Germany, NSKK. A Rare 1936 Berlin Olympics Presentation Dagger, with Case, by Malsh & Ambronn

(NSKK Dolch für den Olympische Sommerspiele 1936 mit Etui). A rare and well-preserved Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrkorps (National Socialist Motor Corps/NSKK) 1936 Berlin Olympics presentation dagger, measuring 37 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 obverse bears a post-manufacture custom dedication similarly executed in acid etching, with an inscription of “FÜR VERDIENSTVOLLE MITARBEIT BEI DEN OLYMPISCHEN SPIELEN” (“FOR MERITORIOUS ASSISTANCE TO THE OLYMPIC GAMES”), situated above a date of “1936” and flanked by Olympic rings. Stamped into the reverse ricasso is a maker’s mark of “MALSCH & AMBRONN, STEINBACH”, circumscribing the firm’s logo of a humanoid figure working a water pump. The blade sits securely within a nickel-silver upper crossguard, 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 lacquered 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 ricasso is a partially silvered Sturmabteilung (SA) logo measuring 9 mm in diameter. The dagger completes with a nickel-silver lower crossguard, similarly marked with eight notches, secured in place with a rounded pommel nut which maintains the dagger’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. Nickel-silver fittings are secured to the scabbard at both the top and throat with side rivets. The latter retains an integral loop for the accommodation of a hanger, as well as a functional spring catch to firmly hold the dagger in place during storage. It is notably concealed within an original customized case, constructed of a sturdy wooden frame with a faux black leather exterior liner. The interior features a padded white satin lid liner, an intact hinge cover, and a wooden bed, similarly lined in red satin, with depressions carved to provide a flush resting place for both the dagger and scabbard. It closes with two functional magnetic metal snap buttons. Fully unmarked, the case measures 39.5 cm (w) x 17.5 cm (l) x 4.5 cm (h). Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some tarnishing and running marks to the blade, slight scratching of the scabbard paint, and soiling of the case liner. A rare example of a dagger presented to an NSKK member for exceptional contributions to the success of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, this superb presentation set is in an overall near extremely fine condition.