Exceptionally desirable Robert Klaas Luftwaffe dagger featuring the scarce black grip associated with Klaas manufacture. This complete M1937 Second Model Officer’s Dagger retains a superb bright blade, original-style scabbard, two-piece officer hangers and silver-grey portepee.
Most importantly, the ensemble is accompanied by a pair of Luftwaffe pilot’s black leather flying gloves, creating an unusually impressive Luftwaffe officer and flying-equipment group.
Traditionally described by collectors as a “Funeral” or “Mourning” Luftwaffe dagger, the black-grip Klaas variation remains considerably scarcer than standard ivory or orange-grip examples.
€ 4.495
1 in stock
This outstanding Robert Klaas Luftwaffe dagger represents one of the more desirable variations of the Model 1937 Second Pattern Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger.
Manufactured by Robert Klaas of Solingen, the dagger combines the scarce black grip with an exceptionally bright double-edged blade, excellent fittings, matching scabbard, complete officer suspension straps and silver-grey portepee.
Adding considerably to the display is an accompanying pair of Luftwaffe pilot’s black leather flying gloves.
Rather than representing an unrelated accessory, these gloves belong to the wider sphere of Luftwaffe flight equipment. Consequently, the entire ensemble creates a particularly strong display of Luftwaffe officer and flying material.
The defining feature of this Robert Klaas Luftwaffe dagger is its unusual black grip.
Deep black material forms the spiral grip body, while fine twisted metallic wire follows the grooves from pommel to crossguard.
Standard Second Model Luftwaffe daggers generally appear with ivory, cream, yellow or orange-toned grips. Black examples are considerably less common and are particularly associated with Robert Klaas manufacture.
Collectors have traditionally called these daggers “Funeral Daggers” or “Mourning Daggers.”
However, no definitive period Luftwaffe regulation has yet established that the black grip officially denoted funeral wear.
For catalogue purposes, the most accurate description is therefore:
Robert Klaas black-grip M1937 Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger – traditionally known to collectors as the “Funeral” type.
This wording acknowledges established collector terminology without presenting an unproven historical interpretation as fact.
The blade carries the distinctive Robert Klaas maker trademark.
Two opposing birds appear above the wording:
ROBT. KLAAS
SOLINGEN
Collectors frequently refer to this emblem as the famous “Kissing Cranes” trademark.
Robert Klaas has a long history within the Solingen cutlery and edged-weapons industry. The company traces its origins to the nineteenth century and later developed an important military edged-weapons division.
Further information can be found through the official Robert Klaas company history.
The blade is an especially strong feature of this dagger.
Its polished double-edged surface remains remarkably bright and reflective. Both cutting edges retain strong definition, while the spear-point tip remains intact.
Only limited age and normal scabbard contact are visible.
Equally important, the Robert Klaas maker mark remains clearly visible close to the ricasso beneath the crossguard.
The combination of a superb blade and scarce black grip places this example considerably above the level of a standard production Luftwaffe dagger.
The substantial aluminium crossguard takes the form of the characteristic Luftwaffe eagle in flight.
Fine feather detail remains visible throughout the wings. Beneath the eagle sits the swastika held within its talons.
Pebbled decoration covers the reverse of the guard and provides the familiar appearance associated with the M1937 pattern.
Natural age toning remains present across the surface. As a result, the crossguard retains attractive original character without appearing over-cleaned.
The upper pommel follows the classic Second Model Luftwaffe design.
A central swastika sits inside a decorative oak-leaf wreath. Recessed textured fields contrast with the raised decoration and create considerable visual depth.
Both pommel and crossguard display complementary ageing.
Importantly, excessive modern polishing has not removed the definition of the design.
The accompanying steel scabbard remains extremely attractive.
Fine pebbling covers the principal surface. Two oak-leaf decorated suspension bands surround the body and retain their suspension rings.
Additional oak-leaf decoration appears on the lower fitting, while the rounded terminal remains intact.
No major distracting dents can be seen in the supplied photographs.
Furthermore, the tone of the scabbard fittings works particularly well with the naturally aged dagger hilt.
The Robert Klaas Luftwaffe dagger is accompanied by its complete two-piece suspension assembly.
Silver-grey woven fronts display the characteristic dark longitudinal stripes. Black material backs the straps on their reverse surfaces.
Decorated rectangular adjustment buckles remain fitted to the hangers.
Matching slides, suspension fittings and the substantial upper attachment are also present.
Natural age toning can be seen across the metal hardware. Consequently, the hangers retain the appearance expected from genuinely worn period equipment.
Complete Luftwaffe dagger hangers have become highly collectable accessories in their own right. Their presence therefore adds considerably to the completeness and desirability of this example.
Explore further examples in our Luftwaffe Daggers collection.
A silver-grey officer portepee remains tied around the grip and crossguard.
Its woven cord, stem and substantial acorn remain in excellent condition.
Gentle age toning complements the dagger fittings and hanger straps. Moreover, the knot retains an attractive full shape rather than appearing flattened or heavily disturbed.
The presence of the portepee completes the traditional officer presentation of the dagger.
A particularly interesting addition to this ensemble is the accompanying pair of Luftwaffe pilot’s flying gloves.
Constructed from supple black leather, the gloves display extensive natural grain, creasing and age consistent with genuine period flying equipment.
Their elongated cuffs provided additional coverage around the wrist and lower forearm, an important practical consideration when worn with flight clothing.
The leather retains an attractive untouched appearance. Wear across the fingers, palms and cuffs reflects genuine use rather than artificial distressing.
Internal markings are also present inside the gloves.
Although portions of the markings are faint, their survival adds another useful period characteristic to the pair.
These should therefore be catalogued as:
Original Luftwaffe pilot’s black leather flying gloves accompanying the dagger ensemble.
Their inclusion makes the group considerably more interesting than a dagger alone.
Luftwaffe aircrew required specialised clothing and equipment designed for cockpit conditions.
Flying gloves formed part of this practical equipment. Leather provided protection, warmth and grip while still allowing the pilot to operate controls effectively.
Black leather variants are well documented within Luftwaffe flight-equipment collecting.
Combined with an officer’s dagger, these gloves create a particularly effective display linking ceremonial officer equipment with operational flying material.
For historical research into surviving Luftwaffe documentation, consult the Bundesarchiv guide to German armed forces records 1933–1945.
The term “Funeral Dagger” requires some qualification.
Earlier collector literature frequently applied the description to black-grip Robert Klaas Army and Luftwaffe daggers.
Consequently, the terminology became established within the collecting community.
Nevertheless, documentary evidence proving an official Luftwaffe black-grip funeral dagger remains elusive.
An alternative explanation proposes that Robert Klaas used black grip material on certain daggers, sometimes applying a lighter surface coating.
Wear or deterioration of that coating could subsequently reveal the darker material beneath.
Therefore, the black-grip Klaas dagger should be recognised as a scarce production variation without overstating the traditional funeral interpretation.
A documented comparison can be viewed through this Robert Klaas black-grip Luftwaffe dagger reference.
The characteristics visible in the supplied photographs correspond closely with recognised Robert Klaas Second Model Luftwaffe daggers.
Important features include:
No obvious reproduction feature is apparent from the supplied photographs.
Nevertheless, any high-value militaria item should ideally receive an in-hand inspection before definitive authentication.
Overall condition: Excellent collector condition.
The blade remains exceptionally bright and represents one of the strongest aspects of the dagger.
Its point appears intact, while the edges retain excellent definition.
Likewise, the black grip remains very attractive and the twisted wire sits correctly within the spiral grooves.
Pommel and crossguard retain strong detail together with desirable natural surface toning.
The scabbard appears straight and preserves excellent pebbling.
Both suspension straps remain complete with their principal fittings, while the portepee retains its full woven form.
The Luftwaffe pilot’s gloves show greater service wear, which is entirely appropriate for functional flying equipment. Their creasing, leather grain and surface ageing add considerably to their character.
This ensemble stands far above an ordinary Second Model Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger.
Its principal strengths include:
Few complete Luftwaffe groups combine a scarce black-grip dagger with both its suspension equipment and genuine aviation-related accessories.
Consequently, the ensemble has strong appeal for advanced collectors of Luftwaffe edged weapons, uniforms and flying equipment.
Explore related listings: Luftwaffe Daggers; Third Reich Edged Weapons collection; Original SMF Luftwaffe Presentation Dagger; Original WWII German Luftwaffe Officer’s Dagger by SMF Solingen with Waffenamt Acceptance Mark.
Robert Klaas – Official Company History
Bundesarchiv – German Armed Forces 1933–1945
DG.DE – Robert Klaas Black-Grip Luftwaffe Dagger Reference
Its black grip distinguishes it from the far more common ivory, cream, yellow and orange-grip Second Model Luftwaffe daggers.
“Funeral Dagger” is a traditional collector term. No definitive period regulation currently proves that black grips were officially reserved for funeral use.
The blade bears the distinctive ROBT. KLAAS SOLINGEN twin-bird trademark.
Yes. The ensemble retains a complete two-piece Luftwaffe-style officer suspension set.
Yes. A silver-grey Luftwaffe officer portepee remains tied around the hilt.
They are Luftwaffe pilot’s black leather flying gloves, representing functional aviation equipment rather than ordinary civilian gloves.
They accompany the ensemble. Unless documented provenance establishes common ownership, the safest catalogue wording is that the Luftwaffe pilot’s gloves accompany the dagger rather than claiming an unquestionably original matched grouping.
