black handle 2nd Luft?

[Chopperman]

Hi Guys,
I was at a small gun show yesterday and came across a 2nd pattern Luft
dagger with a black handle. I have never seen one before and I am wondering
if it might be worth my going back for a 2nd look?

Thanks for your help.

Greg

[85ronnies]

Greg this whats known as the funeral dagger, i think by klass it should have a single double twisted wire on the grip, i havent seen many about so i imagine a rare bird worth a look IMO,
cheers Ronnie

try for some pics my friend

[AZPhil]

I've NEVER seen one and would love to see a pic of one if somebody has one

[85ronnies]

Phil this is a pic out of a book its a rare dagger to find,
cheers Ronnie

[Chopperman]

I just got back from the show after taking a second look.

The blade is marked "Tiger" . The handle has a slight textured
feel to it. It is celluloid or possibly wood. The black (or very dark blue)is worn off on some high spots. The handle is wrapped with a wire that is slightly yellowish(brass, copper, tomback???)

sorry I don't have any pics.

any thoughts?

thanks,
Greg

[TNcollector]

The funeral dagger term was coined by dealers some time ago, the robert klass dagger orginally had a black handle that was painted and the dealers removed the paint to sell them as funeral dagger. Paul from lakesidetrader had one on his web sight awhile back and told the story of them. I do not know of any produced by tiger, so I am afraid I can't help you there. Best, RS

[Chopperman]

Thanks for the additional information.

[AZPhil]

So these handle's were originally painted white?
Semper Fi
Phil

[Larry C]

Hi Phil Yes these daggers were originally white during the period. As time passed by the paint began to chip off revealing the black grip beneath. At one point in time as of 30 yrs ago,, these daggers were decided that they looked like they would be seen at funerals,, so as it was dememed funeral daggers and a high price tag was attached to the "Story". Except now the black grips are a rarity to find and worth a few dollars more..but not at the high prices offered back then.
The Klass dagger is a "looker" and would look great in anyones collection as a grip color variant only........minus the story Regards Larry

[Frogprince]

I just got back from the show after taking a second look ................. The handle has a slight textured feel to it .....................

There was an Army type black grip dagger posted here not that long ago where you could see where the black plastic had been abraded in the process of removing the paint. But sometimes it's more carefully done, and/or the grip is polished to make it harder to detect. Fred