Third Reich NSKK Marine Leaders Dagger-Eickhorn

The guilded version of the chained NSKK leaders dagger has been assigned to those ranking officers of the service who assisted with the motorised transport associated with the lakes, rivers and tributaries of the Reich, and is a very rare item. With many post war “modified” pieces on the market, finding a period issued example is a collector minefield.
This dagger however is totally period, having remnants of the correct copper/gold finish over its fittings and chain suspension system.
Dagger itself is an Eickhorn produced, RZM marked piece which appears never to have been apart. Crossguards fit the grip like a glove, and have deep accent grooves and much of the guilded finish remaining. Fruitwood grip is perfect having the high centre ridge we associate with Eickhorn RZM pieces and perfectly fit SA rune and political eagle. Blade has age staining to both reverse and obverse, as is often seen with items that have spent much of their working life close to water. Tip however is sharp and the motto black and crisp. The reverse ricasso is marked “RZM M7/66” and “1939”. Black scabbard paint is in fine condition with plenty of “spidering” to testify to its age. Scabbard fittings retain much of their gold finish, particularly to the reverse and have all retaining screws. Chain links are well defined and undamaged, the upper links being stamped “RZM M5/8” for Assmann, and “NSKK Musterschütz Korpsfuhrung”. The suspension has lost its spring over time- a simple repair. Much of the original finish remains on the links, especially on the reverse.
Finding a proper, period version of this dagger type is very difficult, beware of any that look too perfect!

Code: 53698