Germany, NSKK. A Model 1933 Service Dagger, by C.D. Schaaff

(NSKK Dienstdolch M33). A 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 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 Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and maker code “M7/56” for the firm of C.D. Schaaff, Solingen. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy upper crossguard which is marked with eight notches, distributed in pairs of four at both the top and bottom. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of lacquered 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). Inset into the obverse of the pommel is a partially-silvered SA insignia measuring 9 mm in diameter. It completes with a nickel-plated alloy lower crossguard, similarly marked with eight notches and featuring a rounded pommel nut which screws in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. Accompanying the dagger is its original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. Nickel-silver fixtures are riveted to the scabbard at both the tip and throat. The latter retains a loop for the accommodation of a hanger, as well as a spring catch to firmly hold the dagger in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks and tarnishing to the blade, loss of nickel finish to the crossguards, large chips to the handle grip along the seams of both crossguards, denting to the scabbard’s tip, and loss of scabbard paint. It remains in a very fine condition.