Germany, NSKK. A Rare M36 Chained Service Dagger, with Dedication, by Ewald Cleff

(NSKK Dienstdolch M36). A rare and extremely well-preserved National Socialist Motor Corps (NSKK) M36 chained service dagger, measuring 380 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” in Fraktur script. Notably, the reverse of the blade features an additional (post War added) acid-etched inscription of “FÜR HERVORRAGENDE VERDIENSTE” (“FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE”), flanked by the signature of NSKK Korpsführer Adolf Hühnlein. Also set into the reverse ricasso is a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo and maker’s code of “M7/93” for Ewald Cleff, Solingen. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated upper crossguard 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 polished and dark brown-stained 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) overall. Also inset into the obverse of the handle at the 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 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. Polished nickel-plated fittings are secured to the shaft with dual side rivets at the tip, mid-section, and throat. The latter two feature integral loops which connect to a multi-link chain. The latter is composed of nine magnetic metal links, of which four bear sunwheel-style swastikas, four bear NSKK insignia, and one bears a Thurs rune. Each link culminates in a functional spring clip for uniform suspension, with the obverse of the clip decorated with a shield bearing two oak leaves surrounding an acorn. The reverse of one link is stamped with an NSKK copyright mark, while another bears an RZM mark with a maker’s code of “M5/8” for F.W. Assmann & Söhne, Lüdenscheid. Completing the scabbard is a functional throat spring catch, firmly holding the dagger in place during storage. The blade shows faint running marks, along with small, sporadic spots of finish loss to the nickel-plated features, but the dagger presents free of major issues and is an example of a dedicated piece produced by an uncommon maker in extremely fine condition.