Original WWII German Miniature Salesman's Sample 2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger Marked to Alfred Teves G.m.b.H. by SMF

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a "Miniature" 2nd Model Luftwaffe dagger, which have been observed from several different makers. It is a fine Solingen-Produced example made by the well-known Solingen-based firm of Solinger Metalwaren-Fabrik Stöcker & Co.. Often referred to as "salesman samples", there is definitely debate over the purpose of these miniature daggers, which are quite useful as letter openers as well. They are constructed much as the full size daggers, but the idea of a miniature dagger to be used as a sample by sales staff seems somewhat suspect, as the real thing isn't excessively large.

The celluloid grip of this miniature dagger has faded to a lovely dark pumpkin orange color, and remains in good condition throughout, with the original wrapping still present. Some areas are bit darker due to differing amounts of light exposure. There is some staining, as well as a chip near the ferrule. The hilt mountings look to be of all aluminum construction with oxide darkened accents, very common for use on 2nd model Luftwaffe daggers. Aluminum was an "Air Age" material, which was used to make most airplanes. It was considered fitting and desirable for the eagle-shaped guard to be made of this material. The crossguard has the iconic Luftwaffe eagle perched on a swas (hook cross), with the bird looking to the left, with the rear side pebbled. The cross guard is definitely loose, probably due to the grip shrinking over the years.

This example was produced by Solinger Metalwaren-Fabrik Stöcker & Co. GmbH, also known as SMF, who were one of the major producers of this knife during WWII. Their "Seated King" over SMF / SOLINGEN trademark is seen on the reverse base of the blade. They were one of the major suppliers of edged weapons to the Luftwaffe during WWII. As the name implies, they were located in Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in Western Germany. For more information, please see J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS. Below to logo is D.R.G.M., indicating that the miniature dagger is a protected / patented design.

The blade itself is nickel plated, and still in very good condition, with some scratching and scuffing to the finish. There is a bit bending near the tip, but no plating loss or oxidation that we can see, just some tiny dents on the edge. The blade has a lovely attribution marked on the blade:

ALFRED TEVES G.m.b.H. / FRANKFURT a.M.

Alfred Teves was a German ship's captain who after a short naval career from 1898 reinvented himself as an auto industry entrepreneur. The "Alfred Teves Maschinen- und Armaturenfabrik" company became one of the largest suppliers of components and sub-assemblies to the German auto-industry. It was rebranded during the early 1920s, more succinctly, as "ATE". After the boom years the depression of 1929 followed, and then the rise of the NSDAP. Teves did not agree with the NSDAP views, resulting in clashes that eventually led him to become only partially in control of his company. Definitely some nice research potential here!

A very interesting miniature 2nd Model Luftwaffe dagger, made by a well-known Solingen maker. Ready to add to your collection!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 3/4"
Overall length: 8 3/4”
Crossguard: 2 1/16”