Germany, NSKK. A Motor Group Hesse Dagger, by Hugo Köller

(NSKK Dolch). A well-preserved National Socialist Motor Corps (NSKK) dagger, measuring 375 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 220 mm-long polished magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is an inscription of “ALLES FÜR DEUTSCHLAND” (“EVERYTHING FOR GERMANY”) in Fraktur script. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “HUGO KÖLLER, SOLINGEN”, It sits securely within a nickel-silver upper crossguard, with four notches distributed at both the top and bottom. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of lacquered dark brown wood, contoured for a comfortable grip. Inset into the obverse of the handle is a silvered German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 25 mm (w) x 15 mm (h). Also inset into the obverse pommel is a partially silvered Sturmabteilung (SA) insignia, measuring 9 mm in diameter. Completing the dagger is a nickel-silver lower crossguard, similarly marked with eight notches, secured in place by a rounded pommel nut which securely maintains the dagger’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal. Silvered fittings are affixed to both the tip and throat with dual side rivets, with a suspension loop emanating from the latter for the accommodation of a dagger hanger. The throat retains a functional spring catch to hold the dagger firmly in place during storage. Some issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include moderate oxidation of the blade, loss of finish to the handle with evidence of possible attempts to re-varnish, oxidation of the scabbard fittings, and the loss of one of the rivets anchoring the scabbard’s throat fitting in place. It is in an overall very fine condition.