Germany, DLV. A Flyer’s Knife, by Stöcker & Co.

(Deutscher Luftsportverband Fliegermesser). A Deutscher Luftsportverband (German Air Sports Association/DLV) Flyer’s Knife, measuring 34 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features an 18 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the edges and tip. The reverse ricasso is maker marked with the seated king logo of Stöcker & Co. Solingen. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy crossguard which takes the form of a pair of stylized wings, both sides of which are inset with central gilded sunwheel-style mobile swastikas. The handle consists of a wooden core fully lined on the exterior with a dark blue Moroccan leather liner, while the hilt culminates in a nickel-plated alloy pommel which screws in to maintain the knife’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a magnetic metal shaft which is similarly in dark blue Moroccan leather. Nickel-plated non-magnetic metal fixtures are secured to both the tip and throat with side rivets, while the latter retains a loop for the accommodation of a hanger. A functional catch situated within the throat holds the knife in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, loss of nickel-plating to the applicable fixtures, and moderate material fatigue throughout the leather features. This early example remains in a very fine condition.