Here is part of a recent exchange of emails between LTC Tom Johnson and myself concerning the "Grip Color Theory".
Dear �Notaguru:�
I have been reading with interest the long drawn out discussions on the German
Daggers forum about all white versus colored dagger grips. I think we should be
able to put the matter to rest if all of the �all white� advocates would
have a look at the 1960 photographs that appear on pages 29 and 36 of my Volume
II of Collecting the Edged Weapons of the Third Reich. They show a huge
grouping of 2nd Model Luftwaffe pommels, crossguards, and grips for the 2nd
Model Luftwaffe, Army, and TENO Officer�s daggers located by Jim Atwood in the
cellar of the Carl Eickhorn firm in Solingen during 1960.
A close study of the picture appearing on page 36 on the left will reveal that
all of the grips are not the same color. Some are very light, while others are
quite dark. Since all of the grips that Jim got initially from the Eickhorn
company were subjected to the same room temperature, humidity, and light
conditions in the basement of the Eickhorn factory, it would appear that grips
were, indeed, manufactured in various colors.
Futhermore, as you and most dagger collectors know, Brian, I had the opportunity
in the early 1970�s to purchase from Jim Atwood practically all of the
original parts that he acquired in Solingen in 1960. I can tell you without
question that I bought boxes of yellow 2nd Model Luftwaffe and Army grips, some
white over wood base Army and 2nd Model Luftwaffe grips, some solid white 2nd
Model Luftwaffe grips, and a large selection of TENO Officer�s grips, some of
which were light yellow and some closer to orange in color, and also a large
grouping of solid black 2nd Model Luftwaffe grips (obviously, Robert Klaas was
not the only manufacturer of the so-called �funeral� dagger). Since Jim
stored all of these parts in his outbuilding on his island in Savannah, I can
tell you that each grip was subjected to the same temperature, humidity, there,
as well.
Additionally, Vic Diehl has provided in this thread some critical information on
this subject. The one source of information that even skeptical collectors
accept as being valid is an original 1930�s Solingen factory sales catalog.
Vic is absolutely correct that the ultra-rare SMF catalog in the Klingenmuseum
in Solingen shows �non-white� 2nd Luftwaffe grips.
Sincerely Yours,
LTC (Ret) Thomas M. Johnson
President
Johnson Reference Books & Militaria
TMJ:spb
Dear Tom:
I've just about given up discussing this subject. It has become like a religion. Actual period color and B&W photos really mean nothing to a lot of collectors. They are convinced that some grips turned dark almost upon sale from the factory while the rest
turned various shades due to the proverbial heated sock drawer in the attic by
the window.
Having worked for 3 different German engineering and manufacturing companies for
a few years, I can tell you that the bosses I had would never have produced,
sold or bought such an unstable product as this. Can you imagine the
embarassment the CEO of Hoescht when the 2nd Model Luft Generals white sword
grip turned the same orange as a 1st LT's dagger? There might be a few red faces
over that one and more than a few people looking for jobs.
Like I said, I've just about given up, but I love beating this dead
horse.
Brian
