UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons Army, Navy, and Luftwaffe Forum Opinions on this Luft Type 1 please

Hi Gents,
have the possibility of picking up this Unmarked Luft Type 1 and was wondernig if anyone could offer opinions before I pull the trigger? Thx for looking,
Cory










[img]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b286/ccuneo/Luft%20Dagger%20Type%201/LuftwaffeDaggerType1026.jpg[/img]

From the pics I cannot see any red flags concerning originallity. It seems to be a late pot metal grip fittings / steel scabbard fittings (please check with a magnet if all three fittings are magnetic) / leightweight chain configuration one. The dagger might have some small condition problems. In the last photograph it looks like the screw that fixes the fitting is missing half of the head (might be only the photograph). The grip partialy looks heavily treated with shoe polish; to be seen in the photographs 2, 4 and 5 (from top) at the neck beneath the swaz�roundell. For such a heavily polished grip the grip wire is absolutely untouched which leads to my thoughts that it might be replaced especially because the grip wires of nearly all 1st lufts have a 3 wire construct (therefore two smooth wires also would be missed).
Nevertheless I think the dagger is still in collectible condition and imo it would depend on the price to take it or leave it.
Regards,

Wotan,
thx for the reply, the part under the roundel, top of the grip looks more like some excess glue than shoe polish if that makes sense. It is bluish in color. Was wondering about the "missing" wires myself on the grip. The leather on the grip has some nicks ao its not perfect, wear seems to match the rest of the dagger IMO but I guess that could be orchestrated. Seller wants $500 US.
Cory

I'm going to change that last post, its not shoe polish nor glue. Its more like blue silicone that was used under the roundel like loctite to keep the roundel from coming off I guess. It was all inside the roundel when removed. ANy issues with this being unmarked? I understand this is not too common. Or any idea as to maker?
Thx COry

ANd yes scabbard fittings are magnetic,,,

Whatever has happended to the grip something HAS happened to the grip. The shiny grip wire tells the tale. Perhaps the whole grip wire was gone and replaced by this (for 1st lufts) relatively uncommon one.
Although they are right as rain, unmarked daggers are not in high demand by collectors.
Late pot metal 1st lufts in average and below condition are not in high demand by collectors.
Conclusion is that I would highly recommend to spend some more money and to get a dagger you can appreciate and there are no problems in case you want/need to resell it.
Regards,