R.Jung's Chained NSKK Leader by Gebr. Heller

German WWII > Edged Weapons > SA and NSKK Daggers > NSKK Leader Daggers

Here we have an upgraded chained NSKK leader by Gebr. Heller! The blade on this one looks good with some age and spotting, lots of crossgrain remains. The dark and crisp "Alles fur Deutschland" motto and "Gebr. Heller" maker mark are both beautifully executed and provide a wonderful contrast to the bright blade! This one also has a perfect tip and perfect fit. The blade rates an easy Exc+. There is minor spotting. The scabbard has a small dent towards the obverse center fitting. 96%+ of its original black enamel paint is still intact with small scratches consistent with honest wear. Finding one of these chained pieces with perfect paint and no nicks is near impossible. The chain tends to chip the paint easily. The plated scabbard fittings look excellent! The dagger originally issued with an early scabbard has been upgraded with a chained scabbard at some point. The dagger itself is all early with some significant upgrades. A jeweler has scribed a crosshatch pattern into the grip and the obverse lower guard has been engraved, "R.Jung. Suhl." which is the original owner's name and location. The ball is perfectly round and all five screws remain intact! The steel based, nickel plated chain is in great shape with 98% plating coverage still intact. For those of you who like to follow me against the textbooks, indeed the correct link is stamped "NSKK Korpsfuhrung Musterschutz", there is no RZM stamp. The link holes are the correct horseshoe shape and the snap functions well! The solid nickel crossguards look great! The reverse of the lower crossguard is stamped "Th" (Thuringen) which happens to be in Thuringia so it matches the guys' location. The beautiful multi-toned hardwood grip displays excellent tones from light brown to black. It has a few hairlines to the obverse lower. The solid nickel eagle displays wonderful detail and is perfectly fit. The roundel retains 98% of its enamel and also has a perfect fit. This dagger was originally returned by 1st Lieutenant, 328th Infantry assigned to 26th Infantry Division Jack Louis Vogel, Bronze Star, (1st oakleaf cluster) for exemplary conduct in ground combat against the armed enemy. As a side note, US Army XII Corps reached Suhl sometimes around April 3, 1945.