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 plating / frosting on areas, now partly worn away. 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 both sides. The crossguard shows only light wear, with no denting, and there is still the darkened plating in the recesses of the design. The crossguard arms are the tripartite type, with a downward sweep. The original leather blade buffer is still present next to the guard, and in very good shape, with fully intact finish.

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, showing light wear with a few areas of finish loss, mostly near the seams.

The blade is in very good condition, with the factory final grind cross grain retained over much of the blade! This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. There is some scuffing and wear from cleaning and the usual runner wear, but the blade still looks great. The edge has correctly not been sharpened, and there is only a bit of light oxidation in areas.

The trademark logo on the blade features the etched king holding an upward pointing sword, and is known as the "Seated King". The king is sitting on the firm initials SMF and is positioned above an arch shaped town location Solingen. Solinger Metalwaren-Fabrik Stöcker & Co. GmbH, also known as SMF, were one of the major suppliers of edged weapons to the Luftwaffe during WWII. As the name implies, they were located in Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in Western Germany. 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. There is some wear and scuffing to the leather, as well as some small areas missing and torn. The scabbard mounts are nicely patinated 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 soft nickel alloy. There is also a split on one side. The mounts are retained by flat head screws which are all unturned and firmly in place. Attached to the hanger ring is an original leather hanger, which is in somewhat delicate condition. It looks like some initials may have been scratched onto the metal fitting that holds it together, but we cannot read them.

The throat is stamped faintly with the NSFK Icarus insignia, with a swas at his legs. There is also a small Luftwaffe Weimar-style "Stick Eagle" proof, and a great unit marking reading T. S. 5 305. We unfortunately have not been able to identify what the unit marking means, and leave it as an excellent research opportunity.

This is a lovely example of an NSFK Dagger, made by a highly desirable Solingen maker, with some great markings! 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"