Luftwaffe dirk 2nd model 1937.

The standard Luftwaffe dirk of the second model had a steel blade and a length of 25.5 to 26.5 cm.

The head and cross were made of cast aluminum or alloy, some can be found with an anodized finish. In the center of the head was a gilded swastika surrounded by oak leaves. The color of the swastika could vary from dull bronze to bright gold. The finish varied from light gray to almost black. The head is screwed to the blade to secure the hilt and crossguard.

The handle of the dirk came in different colors: white, yellow, orange with silver wire running counterclockwise down the hilt. The wire thread could be very thin and wrapped tightly around the handle. This wire could be of different colors and materials, from brass to aluminum.

An eagle with wide open wings holding a swastika decorates the front of the cross. The back of the cross can be decorated with engraving in the form of oak leaves or simply embossed metal. The finish can also vary from dark oxide to pale gray or with a darkened background to emphasize details.

Additional accessories such as an ivory or amber hilt could be purchased for this dirk. It should be noted that the 2nd Luftwaffe dirk found from the maker Robert Klaas has a black hilt wrapped in silver wire. What this dirk was produced for is unknown, but it is a known fact that only Klaas made them.

The standard issue blade did not have the motto engraved on the blade. Some manufacturers used nickel plating. However, some blades may have an etching if the owner ordered one. A serial number can be found on some Luftwaffe blades. This indicates that it was purchased by the government to be issued to officers and high-ranking NCOs who could not or would not purchase a dirk for service.

The scabbard was made of steel. The surface is embossed steel. The scabbard is decorated with oak leaves and has two rings for attaching the suspension. The glass of the sheath is also decorated with oak sprigs that rise to the mouth. The finish of the scabbard can vary from pale gray to dark gray. Additionally, it was possible to order the scabbard in silver or nickel. They were coated with transparent lacquer.

The pendant consisted of a double strap with blue-gray fronts and silver edges The back of the pendant was of dark velvet. The buckles of the pendant were square with oak leaves on the edges. It is very rare to find pendants with gold trim.

The templar is silver, 23 cm long. There is also a gold-colored and silver with black lines, although there is no documentation as to why these variations exist.

Accessories like an ivory hilt or Damascus steel blade, modernized pendants were available for an additional cost.

The Luftwaffe 2nd model dirk was commissioned in October 1937 and was discontinued in December 1944. The dirk of this model is considered rare, but with a scabbard in matte copper-gold finish, possibly for officers of the rank of general.