Chained NSKK Marine by Eickhorn – D772
It seems like any political dagger that incorporates a chain suspension for the hanger on it’s scabbard is always popular with 3rd Reich edged weapon collectors. There were a few firms which produce NSKK chained leaders dagger during the era, though the most prolific was the Carl Eickhorn firm. Here is a pretty example.
The grip to this Marine NSKK is in very good shape, being void of any splits, cracks, chunks, or repairs. The beautiful swirling dark and light brown in this handle makes for a gorgeous chunk of wood to say the least. One tiny sliver has flaked at the top reverse is about the only imperfection that it shows. This is a mid period example as noted by the nickel emblems consisting of the the upward beak grip eagle, and early SA runes button. Both insignia are in good condition, with minimal wear if any. As pictured in the photos, the gilded crossguards show moderate period wear from the time this dagger was worn by it’s owner during the period. Though a lot that gilt remains under the lower crossguard where the fitting was protected by the throat of the scabbard. In lieu of that, the exposed nickel plated surfaces of both crossguard underneath of the factory gilt has not lifted all that entirely bad.
The scabbard to this dagger is in truly beautiful condition. It remains perfectly straight, void of any hits, splits, or creases, with a fine muted period black enamel rating 98%. The upper, middle and lower fittings are in excellent shape, void of any hits, creases or misshaping. Even the bottom ball on the lower chape is damn near perfect, far from the obligatory hit that this component usually takes as we all know. Like the crossguards, the gilt that these fittings were coated with was thin in regards to the application. And as a result you can see that when the dagger being carried and handled, the wear which was imparted to the gilt on these components. That aside, the actual chain links have held up quite nicely in retrospect. All of the links and their connectors are in good condition void of any repairs, as is the oak leaf snap clip as well. The 1st two links of the assembly are marked on the reverse with the RZM code, and NSKK proof.
Lastly we complete this NSKK Marine officer’s dagger with the blade. It’s a very nice example, and completely matching the condition of every other component on this edged weapon. The blade remains full length, straight as an arrow, drawn to a needle sharp tip, and void of any tipping, sharpening, buffing or cutting edged chips. There is a little bit of surface in and out runner wear, but truthfully not all that detracting. A wonderful muted crossgrain runs the length of both sides, showing that this blade has remained untouched just like the rest of this chained dagger. To top it off, a fantastic burnished Alles fur Deutschland is etched straight down the middle of the obverse. The reverse of the riccasso is simple etched with the Eickhorn RZM code 7/66, and the date 1939.
A beautiful example of a chained NSKK marine dagger, by the king of Solingen, Eickhorn SOLD