Rare Transitional DLV “Soft Shell” Luftwaffe Dagger by David Malsch

This rare dagger model is the successor to the 55cm DLV dagger. It is the same size as the 1st model Luftwaffe dagger, but the scabbard is made of leather without a steel base like the 55cm DLV. The scabbard fittings are held on by 3 staples. These early transitional models were always made from solid nickel silver. This example is in excellent condition with a clean nickel-plated blade bearing the David Malsch logo on the backside, lightly etched. Next to the maker’s mark, we can see the Luftwaffe Waffenamt stamp. The blue leather buffer pad is still attached around the blade. The soft shell scabbard has swollen portions, typical for these scabbards as the blade runners on the inside push the leather outward over time. The chain is also made of heavy nickel silver. The working snap clip is slightly pressed flat.