UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons SA & NSKK Dagger Forum NSKK Gebr.Born

I got this from a vet;who served in Africa,he said when his unit took over a former german barracks,laying on each bed was these daggers,so he and his mates helped themselves it also came with a wedding version of 'Mein Kampf'

You should ask him who were his mates and see if they still have any.

And, that is a more likely story than the usual BS about "taken off a dead German"

Dave

What region in Africa did this Veteran liberate this early NSKK and all the others? I agree with Mr. Hohaus as this is a more likely story,, but yet still a story. Nice of those Germans to tidy up and make their beds with a complimentary embellishment. I would like to hear more about the occupying forces in Africa. Cheers Edward

Another fine early Sa dagger John,
I almost posted my Born today also.
Keep em coming.

Rich

I got this in 1981,the vet may not be still around,anyway at the time I wondered about NSKK in Africa but I was not going to contradict him.I found out later that NSKK units did serve in the Africa/Tunisian campaign.

The NSKK was widely involved in many things to do with motor transport from driver training to traffic control, and they did work in occupied territories. I don't know specifically about Africa.

By the time that US soldiers were in contact with the Germans - 1943 in Africa/Sicily and 1944 in France/Italy - the dagger wearing days were over except maybe in Berlin. This applies to just about all daggers. IMO most dagger were back at home with parents, spouses and the like. The likeliest ways they came into GI possession were:

1. "Confiscated" from private dwellings as the US troops moved forward
2. Same from Party quarters, barracks, etc.
3. Taken from piles of weapons surrendered as German civilians obeyed the US Occupation orders.
4. Taken from piles of weapons as the German military surrendered - mostly swords/bayonets

Now when the GI got back to Jersey City or Akron or Liverpool or Murmansk, I will bet he did NOT say "hey look at this neat dagger I stole from a house near Augsburg" or " ... that picked out of a pile of surrendered weapons". "I took it off a dead German" seems more fitting

Dave

VERY nice rig John!! Congrats.

I agree Dave, Well put. I could envision situations where the German families brought these items out and traded them for food or other supplies after they found out how in demand they were also! VERY tough times in Germany after the war. Kevin.

Thank you Dave. Cheers Edward

Outstanding Gebr. Born Jon,, I like the early snap clip on the 2 pc rig,, very nice. I have to side with Dave about the NSKK being in Africa. Overall a Very nice early period dagger. Best regards Larry