Germany, SA. A Model 1933 Dagger, SA-Gruppe Ostland, by Eduard Wüsthof

(Sturmabteilung Dolch). A Sturmabteilung (SA) Model 1933 dagger, measuring 37 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 22 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is an inscription of “ALLES FÜR DEUTSCHLAND” (“EVERYTHING FOR GERMANY”) in Fraktur script. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is an inscription of “ALLES FÜR DEUTSCHLAND” (“EVERYTHING FOR GERMANY”) in Fraktur script. The reverse ricasso is maker marked “ED. WÜSTHOF, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s trident logo. The blade sits securely within a nickel-silver upper crossguard which is marked with eight notches, distributed in groups of four at both the top and bottom. Stamped onto the reverse of the crossguard are initials “OST”, indicating distribution to SA-Gruppe Ostland (SA Group East Prussia). The handle grip is composed of a single piece of lacquered dark brown wood, carved into a curvature for a comfortable grip. Inset into the handle is a silvered German national eagle measuring 25 mm (w) x 15 mm (h), while a partially-silvered SA insignia measuring 9 mm in diameter is inset into the pommel. It completes with a nickel-silver lower crossguard, similarly marked with eight notches, secured in place with a rounded pommel nut which maintains the dagger’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a brown-painted magnetic metal shaft. Nickel-silver fixtures are riveted in place at the tip and throat, with the throat also retaining a loop for the accommodation of a hanger. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident throughout, and include running marks and tarnishing of the blade, loss of finish to the wooden handle grip possibly indicative of clearing, loss of scabbard paint, some loosening of the overall structure, denting of the scabbard fixtures, and friction which renders insertion and withdrawal of the dagger from the scabbard difficult. It remains in a very fine condition.