here is a very rare 1st model Luft (few know to exist) with engraved blade, by Richard Plumacher that I recently aquired at the Jag show. In fantastic condition and a wonderful piece all the way around.

luft-b

luft c

luft d

luft-e

luft f

luft-g

luft-h

luft-i

luft-j

luft-k

luft-l

luft-m

Ed:
I really don't like the looks of that eagle.
Jim

Why is that, Jim ?

Dave

Be very careful with engraved lufts, the only accepted variants are either eickhorn or voos, Plumacher was a defunct manufacturer who's name was used post war from 1950-1960, we see many examples of plumacher etched daggers that are substandard, I personally would have to have it authenticated by Tom Johnson Wittman or Bill Shea, The only engraved lufts that i have sceen to reference were all early nickel pieces to boot, also it is nice to see sprigs (leaves) under the eagle
get it checked out

Dave, Jim is right about the eagle.
The "give aways" are the curved beak and the uneven floral etching.

Ed,

Who did you buy it from ?

Dave

Take a look at the engraving on the second Luft in the for sale area. the eagle looks like an eagle, compare the two and it jumps out at ya!

I AGREE WHOLEHEARTLY. I am sure I saw one of these on Manions a couple of auctions or so ago. Definately pay to get this one checked out by a respected, knowledgable person like the names mentioned in previous posts.

I have begun to think that there are MANY more fakes entering the market place than anyone suspects. A Plumacher blade with an etch is always suspect in my mind. I've never seen a real one, but Who knows? It comes down to a personal like/dislike when we don't have period proof to fall back on? It will however have a great impact on resale. Buyers are getting more picky as time goes by (myself included) and don't want problems to explain.....

When confronted with dilemmas like this we have to fall back on our experiences and examination of various etches. I just see too many problems. Etch isn't clean. Eagle has no sprigs. The Plumacher thing. Etc. Just my observations and not meant to put down, etc.

I've seen an example of an eagle without the "comforting" sprigs beneath the wings, in a book, and personally, I don't believe that either. I've never seen a good etch by Plumacher. I've never seen evidence they entered that end of the market.

This Honor dagger is a post-war Plumacher creation of high quality:

The blade is artificial damascus with raised(guilded) etches: The scabbard is covered in leather:

Crossguard and grip closeup:

The Plumacher logo: