Germany, NSKK. A Model 1933 Service Dagger, by Carl Eickhorn

(Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrkorps 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 22.5 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 is marked with a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo, a maker code of “M7/66” for Carl Eickhorn, and a manufacture date of “1940”. It sits securely within a nickel-plated zink alloy upper crossguard which is marked with eight notches, distributed in groups of four at both the top and bottom. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of dark brown wood which is 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 ricasso is a partially-silvered Sturmabteilung (SA) logo measuring 9 mm in diameter. The dagger completes with a nickel-plated zink alloy lower crossguard, similarly marked with eight notches and secured in place with a rounded pommel nut which maintains the dagger’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by a period original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. Nickel-silver fixtures are secured to both the tip and throat. The latter retains a loop for the accommodation of a hanger. The throat also retains a functional spring clip 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, moderate loss of nickel plating to the crossguards, loss of scabbard paint with additional denting, and some oxidation of the nickel-silver fittings. It remains in a very fine condition.