Rare original RLB 2nd Model Leader’s Dagger by Paul Weyersberg & Co., Solingen, complete with its matching dark blue leather-covered scabbard and desirable RZM-marked double suspension hangers. Introduced in 1938 for leaders of the Reichsluftschutzbund, this impressive dagger features the large RLB starburst grip emblem, distinctive eagle and open swastika crossguard and a bright double-edged blade carrying the oval Paul Weyersberg trademark. The complete hanger assembly is marked RZM M5/10 and D.R.G.M., making this an unusually complete and highly collectable RLB Leader dagger ensemble.
€ 4.995
1 in stock
Organisation: Reichsluftschutzbund – RLB
Pattern: 2nd Model Leader’s Dagger / M38
German designation: RLB Führerdolch 2. Modell
Maker: Paul Weyersberg & Co., Solingen
Date: Circa 1938–1942
Blade: Double-edged, maker marked
Grip: Dark blue leather-covered
Scabbard: Dark blue leather-covered metal body
Hangers: Original RLB Leader double hangers
Hanger marking: RZM M5/10 – D.R.G.M.
Condition: Very good original condition
Designed for leaders of the Reichsluftschutzbund, or RLB, the dagger formed part of the organisation’s formal uniform equipment.
The present example is especially desirable because it survives together with its correct scabbard and complete double suspension system.
Moreover, both the dagger maker and hanger manufacturer can be identified from surviving period markings.
The blade carries the oval trademark of Paul Weyersberg & Co., Solingen. Meanwhile, the hanger’s upper suspension fitting carries the RZM code M5/10 together with the protected-design marking D.R.G.M.
Consequently, this is far more complete than the loose dagger-and-scabbard examples frequently encountered on the collector market.
The Reichsluftschutzbund, normally abbreviated RLB, was established on 29 April 1933 and operated under the authority of the Reich Ministry of Aviation.
Its principal purpose was civilian air-raid protection.
The organisation trained civilians in subjects including firefighting, gas protection, first aid, communications and preparing buildings for aerial attack.
Membership expanded extremely rapidly.
German Federal Archives research records more than eleven million members by February 1938, demonstrating the considerable scale of the organisation before the Second World War.
The Bundesarchiv preserves the surviving central RLB records under BArch RL 41. Its catalogue describes responsibilities including the organisation of civilian self-protection, construction and supervision of air-raid shelters and training of air-raid wardens.
For authoritative historical research:
Bundesarchiv – Reichsluftschutzbund archival holdings
The original RLB Leader dagger underwent an important redesign during 1938.
The resulting pattern is normally known by collectors as the:
or
Among the principal changes was the adoption of the later RLB starburst emblem with a much larger central swastika.
The suspension system also changed.
Instead of the simpler earlier arrangement, the second model employed a sophisticated double hanger system attached to the two suspension rings on the scabbard.
That configuration is present with this example.
The matching dagger, scabbard and RZM-marked hangers therefore form the correct ensemble for the later RLB Leader pattern.
The blade is clearly marked:
Paul Weyersberg was one of the established Solingen edged-weapon manufacturers supplying military and political organisations during the period.
The manufacturer’s trademark appears inside an oval immediately below the ricasso.
At the centre sits the firm’s characteristic sword motif surrounded by decorative elements.
This trademark remains clearly visible on the present blade.
Paul Weyersberg production of RLB daggers is well documented. Indeed, specialist auction archives record both RLB blades and complete 2nd Model Leader daggers carrying this manufacturer’s mark.
A particularly useful modern comparison comes from C&T Auctioneers, which catalogued a 2nd Pattern RLB Leader dagger by Paul Weyersberg & Co., Solingen with the same dark blue leather grip, starburst emblem and distinctive Leader crossguard.
C&T / The Saleroom – Paul Weyersberg RLB Leader dagger reference
The dagger retains its original broad double-edged blade.
Both surfaces retain a substantial amount of their original polish.
Fine runner marks and minor age-related surface traces are visible. However, these are compatible with normal drawing and replacing of the dagger within its scabbard.
The central ridge remains crisp.
Likewise, the edges appear well preserved.
Most importantly, there is no obvious evidence in the photographs of severe sharpening or major edge damage.
The Weyersberg trademark remains strongly visible close to the crossguard.
For a collector, this clear maker attribution adds materially to the appeal of the dagger.
The crossguard provides one of the most dramatic identifying features of the RLB Leader dagger.
A stylised eagle forms the centre of the guard.
Its short angular wings extend outward and merge visually with the long horizontally grooved quillons.
Below the eagle hangs a prominent open-work wreath and swastika device.
This pierced construction gives the RLB Leader dagger an appearance unlike virtually any other German dress dagger of the period.
The present crossguard retains strong detail.
Natural darkening remains within recessed areas, while raised surfaces retain an attractive silver-grey finish.
Importantly, the fitting has not been polished to an unnaturally bright appearance.
The dark grip contains the large later-pattern RLB organisation badge.
A black swastika forms the centre of the emblem.
Radiating geometric lines produce the characteristic RLB starburst design.
The badge sits firmly within the grip.
Its details remain remarkably strong.
Unlike the smaller emblem associated with earlier RLB insignia, this enlarged starburst configuration is one of the primary visual identifiers of the second model Leader dagger introduced in 1938.
The emblem therefore provides an important dating feature.
The shaped grip is covered in dark blue leather.
Because original RLB leather is extremely dark, it can appear virtually black under normal photographic lighting.
Nevertheless, dark blue was the characteristic RLB colour.
The leather displays a fine natural grain throughout.
Age-related compression and light handling marks can be seen in appropriate areas.
Significantly, the covering remains largely intact.
There is no obvious evidence from the supplied photographs of recent re-covering.
That is important because original RLB Leader grips frequently suffer from leather shrinkage and loss.
The grip terminates in the characteristic broad circular Leader dagger pommel.
Its smooth silver-coloured surface contrasts with the dark leather beneath it.
A narrow raised rim borders the upper edge.
Surface toning is compatible with the remaining dagger fittings.
Consequently, the pommel does not appear visually out of place with the crossguard or scabbard mounts.
The resulting overall appearance is pleasingly uniform.
The dagger is accompanied by its correct later-pattern scabbard.
A rigid metal body is covered with extremely dark blue leather.
Silver-coloured fittings protect the throat, centre and lower tip.
Two suspension rings are present.
The upper ring sits immediately beneath the throat fitting, while a second ring projects from the central scabbard band.
This arrangement was specifically intended for the double suspension system introduced with the second-model Leader dagger.
The lower chape remains complete.
Age toning and moderate surface wear can be seen throughout the metal fittings.
However, these characteristics contribute to the untouched appearance of the set.
The original leather covering displays attractive grain throughout its length.
Minor age and handling wear is present.
Nevertheless, the covering remains substantially complete and firmly attached.
Survival of original RLB blue leather is particularly important.
Later repairs can often be readily noticeable because achieving the correct texture and extremely dark blue tone is difficult.
The grip and scabbard on this example show a pleasing degree of visual consistency.
Perhaps the most valuable accessory accompanying this dagger is the complete RLB Leader double suspension hanger.
Two dark blue-to-black leather straps form the principal suspension elements.
Oval adjustment fittings sit on both straps.
Decorated rectangular fittings and lower sprung clips remain in place.
The components display considerable natural ageing.
Nevertheless, the complete configuration survives.
Original second-model RLB Leader hangers are scarce accessories in their own right.
For comparison, Ratisbon’s sold a used pair of RZM M5/10 RLB Leader hangers for €900 in 2018.
Ratisbon’s – RLB Leader dagger hangers M5/10
The presence of the original-style hangers therefore adds considerably to this dagger’s value.
The reverse of the upper hanger fitting carries particularly desirable markings.
Visible in the supplied close-up are:
The M5/10 RZM code is associated with Wilhelm Deus, Solingen for this category of metal fitting.
An independently documented set of RLB second-model Leader hangers carries precisely the same:
RZM M5/10
and
D.R.G.M.
markings.
Lakesidetrader identifies those fittings as Wilhelm Deus of Solingen.
This represents an excellent direct comparison with the hanger set accompanying the present dagger.
Lakesidetrader – RLB 2nd Model Leader dagger hangers M5/10
The letters D.R.G.M. stand for:
The designation indicated a registered German utility design.
It appears on numerous patented fittings and accessories manufactured during the period.
Its presence alongside the RZM code on these suspension fittings is therefore completely logical.
Moreover, the combination precisely matches surviving documented RLB hanger examples.
The suspension fittings incorporate several different decorative treatments.
Oval adjusters occupy the central sections.
Smaller metal bands display raised decoration.
The terminal clips carry floral or oak-leaf inspired ornament.
Four longitudinal rows of stitching can be seen running through the leather straps.
Natural cracking and wear are present.
However, these characteristics are consistent with genuine long-term use and storage.
Most importantly, the hangers have not been cosmetically restored to the point where their period character has disappeared.
Based on the photographs supplied, this RLB 2nd Model Leader’s Dagger by Paul Weyersberg displays an impressive group of mutually supporting characteristics.
Positive features include:
Furthermore, the combination can be compared directly with independently documented Paul Weyersberg RLB Leader daggers and M5/10 suspension systems.
No obvious modern reproduction characteristic is apparent from the supplied photographs.
Accordingly, the available evidence strongly supports cataloguing the ensemble as an original period RLB 2nd Model Leader dagger and suspension set.
As with any valuable edged weapon, absolute authentication should ultimately include hands-on inspection if a formal certificate is required.
Overall condition is very good and attractively untouched.
The blade remains bright with only moderate surface traces.
Its Paul Weyersberg trademark is clear.
Grip leather remains substantially intact, while the large RLB emblem survives strongly.
The crossguard displays pleasing natural patina.
Likewise, the scabbard furniture retains an even aged silver appearance.
Scabbard leather remains complete with visible original grain.
The hanger straps show genuine service and age wear. Nevertheless, they remain a complete and desirable pair.
Overall, the wear appears compatible across the dagger, scabbard and suspension equipment.
This ensemble should not be aggressively polished or restored.
The silver-grey patina visible on the crossguard, scabbard mounts and hanger fittings contributes positively to originality.
Likewise, the dark blue leather should not be recoloured with modern shoe polish.
The hangers should be stored without unnecessary tension because their aged leather is considerably more fragile than the dagger itself.
A stable environment with moderate humidity is preferable.
Preserving the existing untouched appearance will maintain both historical integrity and collector value.
RLB Leader daggers are considerably less common than Army or Luftwaffe officer daggers.
However, complete hanger sets are scarcer still.
Many surviving daggers lost their suspension equipment during or immediately after the war.
As a result, a dagger complete with its correct RZM-marked hangers represents a substantially better collector package.
The present set also benefits from identifiable manufacturers at two levels:
Dagger: Paul Weyersberg & Co., Solingen
Hanger: RZM M5/10, associated with Wilhelm Deus, Solingen
That level of identifiable period detail considerably strengthens the catalogue entry.
A very relevant current European dealer comparison is an RLB M38 2nd Model Leader dagger by Paul Weyersberg & Co., Solingen, complete with its original luxury double suspension.
That example is presently priced at:
Its description specifically records the Paul Weyersberg blade, dark leather covering and complete RLB Leader suspension system.
This is therefore a substantially more useful comparison than generic Third Reich dagger prices.
Spree Militaria – Paul Weyersberg RLB M38 Leader dagger with hangers
Additionally, documented RZM M5/10 hangers alone have previously achieved €900 at Ratisbon’s.
Taken together, these references demonstrate the significant premium attached to a complete Leader dagger ensemble.
Explore related listings: Luftwaffe Daggers.
The surviving official Reichsluftschutzbund records are preserved principally within Bundesarchiv Bestand RL 41.
Bundesarchiv / Archivportal-D – Reichsluftschutzbund RL 41
A particularly useful current comparison is another complete Paul Weyersberg M38 Leader dagger.
Paul Weyersberg RLB M38 Leader Dagger
Documented original RZM M5/10 RLB Leader suspension straps.
Ratisbon’s – RLB Leader Hangers M5/10
Detailed comparison showing the same RZM M5/10 and D.R.G.M. hanger markings.
Lakesidetrader – RLB 2nd Model Leader Hangers
The accompanying hangers should not be separated from this dagger.
Their RZM M5/10 and D.R.G.M. markings provide important additional historical information.
Moreover, original RLB Leader hanger sets are valuable collector pieces in their own right.
Keeping the dagger, scabbard and hangers together preserves both the historical integrity and maximum commercial value of the ensemble.
This RLB 2nd Model Leader’s Dagger by Paul Weyersberg & Co., Solingen is an impressive and unusually complete example of the Model 1938 RLB Führerdolch.
The maker-marked double-edged blade remains bright and attractive.
Likewise, the dark blue leather grip retains its distinctive later RLB starburst emblem.
The dramatic eagle crossguard with open-work wreath and swastika identifies the Leader pattern immediately.
Equally important, the correct dark blue leather-covered scabbard retains both suspension rings and its complete fittings.
Most significantly, the dagger is accompanied by its scarce double suspension system bearing the documented RZM M5/10 and D.R.G.M. markings.
Taken together, these features create a considerably more desirable ensemble than an isolated RLB Leader dagger.
For an advanced collection of Third Reich edged weapons, RLB militaria or maker-marked German dress daggers, this complete Paul Weyersberg example represents a particularly attractive acquisition.
