In March 1933, the Deutscher Luftsport-Verband (DLV) — the German Air Sports Association — was formed by consolidating all civilian flying clubs into a single national organization. Publicly, the DLV promoted aviation as a sport. Privately, it served as a camouflage program for training pilots and personnel for the future Luftwaffe, allowing Germany to circumvent the restrictions of the Versailles Treaty, which forbade the existence of a German military air force.
In early 1934 the DLV introduced two edged weapons:
- A dagger for officers (February 1934)
- A knife for all ranks (April 1934)
Later that same year, members of the Fliegerschaft — the secret military arm of the DLV — adopted both sidearms.
When the Luftwaffe was officially unveiled in March 1935, a slightly modified version of the DLV officer’s dagger was authorized for Luftwaffe Officers and qualified EM/NCOs who held a pilot’s license. On July 15, 1937, the Second Pattern Luftwaffe Dagger was introduced. It replaced the first model and was approved for Officers, Senior Officer Candidates, and officials with equivalent ranks. In 1940, regulations extended its wear to senior NCOs, reserve NCOs, and NCO-ranked officials.
The use of portepees and troddels — decorative knots worn on edged weapons — traced back to the Prussian Army in 1808. These items were retained through WWI, the Weimar Republic, and the Third Reich as traditional symbols. The Luftwaffe introduced its own officially sanctioned portepee design on March 1, 1935, modeled closely on the earlier Army officer’s pattern.
Veteran Provenance
This dagger comes from the estate of WWII U.S. veteran Carl Numrich, whose service history adds powerful personal context.
- Numrich served with the 11th Armored Division and later as a Sergeant in the U.S. 3rd Army.
- He fought during the Battle of the Bulge in late 1944.
- His unit advanced south and participated in the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp.
- He received the Bronze Star for his service while assigned to a tank battalion.
- After combat duty, he was responsible for obtaining vital supplies and keeping armored vehicles operational.
His son, Bob Numrich, shared that his father rarely spoke of the war, explaining that he had “had his fill” of the experience. Like many WWII veterans, he only discussed his wartime memories with fellow soldiers, and even then sparingly. The family preserved a box of war souvenirs that included daggers, a dual-decal SS helmet, flags, and other personal bring-backs from Europe.
This dagger remained stored in cosmoline since 1945, accounting for its exceptional preservation.
Description
This is an outstanding WKC Second Pattern Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger, complete with its original hanger and portepee — an exceptional, investment-grade example.
Blade
- Brilliant, bright, double-edged steel blade
- Crisp acid-etched knight’s head “WKC SOLINGEN” logo
- Produced by Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co.
- No sharpening, full tip, clean edges
- Original brown leather buffer pad intact
Scabbard
- Steel-based scabbard with an even grey finish
- Fine pebbling with well-defined oak leaves and acorns
- No dents; throat screw present and original
- Includes correct DRGM-marked Luftwaffe double strap hanger
- Hanger features zinc alloy clips and buckles with oak leaf and acorn motifs
Fittings
- Excellent Luftwaffe eagle with sharp details in wings, feathers, and chest
- Pommel and ferrule with strong oak leaf and acorn embellishments
- Burnt orange Trylon grip with tight wire wrap, no cracks or fading
Portepee
- Original Luftwaffe officer’s portepee
- Excellent condition, knot and cord fully intact
Condition
The dagger is exceptionally preserved due to being kept well-oiled in cosmoline by the veteran since the end of the war. As a result, this piece displays near-mint metalwork, pristine fittings, and a superior blade.
Overall rating: 9.5 / 10 — near impossible to upgrade.
