BACKGROUND: In March 1933 the Deutscher Luftsport Verband, (German Air Sports League), was established by incorporating all civilian flying clubs into the one organization. The DLV was utilized as a camouflage civilian organization to train personnel for the future Luftwaffe. As a civilian organization it was able to circumvent the restrictions imposed by the Versailles Treaty, which prohibited a German military air service. In February and April 1934 respectively the DLV introduced a dagger for Officer’s and a knife for all ranks. Later in 1934 members of the Fliegerschaft, the secret military branch of the DLV, adopted both sidearms for wear. Shortly after the unveiling of the Luftwaffe in March 1935 a modified version of the DLV’s Officer’s dagger was adopted for wear by Luftwaffe Officer’s and EM/NCO’s personnel who held a valid pilots licence. On July 15TH 1937 a second pattern Luftwaffe dagger was introduced for wear by Officers, Senior Officer Candidates and Officials with the equivalent Officers ranks and the first pattern dagger was discontinued. Additional regulations of March and August 1940 extended wear of the second pattern dagger to senior NCO’s, senior reserve NCO’s and Officials with the equivalent NCO’s ranks. Blade side arm portepees and troddels were originally introduced in the Prussian army in 1808, and continued to be worn with the Dress uniform, as a tradition and identifying item through WWI, the Weimar Republic and on into the Third Reich, with minor modifications. The Luftwaffe version of the portepee was officially introduced on March 1ST 1935 and the design was based on the earlier army officers portepee.
Veteran Background: “My father, deceased, Carl Numrich was a WWII Army veteran serving with the 11th Armored Division. We have an ammo box of items including a dual decal SS helmet in very good condition both inside and out, a number of daggers, flag, what appears to be motorcycle goggles with original box with clear and tinted lenses. We are interested to selling these either as a group or individually. I would appreciate your feedback. I have attached photos in two emails.”
Thank you
Bob Numrich"
Conversational Notes via Telephone
His father Carl Numrich started out in 11th Armored and was a Sgt. in the 3rd Army fought in Battle of the Bulge in Oct/Nov. of 1944. Then went south to liberated Mauthausen concentration camp. Received the bronze star while in tank battalion then was in charge of procuring supplies and making sure the tanks kept running. He had some disturbing photos of the concentration camp but never spoke to his son about what he had seen. His son Bob told me that his father “ had had his fill from the war” and so didn’t like to talk about it. Sometimes he remembers that fellow WW2 vets in his town would get together at a local bar and talk about it but only ever amongst themselves.
DESCRIPTION
Outstanding WKC German WWII Luftwaffe Officer’s dagger with correct hanger and portepee. The bright blade on this dagger is in excellent condition with a crisp acid etched knight’s head, “WKC SOLINGEN” indicating manufacture by Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co.. The double beveled steel blade shows no sharpening with a sharp tip. The original brown leather buffer pad remains intact. The scabbard is steel based with an even grey finish with pebbling, oak leafs and acorns. The scabbard is free of dents and the single screw at the throat is retained. The scabbard includes a correct, DRGM marked Luftwaffe double strap hanger with zinc alloy clips and buckles adorned with oak leaves and acorns. The Luftwaffe eagle has outstanding detail to the head, feathers, wings and a crisp swastika. The aluminum pommel and steel ferrule have a great look with sharp oak leaves and acorns. The burnt orange Trylon grip has a good color with a tight wire wrap. The accompanying portepee is correct and in excellent condition. The original owner the son of veteran/military dentist from KCMO had it well greased in cosmoline since the war's end and so it really did maintain itself in perfect condition. This Luftwaffe dagger and hanger is a 9.5 on a scale of 1-10.
$950
Please call, text or email me if interested.
Tel/Text: 1-438-502-5052
Email Us: helmetsofwar@gmail.com
