WWII GERMAN DAGGER - 1ST MODEL RLB SUBORDINATE
The Subordinate RLB dagger was introduced in 1936. This dagger is more difficult to obtain because it was not issued automatically to the individual, but rather, it had to be earned. Many other daggers could be purchased by the wearer. This one was not commercially available.

The dagger was constructed with nickel plated fittings. The scabbard is made from steel and it is painted black. In addition, it has a nickel plated fitting on its tip. Overall, the lines are very clean and simple. The blade is double edged. The grip was manufactured form either ebony or black stained hard wood. An enamel RLB sunburst insignia is affixed to its center. The pommel consisted of a dome shaped fitting. The handguard had a fairly large silver eagle standing over a swatika. The hanger is permanently attached to the scabbard via a triangular metal bracket.

A closer look at the RLB sunburst emblem is displayed on the picture below. The base of the blade holds the manufacturer's brand (WKC in this example). Reproductions of this dagger are currently being produced.

The hanger for the dagger was permanently attached to the scabbard. A close up showing how the bracket was attached is shown here. The design consists of a tubular bracket where a wire-type triangle runs through. A certain degree of movement is allowed. This eliminates stress caused by the movement of the person when he is wearing the dagger. Otherwise the bracket could snap loose.

The dagger hanger consists of a brown leather strap with silver metal fittings. The hanger is attached to the scabbard via the use of a metal section with oval edges. It is secured via the use of four rivets. A clip is found on the other end. It is spring loaded. It secures the dagger to the uniform.

Close up views of the front and back of the hanger metal strap are provided. Special attention should be placed to the rivets holding the piece together.

Pictures of the front and back of the handle are shown. In the shape of a coke bottle. Rounded edges. The front has a starburst pattern RLB emblem affixed to the center of the body. With blue enamel letters and a similar construction swastika placed just below the initials. The back of the handle is smooth. It does not have any markings.

The handguard consists of a three tear, descending order silver metal structure. With blunt edges. The following photographs illustrate the top and bottom views of the dagger's hand guard. An oval section of corinthian leather is placed at the base of the blade. This provides a tighter fit when the blade is placed in the scabbard.

The pommel of the dagger is rounded. Silver in color. It has a multi-piece design where it shows a low side, then a high side, then a low side again. Two pictures showing a side and top view of it follow.

The front and back of the throat of the scabbard are displayed here. Notice that only one side has a screw. The mouth of the scabbard is also featured here. Notice its elongated triangular design with silver color to match the pommel and rest of the fittings.

The front and back pictures of the hanger's clip are provided. The back section is marked with the initials DRGM and bears the manufacturer's brand, which in this case is a letter "A" that stands for the company "Assmann".

A close up side view of the clip follows. Notice the spring structure that secures it in the closed position. Also shown here is the basic construction of the leather holder.

The tip of the scabbard has a chromed fitting. This fittinsg is secured via two screws, one at each side of it. The tip ends in a triangular pattern.

The Second Model RLB dagger was introduced a few years later.

Many German edge weapons are currently reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the collectible.