Maker
Burgsmüller Karl Berlin
Model
M1935
Inscription
Mehr sein als scheinen. «Be modest but always excel»
Blade
double-edged
Length
370 mm
Weight
425 g
Hanger
Chained hanger
Condition
EXC+
NPEA Chained Leader Dagger [M1935] by Karl Burgsmüller Berlin
NPEA chained dagger for leaders of the National Political Educational Institutes, Model 1935, featuring the reverse etched distributor marking “Karl Burgsmüller, Berlin”. This piece is offered together with an expertise by Ralf Siegert. The total length is approx. 37.0 cm.
Grip: Dark brown wooden grip with a pronounced center ridge and an even, vertical grain pattern. The inset NPEA eagle emblem in nickel silver is cleanly preserved. Both crossguards are also made of nickel silver and show a consistent patina.
Blade: Double-edged, polished blade in good overall condition. The obverse shows the deeply etched NPEA motto “Mehr sein als scheinen”. The reverse bears the distributor marking “Karl Burgsmüller, Berlin”.
Scabbard: Straight iron scabbard with retained original olive-green paint, without dents or deformation. Three nickel-plated fittings in maker-typical arrangement. The paint shows an even, homogeneous surface. This is a typical Carl Eickhorn pattern scabbard.
Chain hanger: Chain hanger with 6 upper and 8 lower chain links. The chain is correctly attached to the upper and middle scabbard bands, as documented for this configuration.
Historical Background: NPEA Chained Dagger Model 1935
The Nationalpolitische Erziehungsanstalten (NPEA), often referred to as “Napola”, were state-run elite boarding schools established after 1933. The Model 1935 chained dagger was intended for leaders and senior personnel and served as a representative sidearm.
While the overall construction follows contemporary political-organization dagger patterns, the NPEA dagger features distinctive elements such as the motto “Mehr sein als scheinen” and the characteristic olive-green scabbard finish.
Examples with original chain, coherent configuration, and documented expertise are regarded today as sought-after pieces within collections focusing on political organizations and German edged weapons of the 20th century.
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