Germany, NSKK. A Model 1933 Service Dagger, Motorgruppe Wesfalen, by Carl Eckhorn

(NSKK Dienstdolch M33). A very well-preserved Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrkorps (National Socialist Motor Corps/NSKK) Model 1933 Service Dagger, measuring 37.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 22.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, 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 “CARL EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic squirrel logo. The blade sits securely within a nickel-silver upper crossguard which is marked with eight notches, distributed in groups of four at both the top and bottom. Also stamped onto the reverse of the crossguard are initials “WF”, indicating that the blade was initially issued to a member of Sturmabteilung (SA) Gruppe Westfalen, later entering NSKK service (with Motorgruppe Westfalen-issued daggers bearing a code of “WE”). The handle grip is composed of a single piece of lacquered dark brown wood, carved into a curvature 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 SA insignia measuring 9 mm in diameter. It completes with a nickel-silver lower crossguard, similarly marked with eight notches, secured in place with a rounded pommel nut which screws in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft with polished metal fixtures secured to both the tip and throat. The latter features a loop for the accommodation of a hanger, which is included and consists of a brown leather strap culminating in a functional magnetic metal spring clip for uniform suspension. The reverse of the clip is maker marked with the logo of F.W. Assmann & Söhne, Lüdenscheid, with an additional Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and maker code of “M5/8” for the same manufacturer. The throat also retains a functional spring catch to firmly hold the dagger in place during storage. Demonstrating only faint running marks to the blade and slight fatigue of the hanger, the dagger remains in an extremely fine condition.