2ad3a32e_es__World_War_II__Nazi_Germany__Description
[Grade] NM [Item #] D230 [Description] 
2nd Model Luftwaffe Officer's Dress Dagger by Pumawerk (Lauterjung & Sohn) of Solingen. This near mint beauty was produced by the "Puma" firm who known as a very RARE maker of the 2nd model Luftwaffe dagger and others. This example features highly detailed WKC style fittings with a "blued" or "airplane gray" finish and gilt swastikas on the dark gray pommel cap. This small firm and others like them were known for buying their parts from major firms like WKC. It's quite normal to see WKC fittings on daggers like this, along with what is referred to as a "generic" style scabbard that we also tend to attribute to the same WKC firm. The matching cross guard and ferrule ring retain 100% of the airplane gray finish and show exquisite detail. The feathers on the eagle's wings and the relief-style oak leaf design on the top of the cross guard arms are recognized as one of the more common WKC designs. The blued finish on the scabbard is a perfect match to the other fittings and remains in near mint condition despite some very minor carbon spotting on the obverse chape (tip). The plated steel shell is in perfect condition with no dents with a standard throat which is retained by two flush head side screws. The darkened fittings set off the light orange solid trolon/celluliod grip which is in perfect condition and sports a bright aluminum, tightly wrapped springy wire. The mirror finished blade is in excellent+ condition with some minor carbon spotting and a few subtle scratches from being handled. The reverse ricasso is etched with the later style Puma trademark which retains all of the original frosting with no signs of polishing. The original reddish/brown leather buffer pad is still intact and tucked neatly into the cast cross guard. Over all an honest example of a rarely seen maker, purchased from the capturing vet's daughter "Mary" who came to me with the SMF(D228) and the unmarked(D235) 2nd model Luftwaffe daggers listed below. Unfortunately their scabbard tips were covered with rust...along with several black wound badges and a pile of tinnies that were basically a wad of rusted metal in the bottom of her father's wooden chest. FortunatelY this treasure and an Eickhorn RZM etched SA dagger sporting an optional "Oak Leaf Motif" scabbard for an SS Honor Dagger were spared and suffer no damage other than the carbon spotting referred to in my description. The SS scabbard was sold separately for obvious reasons, so I'm seeking a painted scabbard with plated fittings for the SA dagger before listing it. After discussing this with Mary and Bruce Petrin, we came to the conclusion that Mary's father must have picked these daggers up at a "depot" or dump site for confiscated weapons.
Third Reich Depot, military collectables, World War II, Nazi Germany
Description