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; 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 light to moderate service, and has a fantastic lightly worn patina. The mounts are the early solid nickel alloy type, which originally had a dark oxide plating / frosting on areas, now mostly worn away, showing some patination to the fittings. The pommel cap is the three stage variety, still crisp throughout the edges with some dents and scratches from use.

The crossguard has a very crisp center block featuring round medallions with a swas (hook cross) on either side. The crossguard shows only light wear, with no denting, and there is still the some of the darkened oxide plating in the recesses of the design, as well as on the reverse. The crossguard arms are the tripartite type, with a downward sweep. The original leather blade buffer is unfortunately missing.

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 much of the grain, however there are scrapes and other marring which has removed the finish from the leather, especially on the reverse.

The blade is in very good condition, looking to have seen a good amount of service and subsequent cleaning. This has made the factory final polish grind cross grain faint on most of the blade, however there is still a bit near the cross guard. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The tip of the blade is fully intact, and the edge is in good shape, with no dents or dings. It does look to have been sharpened at some point, before it was later cleaned.

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. It shows wear similar to the handle, with the addition of some cuts on both sides, and there is wear and some missing leather around the edges on the rear. The scabbard mounts match the hilt mounts, and have lost most of the original oxide finish, having been cleaned and polished over the years. They are in very good condition, though the lower ball of the chape is dented in just a bit, which happens easily due to the soft nickel alloy. The mounts are retained by four flat head screws which are all firmly in place, though one may be a replacement. This is definitely a VERY early dagger, as there is actually a DFK (the predecessor of the NSFK) insignia stamped into the top of the scabbard throat. Attached to the hanger ring is an original nickel silver fit leather hanger, which is in very good condition.

This is a lovely example of an NSFK Dagger, made by a highly desirable Solingen maker, and complete with scabbard and hanger! Ready to add to your collection and display!

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