Germany, NSKK. A Rare Model 1933 Service Dagger, Motorgruppe Südwest, by Friedrich Dick

(Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrkorps Dienstdolch M33). A well-preserved Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrkorps (National Socialist Motor Corps/NSKK) Model 1933 Service Dagger, measuring 37 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 22.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is an inscription of “ALLES FÜR DEUTSCHLAND” (“EVERYTHING FOR GERMANY”) in Fraktur script. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “F. DICK, SOLINGEN” for the firm of Friedrich Dick, flanked by the company’s classic arrow logo. It sits securely within a nickel-silver upper crossguard which is marked with eight notches, distributed in groups of four at both the top and bottom. Stamped onto the reverse of the ricasso is a mark of “SW”, indicating distribution to NSKK Motorgruppe Südwest (corresponding to Württemburg and parts of Baden). The handle is composed of a single piece of dark lacquered wood which is carved into a curvature for a comfortable grip. Inset into the obverse of the dagger is a silvered German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 25 mm (w) x 15 mm (h). Also situated within the obverse ricasso is a partially silvered Sturmabteilung (SA) insignia measuring 9 mm in diameter. Completing the dagger is a nickel-silver lower crossguard, similarly marked with eight notches, which is fastened in place with a rounded pommel nut that maintains the dagger’s structural integrity. Accompanying the dagger is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. Nickel-silver fixtures are secured to both the tip and throat with side rivets. An integral loop emanates from the throat fixture for the accommodation of a hanger. A functional catch within the throat firmly holds the dagger in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks and sporadic tarnishing to the blade, scratching of the handle grip, and moderate loss of paint throughout the scabbard shaft resulting in slight surface oxidation. An example by a rarely-encountered manufacturer of NSKK daggers, this example remains in an overall better than very fine condition.