Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original early German WWII NSFK glider pilot dagger manufactured by Gebrüder Heller of Marienthal bei Schweina, complete with its blue leather covered scabbard and original leather hanger. It features early solid nickel alloy fittings, a three stage pommel, tripartite wing crossguard, blue Moroccan leather grip, clearly marked blade, and an especially desirable DFK insignia stamped into the scabbard throat.

The Nationalsozialistisches Fliegerkorps, or NSFK, was established in 1937 as the successor to the German Air Sports Association. The organization promoted aviation training, including instruction in gliders and private aircraft, and followed a paramilitary structure similar to other NSDAP organizations.

This example shows light to moderate service use and has developed an attractive worn patina. The hilt fittings are the early solid nickel alloy type. Portions originally carried a darkened oxide or frosted finish, most of which has worn away, leaving naturally patinated nickel surfaces.

The three stage pommel shows general oxidation, handling wear, and several dents. These condition issues are consistent with age and service and have not compromised the overall structure.

The crossguard has a crisp central block with circular medallions bearing mobile swas emblems on both sides. The downward sweeping arms are of the early tripartite wing pattern.

The crossguard shows only light wear and no significant denting. Traces of the original darkened oxide finish remain visible within the recessed wing details and on portions of the reverse.

The original leather blade buffer washer is missing. Light oxidation is visible on the blade immediately beneath the crossguard where the buffer was formerly positioned.

The grip has a carved wooden core with a slightly bulbous center tapering toward the pommel and crossguard. It is covered with a single piece of original blue Moroccan leather.

Much of the original leather grain remains visible. The grip shows scratches, scuffs, and areas where the blue surface finish has worn away, particularly on the reverse. Some flaking of the upper leather surface is also present.

The blade remains in very good overall condition and shows evidence of light to moderate use and past cleaning. Original factory final polish crossgrain remains visible across both sides, though it is faint in areas affected by wear and cleaning.

This transverse factory finish is an important feature for advanced German edged weapon collectors because it indicates that the blade retains portions of its original surface and has not been completely polished or resurfaced.

The cutting edges show wear and evidence of sharpening. Areas of light staining are present, together with runner wear from repeated insertion into the scabbard.

The reverse ricasso is marked correctly with the "Balloon Seller" trademark of the Gebrüder Heller, and under the trademark is:

Gebrüder Heller GmbH, Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelware Factory) was located in Marienthal bei Schweina in Thüringen, Germany, and was founded in the early 20th century. They manufactured edged weapons for Germany during WWI and WWII, and had a satellite drill bit company in Schmalkalden. For more information, please see J. Anthony Carter's definitive reference work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS.

The scabbard body remains straight and is covered with matching blue Moroccan leather. The leather has torn through in several large areas, with portions completely missing and the underlying steel shell exposed. The leather along the edge is in very delicate condition, and is actively flaking away, so we cannot guarantee it will not deteriorate further.

Approximately 60% of the blue leather covering remains. The exposed steel shows oxidation from prolonged contact with air and moisture.

The scabbard fittings match the early solid nickel alloy hilt components. Most of their original darkened oxide finish has been lost through age, handling, cleaning, and polishing.

The fittings remain in very good structural condition. The lower ball of the chape is slightly dented, a commonly encountered issue due to the softness of the nickel alloy.

The brazed seam on the chape remains visible. This is a manufacturing feature and should not be mistaken for a crack or later break.

All four low profile dome head mounting screws remain present and firmly seated.

The upper scabbard throat bears a stamped DFK insignia. The DFK, or Deutscher Fliegerkorps, preceded the NSFK, and the presence of this marking strongly supports the early production character of the dagger and scabbard assembly.

An original leather hanger with nickel silver fittings is attached to the suspension ring. The metal fitting has lost most of its original finish, while the leather has stretched and shows general age and service wear.

With its early solid nickel fittings, Gebrüder Heller maker mark, visible factory crossgrain, DFK marked scabbard throat, original blue Moroccan leather grip and scabbard covering, and surviving leather hanger, this is a particularly appealing early NSFK dagger assembly. The missing blade buffer, sharpened blade, oxidation, grip wear, flaking leather, substantial scabbard covering loss, dented chape, polished fittings, and stretched hanger are fully disclosed. It would display especially well in an NSFK, DFK, German aviation, glider training, early political dagger, or advanced WWII edged weapon collection.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 6 7/8"
Blade Style: Spear Point Dagger
Overall length: 12“
Crossguard: 3 1/8”
Scabbard Length: 8 1/8"