SMGL-2573 2nd Luftwaffe Dagger by Horster w/ Marked Bands *SOLD

Usually later period Luftwaffe daggers are underwhelming, but this one really stands out! The wood filled celluloid grip is in fantastic shape with grip wire that’s in excellent shape as well. The pommel and cross guard show an average amount of wear. About as much as you would expect from aluminum fittings. The steel scabbard has aluminum suspension bands as usual. What I like about the scabbard aside from the lack of oxidation, is the hanger bands are stamped “73”. This would be an assembly aide to insure the correct bands go to the correct scabbard. You normal don’t see this on 2nd Luftwaffe daggers as most of the parts are universal and fitment issues can be corrected by the assembler rather easily. I guess it would make it faster for the assembler to grab and upper and lower from a tray more quickly if they were marked in pairs as we see here. The blade on this bad boy is really choice. I grade it a 9 out of 10 all day long. There is a tiny ding one one edge and some very light runner marks. The Horster etch is cleanly executed and really jumps out at you. In my opinion, this is one of the nicest firm logos out there. If you are looking for a really nice late production style to pair with your early style, this is a home run in my opinion.