WW2 Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger – WKC Solingen, with Hanger & Portepee

In March 1933, the Deutscher Luftsport Verband (DLV) was created to consolidate civilian flying clubs, functioning as a covert training ground for the future Luftwaffe. By 1934, the DLV had introduced sidearms for its members — a dagger for officers and a knife for all ranks — which were later adopted by the secret Fliegerschaft branch. When the Luftwaffe was formally unveiled in 1935, these sidearms evolved into official service daggers.

The second pattern Luftwaffe Officer’s dagger, introduced on July 15, 1937, remained in wear throughout the war, carried by officers, senior candidates, and officials. Its design carried on long-standing German military traditions, including the portepee, which had roots in Prussian service as early as 1808.

Veteran Provenance

This dagger comes from the estate of Sgt. Carl Numrich, a WWII U.S. Army veteran with the 11th Armored Division, 3rd Army. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge (1944), later moved south to participate in the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp, and was awarded the Bronze Star.

His son, Bob Numrich, recalls that his father rarely spoke of the war, keeping silent about the disturbing sights of the camps. What little he shared came through quiet gatherings with fellow veterans in local bars. Among the items Carl Numrich brought home were a dual-decal SS helmet, daggers, flags, goggles, and other captured relics — preserved by the family until today.

Description

An outstanding WKC Luftwaffe Officer’s dagger, complete with correct hanger and portepee.

• Maker: Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co. (WKC), Solingen
• Blade: Bright, double-edged steel blade, excellent condition with sharp tip, crisp acid-etched knight’s head “WKC SOLINGEN” logo, original brown leather buffer pad intact
• Scabbard: Steel base with even gray finish, pebbling, oak leaf and acorn motifs; no dents, throat screw intact
• Hanger: Correct DRGM-marked Luftwaffe double strap hanger with zinc alloy fittings, oak leaf & acorn motifs
• Pommel & Ferrule: Aluminum and steel with sharp oak leaf/acorn details, clean and crisp
• Grip: Burnt orange Trylon grip, tight wire wrap, excellent color preservation
• Portepee: Original Luftwaffe issue, correctly tied, excellent condition
• Condition Rating: 9.5/10 — near mint; preserved in cosmoline since war’s end, ensuring remarkable survival

Collector’s Analysis

• Authenticity: Textbook mid-war WKC production with all correct fittings
• Condition: High-grade survivor, exceptional preservation from cosmoline storage
• Rarity: Complete with hanger & portepee — many surviving daggers lack these accessories
• Provenance: Direct U.S. veteran bring-back, tied to a Bronze Star recipient who saw combat from the Bulge to liberation