguard displays strong detail to the head, feathering and wings, with the swastika sharply defined. The pommel features the correct oak leaf surround with inset swastika and shows even, matching patina to the crossguard and ferrule.

The metal scabbard retains its pebbled field with raised oak leaf and acorn bands. It remains straight and dent-free, with both throat retaining screws intact. The plating shows honest age wear and natural toning, particularly toward the lower drag, consistent with storage and period use.

Fitted with a correct Wehrmacht Luftwaffe (WL) Officer’s Dagger Portepee (Wehrmacht Luftwaffen Dolch Portepee für Offiziere). These were constructed on a wooden core with a white cotton string base, wrapped in flat and rolled silver-aluminium thread. The stem and acorn knot show light age toning and minor thread wear consistent with period service use. Structurally sound and well-presented.

Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 24.5 cm. Overall length: 38.7 cm.

Historical Note:
The Luftwaffe dagger holds particular historical significance within the context of Germany’s rearmament in the 1930s. Following the First World War, Germany was prohibited from maintaining an air force under the Treaty of Versailles. In 1933, the Nazi regime established the Deutscher Luftsport-Verband (DLV) as a paramilitary aviation organisation, effectively serving as a precursor to a future air arm. Officers of the DLV wore a long dagger as part of their uniform distinction.

In 1935, Adolf Hitler formally repudiated the Treaty of Versailles and announced the creation of the new German armed forces — the Wehrmacht — which included the newly established Luftwaffe as one of its branches. Luftwaffe officers initially adopted the First Model (1935 pattern) dagger, which was essentially a shortened version of the earlier DLV dagger. This first pattern featured a blue leather-covered scabbard, blue grip with wire wrap, winged crossguard with circular “sunwheel” swastika, and disc pommel bearing a large swastika.

In 1937, a redesigned dagger was introduced — the Second Pattern (M1937) Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger, as offered here. This model more closely resembled the officer daggers of the German Army. It featured:
- A metal scabbard with impressed pebble decoration and oak leaf mounts
- A cast eagle crossguard clutching a swastika
- A pommel with swastika set within an oak leaf wreath
- Grips in orange, white, or yellow tones (colour was a matter of personal preference, not rank or branch distinction)

Blades were produced in plated steel and were frequently, though not universally, maker-marked. Solingen firms such as Ernst Pack & Söhne were among the recognised manufacturers. The firm originated in 1909 as Pack, Ohliger & Co. GmbH Waffen und Stahlwarenfabrik. Following the dissolution of the partnership in 1922, it continued as Ernst Pack & Söhne m.b.H., operating from Ritterstraße in Solingen. Pack produced a wide range of edged weapons, including early NSDAP daggers and later Wehrmacht officer sidearms. Their Siegfried trademark is particularly well regarded among collectors for its bold and distinctive presentation. The company survived the war and re-registered with the Solingen Chamber of Commerce in 1951, continuing into the later twentieth century.

*Condition*
Blade retains strong original plating with minor age spotting; tip intact. Maker’s mark crisp and dark. Grip excellent with no cracks; wire tight. Crossguard and pommel retain good definition and even patina. Scabbard straight and dent-free with intact throat screws; plating shows honest age wear and toning to the drag. Portepee complete with light age-related thread wear but structurally sound. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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