BACKGROUND: The development of the NSKK, "National Sozialistisches Kraftfahr Korps" (National Socialist Motor Corps), can be traced back to 1923 when the SA introduced a "Kraftfahr Abteilung" (Motor Section) to transport personnel as required. In 1928 the SA Motor section was expanded to "Kraftfahrstaffeln" (Motor Squadrons). In an attempt to create a national motor corps, the NSAK, "National Sozialistisches Automobil Korps" (National Socialist Automobile Corps), was formed in April of 1930 as an NSDAP auxiliary organization subordinate to the SA. In early 1931 Adolf Hühnlein was appointed as Chief of the NSAK and proposed a name change to NSKK, which was officially accepted in April of 1931. Still subordinate to the SA in 1933 when the SA dagger was introduced, the NSKK also adopted the dagger shortly after its introduction. The dagger was intended as an ornamental item and its design was based on the traditional 16th century Swiss "Holbein" dagger. In May of 1936 Korpsführer Hühnlein decreed the NSKK dagger scabbards were to be finished in black to differentiate them from the SA dagger.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 22cm long, double edged, nickel/silver plated, drop forged steel construction blade with a low central ridge. The blade shows the expected scabbard runner marks with most of the original cross-graining is still visible. The obverse of the blade has the acid etched motto, "Alles für Deutschland", (All for Germany), which is crisp and well defined. Maker marked to "KOBER & CO". The dagger has a nicely formed walnut grip which has a nice snug fit to both the top and bottom fittings. The grip has a nickle/silver national eagle and an enameled and nickel/silver plated runic SA button, which are both nicely set into the grip. The nickel/silver cross guard, pommel, and tang. The dagger comes complete with its original magnetic sheet metal scabbard. The scabbard retains most of its original black paint. The solid nickel/silver scabbard fittings are all in excellent condition. All four dome headed fitting retaining screws are intact. The top fitting retains its hanger suspension loop and ring. The weight and balance of the scabbard would seem to indicate it still has its original internal lead counterweight insert intact. Original leather hanger is present.