The dagger is in a generally untouched state. The blade is very clean, showing visible crossgrain, with a few spots on both sides of the blade at the tip. The leather washer is in place at the top of the blade. The grip is covered in blue leather that is tightly triple wrapped with brass and silver wire. The leather of the grip is without damage. The pommel and the guard show typical loss of gilt finish to the swastikas, with both the pommel and the guard showing a fine and uncleaned patina. The scabbard leather shows scuffs, indentations, and abrasions, but the leather on the scabbard is largely intact. The scabbard fittings also show an uncleaned patina. The chain is aluminum, with the clip being manufacturer marked by the firm of Overhoff & Cie. The obverse top scabbard fitting is engraved with the insignia of Gruppe II of Luftwaffe fighter unit Jagdgeschwader 27. This fighter wing was given the name “Afrika” for its service in the North African Campaign, predominantly alone, in the period from April of 1941 to September of 1942. During World War II, elements of JG 27 fought in every major theater of operations in which the Wehrmacht operated.