Hi guys,
What's the deal with the LW minis? A few years ago, a search through the internet only showed another guy in Australia or NZ, which owned one. Now I read that they are fakes and that there are lots around. I own an mini LW ~8", with a silvery scabbard, which was reportedly bought in NY by a now deceased relative back in 1949-50.
What's the latest on this? I'm enclosing a couple attachments, the portepee is a latter addition from a fellow collector.
Any idea on the current average value for these things?
Regards
M

Another pic

Manual,
Its difficult from the pictures to tell if the hilt is 100% correct or a post war production. The scabbard is clearly not a luft (blue leather covered) however, but appears to a be a navy scabbard void of brass coloring. I can't make out the blade inscription, but submit anything other than an advertising logo or a unit designation or award type inscription should be viewed with suspicion. Years ago there were numerous very well constructed 2nd model lufts making the show circuits. They too had inscriptions, I believe referring to a 50th anniversary event, but recognizable as fake by their excessive weight. I think your at best is a parts dagger, and the blade may or may not be legit. Perhaps others have seen these in person can render more detailed opinions.

Andy

Hi Andy,
Thanks for your answer. That's the scabbard it came with. I'm enclosing a pic of the blade and hilt. BTW, I cant's see the pics I posted anymore. Is it my browser, or did I unwittingly submitted "offensive imagery" by posting the swastikas in the hilt?
Regards
M

hilt

This is more like an inexpensive letter opener than a quality miniature. It may be original or an old fake as I don't recall seeing another exactly like this one with the inscription to this unit. But-- there is no doubt the scabbard is not correct. These usually come with a blue leather/leatherette scabbard that sometimes has a rather plain looking lower metal fitting, no top fitting, or no scabbard at all.

Howdy Max,
THX for the info. The question now is why would they make a fake in 1949-50, when there were so many "deutsche dolches" floating around, as vet bring-backs...
Perhaps its a case of switched scabbards, by the original careless owner.
Regards
Manuel

quote:

Originally posted by Houston Coates:
This is more like an inexpensive letter opener than a quality miniature. It may be original or an old fake as I don't recall seeing another exactly like this one with the inscription to this unit. But-- there is no doubt the scabbard is not correct. These usually come with a blue leather/leatherette scabbard that sometimes has a rather plain looking lower metal fitting, no top fitting, or no scabbard at all.

M, I had one of these a few years ago. I received it in a trade.
It did'nt have a scabbard or knot. Good or bad I do not know. The gentleman I traded with said he had it since the end of the war with no scabbard. He said he did'nt bring it back , someone in his family may have. I no longer have mine as it went in a recent trade.

Randal.

Hi Randall,
I don't know about the scabbard, but the knot was a gift by a friend collector three years ago.
Best
Manuel

The knot is a newer repro.

Hi Houston,
Yes, my friend told me it was a repro. He said the dagger would look better with it, so the gift. He also told me that the scabbard was incorrect for the type, but once again, it looks nice and protects the blade from further wear.
Best Regards
Manuel Luis

quote:

Originally posted by Houston Coates:
The knot is a newer repro.

Interesting,

Same beastie, right in this forum, also dating to the war's end.

Obviously these LW daggers were being made in Germany during WWII.

Another guy in the British Commonwealth had an identical one some years ago, with a similar story and dating.

Toys? Letter openers?

M

http://daggers.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/35097573/m/2850018073