BACKGROUND: The development of the NSKK, "National Sozialistisches Kraftfahr Korps" (National Socialist Motor Corps), can be traced back to 1923 when the SA introduced a "Kraftfahr Abteilung" (Motor Section) to transport personnel as required. In 1928 the SA Motor section was expanded to "Kraftfahrstaffeln" (Motor Squadrons). In an attempt to create a national motor corps, the NSAK, "National Sozialistisches Automobil Korps" (National Socialist Automobile Corps), was formed in April 1930 as a NSDAP auxiliary organization subordinate to the SA. In early 1931 Adolf Hühnlein was appointed as Chief of the NSAK and proposed a name change to NSKK, which was officially accepted in April 1931. Shortly after the purge of the SA in the "Night of the Long Knives," in June 1934, the NSKK was promoted to an official NSDAP organization, given independent status within the party and absorbed the SA Motor Squadron’s personnel.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: An early, stamped nickel-silver alloy eagle, whose outstretched wings have a span of 1 1/2", and which clutches a wreathed, mobile swastika in its talons, with a banner arching above with the letters "N.S.K.K.". The swastika is highlighted by its recesses having been painted black. To its hollow-backed reverse are soldered vertical attachment prongs. Reverse is RZM marked, but hard to read. Very uncommon early example. Nice.

GRADE ****½                             PRICE $59.00