WWII NAZI GERMAN LUFTWAFFE SWORD ARMY DAGGER WW2

WWII Nazi German crossguard lot to include 1) LUFTWAFFE 1ST PATTERN CROSS GUARD IN NICKLE SILVER. The nicely detailed cross guard features downwardly curved, stylized wings to each side with a central, raised circular panel with a gilt washed, canted, sunwheel swastika to both the obverse and reverse. In March 1933 the Deutscher Luftsport Verband, (German Air Sports League), was established by incorporating all civilian flying clubs into the one organization. The DLV was utilized as a camouflage civilian organization to train personnel for the future Luftwaffe. As a civilian organization it was able to circumvent the restrictions imposed by the Versailles Treaty, which prohibited a German military air service. In February and April 1934 respectively the DLV introduced a dagger for Officer’s and a knife for all ranks. Later in 1934 members of the Fliegerschaft, the secret military branch of the DLV, adopted both sidearms for wear. Also in late 1934 the "Ehrenschwert", (Honor Sword), was introduced by Hermann Göring for presentation to specifically selected personnel of the Fliegerschaft. With the official establishment of the Luftwaffe in March 1935, the newly introduced sword was awarded to all Luftwaffe officer’s in good-standing and the official designation of the sword was altered to Offizierschwert, (Officer’s Sword), although it was most commonly referred to as the Fliegerschwert, (Flyer’s Sword). Regulations dictated that all Officer’s and senior NCO’s wear the sword with the Service, Reporting, Walking-out, and Parade Dress uniforms. The early issue swords were constructed with German nickel/silver or plated fittings while later models, (circa-1940), had aluminum fittings. Of Note: Wear of the Luftwaffe Officer’s swords was discontinued by order of December 23RD 1944.2) OFFICER'S DAGGER CROSS GUARD. Nickel/silver plated, cast alloy construction, cross guard, for the army officer’s dagger. The obverse of the cross guard features a nicely detailed, embossed, right facing, national eagle with outstretched wings, clutching a wreathed, canted, swastika in it’s talons. Shows the expected age and use. Traditionally German Army Officer’s had worn a saber as part of the uniform dress and this tradition was carried on through the Weimar era and on into the Third Reich. In an attempt to build morale and curry favour within the Army, Hitler introduced the dress dagger for optional wear with the walking out dress, and retained the saber for wear on more formal occasions. The dress dagger was designed by Berlin graphic artist Paul Casberg and was officially approved for wear on May 4TH 1935 along with specifically styled dagger hangers and a new pattern portepee. Production of the dress dagger was to be discontinued as per regulations of May 27TH 1943 and further wear of the dress dagger was prohibited by order of September 5TH 1944. Additional regulations of December 23RD 1944 indicated that officer ranks were to wear a pistol in place of the dress dagger. The cross guard was an integral part of the Officer’s dagger.