Original Item: Only One Available The National Socialist Flyers Corps (Nationalsozialistisches Fliegerkorps; NSFK) was a paramilitary organization of the NSDAP Party that was founded 15 April 1937 as a successor to the German Air Sports Association (Deutscher Luftsport Verband; DLV); the latter had been active during the years when a German air force was forbidden by the Treaty of Versailles. The NSFK organization was based closely on the para-military organization of the Sturmabteilung (SA). A similar group was the National Socialist Motor Corps (NSKK).

During the early years of its existence, the NSFK conducted military aviation training in gliders and private airplanes. Friedrich Christiansen, originally a Generalleutnant then later a Luftwaffe General der Flieger, was NSFK Korpsführer from 15 April 1937 until 26 June 1943, followed by Generaloberst Alfred Keller until 8 May 1945.

Like all of the NSDAP German paramilitary organizations, they were issued various ceremonial items to instill loyalty, such as this early production NSFK Glider Pilot's Dagger, complete with scabbard and belt hanger.

This example looks to have seen long service, and has been cleaned several times. The mounts look to be the mid war aluminum alloy type, and are now worn down in areas due to cleaning. The pommel cap is the three stage variety, still crisp throughout the edges with some dents and scratches on one side. The original silver frosting, well patinated, has been mostly removed by cleaning.

The crossguard has a very crisp center block featuring round medallions with a swas (hook cross) on both sides. The crossguard shows only light wear, with no denting, however the cleaning has removed the plating everywhere except the recesses of the design. The crossguard arms are the tripartite type, with a downward sweep. The leather blade buffer is still present, and has most of the original finish intact.

The base construction of the grip is of carved wood, slightly bulbous in the center and tapering toward either end. This grip is covered with a single piece of original blue Moroccan leather which retains all of the grain. This leather is in very good shape, with only a light wear, and a few dents. The finish is mostly intact, as shown.

The blade is in very good condition, and still shows much of the original factory final polish crossgrain on both sides. The darkening in the acid etched maker logo is almost completely intact, the point is still unbent, and the edge is correctly unsharpened. There is some light staining and runner wear, as is expected.

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 fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS.

The scabbard shell is straight throughout and covered in matching blue Moroccan leather, which has degraded somewhat. The leather seam has lifted, and overall the leather is now partially detached from the steel scabbard body. The aluminum scabbard mounts have been polished and match the hilt mounts. They are in good condition, though the lower ball of the chape is dented in, which happens easily due to the softer alloy. The mounts are retained by flat head screws which are all unturned and firmly in place. The throat is stamped faintly with the NSFK Icarus insignia, with a swas at his legs.

This is a lovely lightly worn example of an NSFK Dagger, and only the fourth that we have had available. From a highly desirable Solingen maker, ready to add to your collection and display!

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