Extremely Rare Austrian Bundestaat Model 1935 AF Pilot Dagger with Portepee

This is an extremely rare and fabulous Austrian Bundestaat Model 1935 Air Force pilot dagger with a portepee. Established in 1934, the Bundestaat (Federal State of Austria) was a short-lived government run by the "Fatherland's Front", which advocated independence from Nazi Germany. Austria was annexed to Germany in 1938 and this move brought about the dissolution of the Bundestaat, as well as the use of this beautiful knife. The crossguard bears a handsome red and white enameled device and the grip is in a bright orange compsoite. A gold portepee (sword knot) bearing the double-headed eagle hangs from the doorknob-shaped pommel. The blade is bright and stiletto-shaped, and the scabbard has a chromed finish similar to the blade with bands embellished with propellers. The obverse ricasso (beneath the enamel device) is stamped with the Viennese maker mark ZEITLER WIEN VIII.

Circa 1935.

Approximately 13-1/4" in length and 3-1/8" in width; blade only: 8-1/8" in length and 3/4" in width; scabbard only: 10-1/8" in length and 1-3/16" in width; 15-1/4" length (while in scabbard).<.

Steel blade, enameled brass disc, composite handle, rayon/cotton portepee, chrome-plated steel scabbard.

Release button, portepee, rings on scabbard.

ZEITLER WIEN VIII; two marks on reverse ricasso.

This is from an Austrian Bundestaat Air Force weapons collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. CON-DMM-25-13 LBIIEX11/13 SBCJJX3/14

8 (Excellent-): The dagger has very little wear in general and especially to the very bright blade; only minor cracking to handle.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.