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 - DLV 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 early pattern solid nickel alloy, which was originally plated / frosted, just like with early pattern Luftwaffe swords and daggers. The frosting is now mostly worn away, showing the underlying nickel alloy. 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 "vaulted" medallions with a swas (hook cross) on both sides. The crossguard shows only light wear, with no denting, however the cleaning has removed the frosting 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 all 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 grind crossgrain on both sides. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The darkening in the etched maker logo is mostly intact, the point is still unbent, and the edge is correctly unsharpened. There is some staining and runner wear, as is expected. Cleaning has removed some past staining as well, making the crossgrain faint in areas.

The reverse ricasso of this lovely dagger is maker marked with an etched oval trademark logo reading:

F. & A. HELBIG
* Gaesler *
STEINBACH (Kr. M.)

F. & A. Helbig, Messerfabrik (knife factory) in Steinbach Kreis Meiningen, was organized by Frieda & Alfred Helbig, succeeding F. & W. Helbig shortly after 1928. They prospered manufacturing daggers during the Third Reich era. They made daggers for the DLV, and made some crackle-finished Aluminum NSFK Glider Pilot's Knives. They also made many swords and daggers for the Luftwaffe, They used several trademark logos, and the lightly etched version without borders was the one usually seen on the Luftwaffe Swords. For more information please see GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter.

The scabbard shell is straight throughout and covered in matching blue Moroccan leather, which has degraded somewhat in areas, which shows a bit of the steel shell. It looks like the leather got wet, and rotted out, which also caused some oxidation to the steel. The scabbard mounts are the correct early nickel alloy and were originally frosted, however most of that has worn away now. 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 "cheese head" screws, some of which show some turning. The throat has the correct early DLV "Winged Propeller" Logo stamped on top, as opposed to the later NSFK "Icarus" marking.

The attached hanger clip has all nickel hardware, and is in good service used condition.

This is a lovely lightly worn example of an early issue NSFK - DLV Dagger, and only the fifth 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"