UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons Army, Navy, and Luftwaffe Forum 'Frankenstein' Luft2 Daggers

Recently, I was exposed to the theory that many of the new and so-called rare maker marked Luft2s that are seen nowadays have been created by enterprising fakers who take rare and semi rare army blades, fit them to Luft2 fittings (many to WKC since they were a known supplier of parts to many small producers), and voila, a brand new and never seen before maker marked Luft2.

My question to all of you is why would someone take a rare army blade, which by itself has value, and create a rare Luft2 which probably would have the same value to collectors of these rare marks?

I can understand why there are some so-called parts daggers made out of original parts, but post war assembled, but these others baffle me.

Let's use Aesculap as an example... an Aesculap army dagger would command a premium for maker mark collectors of army daggers... creating an Aesculap Luft2 would create a dagger that would be no easier to sell and not command a premium over the army ... my opinion of course.

Any one want to throw in their two cents wrth here?

John

Hi John

First I've heard of this though I'm aware that there are a few 2nd lufts out there with spurious army blades but not with these rare marks, seems daft to me.

Gary

John (and Gary) , Some things that we see might not make economic sense, but that is not the only reason. Sometimes daggers were postwar modified for �bragging rights�. Like all of the mixing and matching of (especially grips) and other parts that was quite common 10 (?) years ago. And I know of at least one instance where an item was specifically created just to �yank somebody's chain� (actually a group of collectors) just for fun - no profit motive involved.

The type of 2nd Luftwaffe fittings used was not specified, but by using Jetter u. Scheerer as an example, that presents another possible issue which is timing. A non-Solingen based contractor to the Wehrmacht, as the military contracts were increased - how much did that affect the civilian side (ie: daggers) and when?

And while I tend to be more of a �Type� collector myself, I�ve done my fair share of �Chasing after trademarks�. So I can understand not wanting to have a postwar fake (even if from original parts) in my own collection - and why the topic was brought up. Best Regards to you both, Fred

John Z not sure I buy this myself your right many rare trademarks are just as desirable on an army as luft so sounds like BS to me.

We live in paranoid times.

I know of people who will never buy an etched blade since they believe all etches are post war and are fakes meant to fool us.

But, it is a little strange that some very rare, almost unique, TMs on Armies and Lufts are coming out of what was once the Eastern Block.

I think that if a new mark were created, it would be placed on very nice and minty unmarked blades, not on some of the crappy looking ones that I have (and have seen) with the rarer marks.

John

John, I tend to be of the opinion that you have to look at them all. And look closely. At both the �beaters� - as well as the minty examples.

A case in point is this counterfeiters test etching of a �Party Day� knife. Not one of the minty aluminum hilted (PW) variety, this tired puppy at first glance might look OK. But upon closer inspection it can be seen that one side of blade has been polished and then etched with the �Party Day� motif. With the pitting and abuse that the blade has suffered earlier showing through the newly done etching. Best Regards, Fred

JohnZ,
Can you remember the maker names of these very rare and almost unique Armies and Lufts coming from the eastern blocks. Anyone have pictures? Thanks.