NSKK Gau Marked Service Dagger by Aesculap with Marching Hanger

The blade is dirty and shows runner marks and some small spots of pitting. The blade is somewhat cloudy from a pattern of fine scratches running the length of the dagger on both sides. The burnishing is gone from the motto. The reverse ricasso bears the trademark of the Aesculap firm. The grip is a dark reddish brown color and, while it shows typical marks from carrying wear,  it is without chips or cracks. The grip eagle is the early nickel silver variety. The enamel SA runes button has no chips or cracks. The guards fit the grips very well, and the guards show little wear to the plating. The reverse lower crossguard bears the “Sw” mark of Gau Sudwest. The black paint of the scabbard is nearly 100% intact, although there are a number of small chips and scratches. Attached to the scabbard ring is a leather dark brown leather hanger, with the dagger clip bearing the RZM mark of M5/71 as well as the diamond shaped logo of Overhoff and Cie of Ludenscheid. attached to this clip is the “marching strap”, with a belt loop and a grip strap that fastens around the grip of the dagger to steady it on the march.