Original Item: Only One Available. The National Socialist Flyers Corps (German: 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 has never been cleaned or polished and remains in very fine, untouched condition. The mounts are the early solid nickel alloy type. The pommel cap is the three stage variety, still crisp throughout the edges with no dings. Most of the original silver frosting over the nickel is intact, and has a great dark patination.

The crossguard has a very crisp center block featuring round medallions with black swass on both sides. The enamel remains perfect on these swass. The crossguard arms are the tripartite type, with a downward sweep. One end of the guard is marked K, which is the subcontractor marking for hilts supplied to many manufacturers. The original blue Moroccan leather blade washer is still in place.

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 great shape, with just a bit of finish loss.

The blade is a very nice example, with full grain, a mirror finish and a needle-like tip. There are some small areas of staining and light corrosion, but nothing major. This blade is marked on the reverse ricasso with CARL EICKHORN / SOLINGEN in double circles around their trademark "Squirrel" logo over CE. This particular version of the marking is typical of mid-late 30's produced items, and was even seen on Weimar era edged weapons. Carl Eickhorn is a legendary name from Solingen, the "City of Blades" in Western Germany, and their items are highly desirable.

The scabbard shell is straight throughout and covered in matching blue Moroccan leather. There is some damage to the leather, which has been repaired, and there is a bit of missing finish in those areas. The scabbard mounts are nicely patinated and match the hilt mounts. They too are in choice condition, although the lower ball has a dent on the edge. The mounts are retained by flat head screws which are all unturned and firmly in place. The throat is stamped with the NSFK Icarus insignia, with a swas at his legs, and a Weimar Eagle over 96 inspection mark. 

The carrying ring is equipped with the original short hanger. The hanger leather is still supple and is retained by oval nickel disks on either side, with two rivets. The snap clip is unmarked.

This is really a great example of an NSFK Dagger, and the first that we have had available. From a highly desirable Solingen maker, ready to add to your collection and display!