NPEA Chained Leader Dagger [M1935] by Karl Burgsmüller Berlin
Exceptional NPEA grouping belonging to Erwin Ocker, an educator of the National Political Educational Institute (NPEA) Ilfeld — including photographs, Führer ID, documents and a
Chained Leader’s Dagger, Model 1935 with distributor marking Karl Burgsmüller, Berlin on the reverse of the blade.
Total length approx. 37.8 cm.
A historically significant and complete set with verified provenance from NPEA Ilfeld.
Grip: Finely shaped wooden grip with pronounced center ridge and visible grain pattern.
Inset nickel-silver eagle firmly mounted and never removed.
Both crossguards are made of nickel silver; the lower guard is reverse-stamped “NPEAJ”.
The letter “J” represents Ilfeld — during that period, the letter “I” was commonly written as “J”.
Perfect fit between grip and guards, indicating original factory assembly.
Blade: Double-edged and mirror-polished, with visible crossgrain throughout.
Obverse etched with the NPEA motto “Mehr sein als scheinen” (“Be more than you appear”),
reverse with distributor marking “Karl Burgsmüller Berlin”.
The blade shoulders fit precisely into the lower guard; the correct leather buffer pad remains in place.
Scabbard: Straight iron scabbard with original olive-green paint, free from dents or damage.
Three nickel-plated fittings, with chain hanger mounted to the upper and center bands as typical for Burgsmüller production.
Uniform, well-preserved finish.
Chain Hanger: Configuration of five upper and seven lower links;
the snap hook is stamped “D.R.G.M.”.
This version corresponds to documented Burgsmüller-supplied NPEA Leader Chained Daggers found in specialist references.
Historical Context: NPEA Ilfeld and the Chained Leader’s Dagger
The National Political Educational Institute (NPEA) Ilfeld was the
seventh school of the NPEA system, officially opened on April 20, 1934.
Located in the former Ilfeld Monastery School in the province of Hannover/Saxony, it counted about
190 students in eight classes by 1942. Director Eckardt succeeded the earlier
headmaster Professor Steche.
The stamp “NPEAJ” on the lower crossguard identifies the school of origin:
the letter “J” represents Ilfeld, as the letter “I” was commonly written as “J” in that period.
Daggers from NPEA Ilfeld bear the motto “Mehr sein als scheinen” and were issued to leaders of the institution.
The present example corresponds exactly to the piece illustrated on page 144 in
Ralf Siegert, “The Service Daggers and Edged Weapons of the N.P.E.A.”.
Authentic Ilfeld-marked examples are among the rarest and most sought-after NPEA daggers
known to collectors worldwide.
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