EARLY DLV FLYERS DAGGER/KNIFE BY ‘BALOON MAN’ GEBRUDER HELLER.

This is the second one of these I’ve had in the past few months having not had of this sort after maker for years! I bet I now won’t see another for years! A great little dagger and in highly collectable condition. These were worn by the initial members of the DLV (Deutsche Luftsportverband). Basically a ‘volunteer’ glider pilots organisation formed in 1933 to get around the restrictions placed on Germany by the Versailles Treaty of 1919.
Dagger has all of the finish to the nickel fittings. The enamel swastikas inset into the crossguard are both 100%. Grip and scabbard are covered in blue Morrocan leather and in great condition. Lower scabbard ball has a small dent to the tip. The original integral short leather hanger with nickel clip, is attached to the scabbard ring. Of course the scabbard throat is stamped with the tiny DLV symbol of Icarus the ‘flying man’. Dagger crossguard is marked on the ends of BOTH arms. A ‘K’ on one and a ‘numbers’ mark of some description on the other. In addition, the main ‘block’ of the crossguard is also stamped H 58. This is probably an issue or accountability mark from the DLV ‘stores’. Quite unique. Blade is very nice. Lots of crossgrain polish remaining. Some very slight old finger smudges and a tiny bit of staining to the very tip. The lovely Gebruder Heller trademark of the man holding his bunch of balloons is deeply etched to the riccasso.
A great little dagger with unique features.

Code: 4692