After 1936, NSKK Officers and long-term NCO's were designated with a new pattern dagger. It was a chained version of their original example. There were four upper and five lower links. The chain was to have one link marked, NSKK Musterschutz Korpsführung, on the reverse, and usually will be RZM marked with a factory code; most are M 5/8, but there are others.

Some NSKK Officers chose to only purchase the chain and center ramp, installing it accordingly on their existing early dagger. Many of these "field upgrades" will lack RZM markings on the chain, and will sometimes have only three upper links. Factory produced examples will normally have RZM markings as well as the standard stamping indicated above.

NSKK #48244 Early NSKK EM by Gebruder Heller

This NSKK is in untouched condition and has a lot of very interesting attributes. The nickel crossguards are beauties being nice and dull but having good smooth surfaces crisp edges and precise accent grooves. The lower reverse is Gruppe marked “Th”. The grip is most interesting as it is a very dark color. It looks as though when order was made to paint the scabbards of their SA daggers black some members of the NSKK also touched up the grip. In the case of this grip there are lots of traces of a darker color mixed in with the dager brown color. The result is a fascinating look to this grip which is perfect on the obverse having a small crack on the reverse at the lower portion. The grip fits the crossguards very nicely and the SA runes button has fine enamel. The scabbard is straight throughout. As indicated above the scabbard was ordered painted black in 1936 over the anodizing. It is very interesting now to look at the scabbard as the original black paint shows wear and there are many places in the paint where the original anodized finish shows through. This is truly history talking to the viewer. The matching nickel scabbard mounts are in nice condition and the lower ball has a small dimple in the very bottom but does not show from the front. The original four nickel screws are in position. The blade is still quite bright showing a little minor usage but it still has lots of darkening in the backgrounds of the SA motto. The reverse has the Gebruder Heller stamping done horizontally across the lower section of the reverse blade. The blade shoulders perfectly meet the lower crossguard contour. This is a very interesting dagger here and I think it is a great addition to any serious collection.

Excellent. $1,295.00

NSKK #48360 Chained NSKK Officer Field Upgrade UPGRADE - Carl Heidelberg (Beer Bottles)

When the Chained NSKK Officer dagger was introduced in 1938, no doubt the new design was done at the request of NSKK Officers who may have felt a slight jealous pange over the fancy Chained daggers now being worn by the SS. The NSKK dagger was, of course, the same as the previous SA dagger being worn with black scabbard, the only real change was the addition of the chain hanger. Being that times were tough, and recipients had to pay for their daggers, there were some officers out there that figured their original SA dagger would be good enough, and so they chose to purchase a chain assembly with its center ramp and have it added to their old scabbard. Many of these "outside" purchased chains were equipped with three-link top chains, while some were the standard type issued through the RZM. This is the case with this particular dagger.

The dagger here is a fine early SA example equipped with nickel mounts and tang nut. The guards of this piece are really nice having fine smooth surfaces, crisp edges and precise accent grooves. The lower reverse cross guard is Gruppe-marked, "Wf". The grip is an extremely fine example fitting the guards like a glove. The grip also has a fine factory varnished surface, making the subtle vertical grains in the wood really jump-out to the eyes of the viewer. The SA runes button remains in perfect condition. The nickel grip eagle is one of the "point-behind-the-head" styles. It shows a little mild surface wear to the eagle's head, breast and talons, but the wings, wreath and swastika are still nice and crisp. Quite a beautiful hilt here.

The scabbard here, being the owner's original example, is straight throughout. It has outstanding original paint, still being bright and nearly still in full mint condition. Since the scabbard shell is the original example produced in 1934, its size is just a fraction larger than those that were being produced under the RZM for the new Chained NSKK. As a result, when the RZM center chain ramp was fitted to the current scabbard, the girth of the shell prohibited the center ramp from being positioned at the normal center area. Thus, it was positioned as far up as possible, which is a couple of inches lower than a standard piece. Although it may look odd at first glance, it is completely original and does not really affect the angle when the dagger was carried. The upper and lower scabbard mounts are the nickel type. The upper mount remains in perfect condition, while the lower has a little flat thump to the lower ball, but no splitting. The original screws are in place. The eyelet is the same size as the upper eyelet, which we see on RZM chains. (On the three top link field upgrade chains, the ramp eyelet is slightly larger than the upper scabbard eyelet).

The chain is a nickel-plated type, showing some modest age and wear, but nothing serious. The chain features the alternating links of NSKK eagles and sun wheel swastikas. The lower chain has the NSKK triangular rune in the center. The holes in the links have the typical dome head shape, and the connector tabs are all in good condition. The chains are connected to a snap clip which features a shield. The shield portrays a raised acorn positioned between two oak leaves. On the reverse links of the lower chain, the first upper link at the snap clip is stamped with the hardware producer, "RZM M5/8", while at the upper chain, the first link at the scabbard is lightly stamped with the usual NSKK Musterschutz Korpsführung stamping.

The blade remains bright throughout showing only the most modest of age.. The SA motto is deeply etched and has the frosted style background. The reverse blade remains nice and bright and is etched with the dual ovals which contain the firm's name, "Carl Heidelberg / Solingen". In the center is the popular logo of two side-by-side beer bottles.

An interesting example here and overall a nice dagger.

Excellent Plus. $3,395.00

NSKK #47605 Early NSKK Enlisted Man’s Dagger by Giesen & Forsthoff

This early NSKK dagger looks to have been cleaned and had the scabbard repainted in the recent past. The paint job was something of a hack job, showing a lot of orange peel. This shoddy work could possibly be cleaned up with some gently applied compound but I will leave that decision to the next owner.

The nickel crossguards remain in good condition throughout, as does the tang nut, which looks to have been out at some point. The reverse of the lower guard is Gruppe marked “Ns”.

The grip is a fine example that perfectly fits the guards. The SA runes button and the rather awkwardly named “point-behind-the-head” grip eagle both remain reasonably good shape, with some wear evident to the detailing on the latter.

Ignoring the aftermarket paint job, the scabbard remains straight throughout. The nickel mounts are in good shape throughout, with no issues, and all of the original screws are present. There is an early short hanger with a retainer loop attached to the carrying ring. The leather on this accoutrement shows some age so I wouldn't try to remove it; it’s liable to give way at this point. What looks to be the original belt loop is also attached.

The blade is a bit gray and all of the background blackening is out of the motto. This, however, is offset by the very, very rare maker’s mark of Giesen & Forsthoff. It is a slightly flattened rhombus with a stylized G and F in the center, being held in the outstretched arms of what looks to be a tiny female figure. The firm’s name and location of Solingen arching above and below, respectively.

Some condition issues on this one, but the rare maker’s mark makes it worth the price of admission.

Good Plus. $1,195.00

NSKK #47535 All Black NSKK EM by E. P. & S

This Pack made example is quite interesting as it underwent the paintjob of the scabbard in 1936 per the orders given out but as we see sometimes when the owner had the scabbard painted he also had the grip painted at the same time. We see this occasionally and some authors have designated these pieces (incorrectly) as “marine”. I have always doubted this and just feel that it is an overzealous NSKK person that thought the dagger would look better all black.

At any rate the crossguards are nicely toned having never been cleaned. They have a fine dull patination. They are typical Pack crossguards with the lower reverse being gruppe marked “Nrh”.

The grip is quite interesting in that the black paint although still covering at about 98 percent does show a little bit of the brown being the original grip color. The paint is not professional and appears as though it was most likely done by the original owner. The SA runes button has good enamel. The grip eagle is the high necked variety having fine detail throughout the bird’s head breast and wing feathering talons wreath and swastika.

The scabbard shell is completely straight. Like the grip, the black paint here appears to have probably been done by the original owner. The paint has a few minor scuffs which do show the anodizing color below. Overall though this paint is about 98 percent. The fine Pack scabbard fittings are in perfect condition to include the lower ball. They are retained by the original nickel screws.

There is a short hanger which is original to this piece. The short hanger is the brown SA type as this would have been the hanger that was originally issued at the time this dagger was produced. The leather is still in decent condition having a small retainer loop. The hardware is patinated exactly to the same tone as the scabbard mounts. The nickel snap clip is marked on the reverse “A” and “DRGM”.

The blade of this example still remains nice and bright and has its crossgrain. The SA motto is deep and has 100 percent of the original darkening in the backgrounds. Other than the usual runner marks this blade remains in mint condition. The reverse blade is also mint and on the reverse ricasso is etched with the hammering Siegfried figure with the firm’s initials EP & S over the figure and Solingen below. The blade shoulders perfectly meet the lower crossguard contour.

A very interesting example here which is a collectible in its own right because of the black grip.

Excellent Plus. $1,595.00

NSKK #36376 Field-upgrade Chained NSKK Leader Dagger – F. Dick

This Chained NSKK Dagger was most likely a upgraded during the 1936 period when the approval was given for officers of the NSKK to wear the addition of a suspension chain. The dagger was most likely the original owners early dagger. He apparently did not wish to purchase an entirely new, factory-made piece, opting to have his original example upgraded instead.

The dagger has all nickel crossguards, with a fine nickel tang. This dagger does not appear to have been apart in modern times. The guards are in excellent shape, still having precise accent grooves, smooth surfaces, and crisp edges. The lower reverse guard is Gruppe marked, “Sw”.

The grip is a most pleasing dark, furniture-like mahogany. This grip has deep colored grains which run vertically under the surfaces. The grip also appears to still have quite a bit of the original protective coating, some variety of either varnish or lacquer. This grip is of Medium Ridge construction and remains in perfect condition, showing only normal usage. The grip fits the crossguards perfectly.

The SA runes button is one of the early copper types, still having excellent enamel surfaces. The matching nickel grip eagle is the “Point Behind the Head” style, and retains full details throughout.

The scabbard of this example is ultra-interesting and, in my opinion, has much appeal. The scabbard is straight throughout and instead of a painted black finish this example is a fine anodized type. The anodizing is still all in place, and a good part of original protective lacquer also remains. I would say the lacquer is at about 80 to 85% intact.

The upper and lower scabbard mounts are standard nickel types. They are in good condition, although the lower ball has a minor hit to it; a tiny ding, barely noticeable at the bottom. None of this is bad however. The mounts are retained by original nickel screws, which are unbuggered.

The center ramp is extremely interesting, appearing to be of all-nickel material, most likely fabricated either in a machine shop or local smithy. This ramp is of a wider proportion than the standard factory types we see, and it is also made with fine, crisp edges. The ramp is soldered together at the inner seam area, which also features a soldered eyelet. The eyelet of this ramp is the same size as the upper eyelet.

Connected to the scabbard is an outstanding, and solid nickel NSKK Chain with a silvered coating. This is the type of chain that we would see on a chained NSKK Honor Dagger. The chain is extremely well done, with fine patination throughout the surfaces. There are four upper links on this chain, and five lower links. The links feature the NSKK eagle with swastika, alternating with the sun-wheel swastika runic symbol link. The lower chain, in the center, has the triangular rune unique to the NSKK. The holes on all the links have highly defined dome shape to them. The connectors are all matching, and show no openings whatsoever. The reverse of the two links that attach to the scabbard ring are stamped. The upper link is marked with the Assmann Hardware Company code, “RZM 5/8”. The lower link has the standard stamping, “NSKK-Musterschutz/Korpsführung”. These beautiful nickel links are connected to a beautiful, all-nickel snap clip, featuring the seal on the obverse. The seal depicts a sprig of oak leaves with a acorn in the center. The oak leaves have nice detailing to the veins.

Attached to the clip assembly is a nice brown belt loop, which has good leather and an excellent “D” ring.

The blade of this dagger is a high-quality, mirror-bright example, having all of the graining and a needle-like tip. The SA motto is deep and crisp, with 100% of the darkening in the letter backgrounds. The reverse blade is etched with the trademark of the F. Dick firm; a vertically aligned rectangle containing an arrow that points to the name of the firm. The blade shoulders perfectly meet the lower crossguard surface.

This is a really great early piece here, that no only talks to you, but is of quality and workmanship that we would never see on a later made chained NSKK dagger.

Excellent Plus. $3,495.00

NSKK #37531C Early NSKK Enlisted Man's Dagger – Hugo Linder Deltawerk

This early NSKK EM Dagger is absolutley untouched, never having been cleaned or taken apart. Placing an '8' on the McSaar scale. The mounts, of course, are the solid nickel type. There is a dark patination across all of the surfaces, with some of that greenish residue visible where the guards meet the grip. This dagger should be of particular interest to those of you out there who love this kind of vintage look.

The crossguards have smooth surfaces, crisp edges, and precise accent grooves. The lower reverse guard is gruppe marked “Ns”.

The grip looks to be a Medium Contour type, crafted from a fine mahogany. This grip absolutley fits the guards like a rubber glove, and shows little in the way of usage being nearly perfect throughout. The only problem on the grip is with the SA runes button; the enamel has taken a few hits. Luckily it is so deeply patinated that the damage is not really that visible. The grip eagle is the early “High Neck” bird, and it retains full details to the head, breast and wing feathering, talons and wreathed mobile swastika. A nice, untouched hilt here.

The scabbard shell is straight throughout. I'm sure many of you guys have been looking for an early NSKK Dagger that has a decent period black paint job. This example is one of the best. This black paint on this scabbard is absolutley original and even with a couple of really minor signs of age still rates at 100%. It is really a great looking shell.

The scabbard mounts have a matching level of patination and retain the same untouched look as the guards. The lower ball has never been dropped and is in perfect condition. The mounts are retained by four original screws with are in unbuggered condition.

Taking the blade out of the scabbard affords you a view of one of those contrasts that will raise your eyebrows as this blade is very nearly in full Mint condition. It is mirror-bright and retains all of the original cross grain. The SA motto on the blade is crisp and deep, with a 100% intact frosted background. There are a couple of in-and-out marks as well a a few very tiny nicks on the upper edge of the blade, but they do little to detract from the beauty of this untouched dagger.

The reverse ricasso of the blade is matching etched with the triangular logo of HLD. Arching above the triangle is the name of the firm, “Hugo Linder Deltawerk”, while inside is what appears to be a detailed oak leaf. Beneath the name of location city, “Solingen” can be seen. The blade shoulders perfectly meet the contour of the lower guard.

A really fine, untouched early NSKK Dagger here.

Excellent Plus, Plus. $1,295.00

NSKK #32651 Early Brigade Marked NSKK EM Dagger With Unusual Grip Eagle – Haco, Berlin

This early NSKK EM Dagger is an interesting example which I purchased directly from the family of the deceased veteran. Nothing has ever been done to the dagger and the way it is is the way it came back from the war. This dagger is covered with a deep dull patination. The nickel mounts have never been cleaned and the tang nut indicates that it has never been turned. These cross guards retain their smooth surfaces under the patina and the edges are still crisp with good, precise accent grooves. The lower cross guard is stamped with a Gruppe mark “p”. (Normally these Haco daggers are gau-marked from Berlin, so this also is quite unusual.) The grip though is by far the most unusual I think I have seen. This grip is extremely dark and looks as though it may have been pained black at one time but it is hard to tell. The grip shows some usage throughout with a small crack at the lower reverse and a slight gauge just above the bottom reverse section but if anything, it gives it character. The SA runes button shows some extra room around its perimeter as we would see on a replacement and perhaps this has occurred, but, as I said above, if it did, it was during the period. The grip eagle area, though, is the most curious of all. The original eagle appears to have been cut out of the grip and a portion of differing wood containing an open-winged copper eagle has been carefully placed into the area. It is not a job that a master craftsman did by any means but it still looks pretty good. I think this copper eagle is from one of the long service ribbon bars that were worn with the uniform. Why the original owner chose to replace his standard eagle with one like this is not known to me. This eagle, though, still has good detail throughout its copper surfaces. The head, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and mobile swastika are still quite crisp. This grip fits the cross guards very well.

The scabbard shell is straight throughout. It is one of those shells that looks like it was either a “dip job” or painted with a broom or toothbrush. It has lots of thick black paint on it and still rates at perhaps 98%. It shows lots of age throughout and is definitely a paint job per the order given to NSKK people in 1936 to paint their anodized scabbard black using whatever means possible. The scabbard mounts exactly match the hilt mounts and are in excellent condition. The lower ball has a slight flattening at the very bottom and there is a small split at the left side. All of this sounds worse than it is, as it all seems to flow nicely with the looks of this odd dagger. A very interesting thing also is a beautifully engraved brigade number which appears stamped on the reverse of the scabbard mount. The number is “Br. 16/9522”. This engraving is very nicely done and certainly was not accomplished by the same person that did the grip eagle or painted this scabbard!

The blade of this example is still mostly bright. It shows some age here and there and some in and out marks, but it still grades at excellent plus. The motto is still quite deep and crisp and it has about 95% of the original frosted backgrounds. The reverse ricasso is marked with the lifesaver style trademark of this firm with their name and city etched between the two circles, “Haco Berlin”. The blade shoulders nicely fit the cross guards, although there is a tiny space on both shoulder ends. It is not enough, though, to cause eyebrow raising. The area surrounding the blade shoulders on the lower cross guard is still bright where the cross guard seated against the scabbard throat. An interesting piece here that appeals to me and hopefully will appeal to other collectors out there.

Excellent. $1,195.00

NSKK #43643C Field Upgrade Chained NSKK Officer's Dagger - Tiger

This NSKK Officer's Dagger is a very high quality. When NSKK Chained Daggers were first offered in 1938 there were some officers who decided to retain their daggers and simply add the new chain. This example is one of those field upgrades.

The dagger itself is a beauty. The nickel guards remain in choice condition, with the reverse of the lower guard Gruppe marked "He". The tang nut is in perfect condition and may have been out once but not in a long time.

The grip is very fine, with pleasing, high quality wood with subtle grain. It remains in perfect condition, fitting the guards like a rubber glove. The SA runes button has excellent enamel, and the nickel, "High Neck" grip eagle retains new-like detailing throughout.

The scabbard is original to the dagger and has been painted black during the period. The paint remains in very fine condition and is 100% intact. Added to the scabbard is a center ramp and an NSKK chain. The center ramp is one of the early types, with good, crisp edges and a matching eyelet. The fittings throughout the scabbard remain in good condition, including the lower ball. The upgrade screws which replaced the originals are all in place and unturned.

The chain is a conventional type, with four upper and five lower links. The links alternate between NSKK eagles and raised sun-wheel swastikas. The center link on the lower chain has the triangular rune used by the NSKK. Each of these links remains in perfect condition, with no rust whatsoever. The connecting rings also have a fine, original finish with no rust. The two chains are connected to a fine snap clip. This clip has a shield on the front with a pair of oak leaves and acorns. The snap works well. The two links that connect to the snap clip are marked, one with "RZM M5/8" and other with the NSKK "Korpsührung Musterschutz".

The blade is a beauty in mint condition, with a needle-like tip and all of the original crossgrain. The obverse blade is etched with a dark SA motto. The reverse is marked with the eponymous cat trademark of the Tiger firm, and the blade shoulders perfectly meet the lower crossguard contour.

A very high quality NSKK Dagger here.

Near Mint. $3,695.00

NSKK #40544C Early NSKK Dagger with Crossguard Number & Ultra Rare Maker - Gebr. Bohme, Brotterode

This early NSKk Dagger has never been cleaned nor been taken apart. The crossguards and tang have a very fine dull, even patination throughout.

The reverse of the lower guard is Gruppe marked "Th". It is interesting to note that there is also a number stamped on the obverse guard, "0635", which looks to have been struck upside down. The "5" digit was inadvertently stamped partly into the grip; it looks like the stamper then sobered up and did better on his second attempt. This could be either an Ausweiss or SA number, but there is no way for me to sure. It does make for an very interesting dagger, however!

The grip is a fine, early example, being constructed from what looks like cherry. It has some subtle subsurface wood grain and remains in perfect condition, fitting the guards like a glove. The SA runes button is the type with a copper background and has perfect enamel. The grip eagle is the style with a visible point behind the head. This bird retains fine detailing throughout the head, breast and wing feathering, talons, and wreathed mobile swastika.

The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This shell was painted black as per the 1936 NSKK directive. The paint is about 60% intact on the obverse and only about 10-15% on the reverse. The parts were the paint has gone reveal the original "anodized" finish. Is anyone still needs proof that the "anodized" scabbards were indeed ordered to be slapped with black paint, they need only look at this piece to have their bell rung.

The scabbard is equipped with fine early nickel mounts with matching patination. They remain in perfect condition through to the never dropped lower ball. These mounts are retained by early nickel screws which are unturned.

The original short hanger remains with the dagger. The hanger is the early type and has fairly good leather. The small retainer loop is intact but the two threads on the reverse have come undone; it is still hanging in there, however. The hardware is solid nickel, the clip being marked "A" and "DRGM".

After enduring the rather grungy exterior of this dagger the collector will be very pleased when the blade is drawn. This blade is in mirror bright, mint condition, with all of the crossgrain and a needle-like tip. The SA motto retains 100% of the original darkening and really looks great against the bright metal.

The reverse of the blade is marked with the trademark of a very rarely seen producer. Ovals contain the firm's name and location, "Gebr. Bšhme Nacht Fl. Brotterode". It is interesting to note that this maker is apparently so rare they do not even appear on the McSARR rating scale. I guess when this rating was complied none of these Bšhme daggers were on hand.

A great dagger here, appealing to those who like the untouched, pieces with numbers, rare makers, or that just talk to you. This dagger has it all.

Excellent Plus. $1,295.00

NSKK #36629 Chained NSKK Officer's Dagger RZM M7/66 1942 - Carl Eickhorn

This Chained NSKK Officer's Dagger has superficial age here-and-there as well as patination. The dagger has typical nickel plated crossguards with steel tang nut. The tang nut shows minor age, and the crossguards still have most of the original brightness visible. The grip is a typical RZM type, having a sharp contour construction. It is in perfect condition, having a medium-brown color with vertically running grain. It fits the crossguards fairly well, but this is the way we see them on last ditch efforts. The SA runes button is well placed and does have perfect enamel. The zinc grip eagle is nicely set in from the wood recesses. This zinc grip eagle has good detail to the bird’s head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and swastika.

The scabbard shell is nice and straight. It has its original black paint. This paint shows some mild spidering and there are some flake spots but, over-all, it’s about 85% and would certainly clean up with a little work. The scabbard mounts are the typical nickel plated type. The upper example is in perfect condition with the fat throat we see with this producer. The center ramp is also in excellent condition. The lower mount has some wear to the original plating. The original screws are also all in place and they are unturned.

The chain is a typical factory type, having the 4-link top and 5-link bottom. This chain shows mild age on the surface areas of the front and back. The chain is properly marked “RZM M5/8” on the reverse of the bottom link, and “NSKK Musterschutz Korpsführung”. The snap clip also shows mild age. It has the proper positioned acorn between the oak leaves. The blade of this dagger is fairly bright throughout the surfaces. The SA motto is still fairly good, having about 90% of the original background darkening. The reverse ricasso is marked with an open RZM positioned over the Eickhorn code “M 7/66”, and underneath is date of manufacture, “1942”. This has to be one of the last mass produced daggers made in 3rd Reich Germany.

Excellent. $2,995.00

NSKK 34116C Late NSKK Dagger with Period-added Center Ramp RZM M7/33 1940 - F.W. Höller

This unusual NSKK Dagger was originally produced as an enlisted man's piece, and most likely due to the demands of the war, an officer's example would have been desired by the original wearer. Apparently the mounts or chain hanger was not available, so the wearer took it on his own to have a center ramp put on to this scabbard. We'll talk about this addition a little bit later in the description. The nickel plated crossguards are typical late examples. Studying the tang nut, it appears as though the dagger may have been apart once, but there is little evidence of a wrench. The crossguards have a little bit of minor freckling, but it is not bad, and the nickeling still covers completely. The grip is an RZM type, being a rather nice quality wood, having a pleasing vertical running grain. The grip is in perfect condition, and it perfectly fits the crossguards. The SA runes button is placed a little bit deeper in the grip than most. It also has perfect enameled surfaces. Instead of a zinc or aluminum eagle, there is an early nickel eagle in the grip. It is the style with "upward pointing beak". The bird still has full detail to his head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath, and swastika. The eagle is also placed slightly higher in the grip than we normally would see. (As we know, the eagle was placed just below the most bulbous section of the grip). The fact that the runes button is installed slightly different, as well as the fact an early eagle is used in a slightly higher position, lends me to believe that this dagger was produced well into the war when shortages of materials as well as personnel were prevalent.

The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This shell has a coat of black paint, but the paint appears to be done slightly less than we would expect under normal factory conditions. The scabbard upper and lower mounts are the typical nickel plated steel type, and both are in perfect condition. There has been a center ramp added. The ramp appears to have been constructed out of sheet metal and then soddered at the left edge. The construction of the ramp is slightly haphazard. Again, this points to non-factory assembly. The ramp also has a rather crudely soldered eyelet at the right edge, with a fairly small carrying ring. The standard carrying ring that should be at the upper mount, is now replaced with a ring which is approximately the same diameter as the center ramp ring. Because of the smallness of these rings, there is no question that a hanger using some sort of snap devices was utilized. All of this points to an NSKK man who was appointed an officer, and was not able to get the proper dagger, so he took measures in his own hand, and did what he could to get a reasonable facsimile. The workmanship throughout though, is less than we would see during normal operating times, as most likely there were no available personnel due to the war. I believe all of this to be true, as this type of altertion was certainly not done by some GI or some collector after the war. These mounts, paint, et cetera, are very, very old.

The blade of this example is a fine RZM type, still being bright, and having all of its crossgraining. It has a few very minor signs of age in the surface here and there, but a lot of this might clean out, and even still, the blade grades in a near mint condition. The SA motto is deeply etched, and has near 100% of its original letter backgrounding. The reverse ricasso is matching etched with a double RZM open circle. The circle is positioned over the code of the F.W. Höller firm "M 7/33". Below is the date "1940". The date 1940 is not the earliest date we see on political daggers as some are even dated 1942. This however, does not mean that dagger parts were plentiful at the Holler firm. This blade very well may have been a shelf item that could have been utilized in 1942. Daggers like this are very interesting, and hopefully, thought provoking. This is not the kind of dagger you want to buy as your first NSKK. It is however, a provocative addition for those out there that are interested in collecting political daggers and all of the nuances that prevailed.

Excellent. $1,195.00