Germany, SA. A Model 1933 Service Dagger, SA-Gruppe Westfalen, by Carl Eickhorn

(Sturmabteilung Dienstdolch M33). A Sturmabteilung (SA) Model 1933 Service 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. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “CARL EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic squirrel logo. It 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. The reverse is stamped with a mark of “WF” indicating distribution to SA-Gruppe Westfalen (SA Group Westphalia), The handle grip is composed of a single piece of dark brown wood which is carved into a curvature for a comfortable grip. It inset into the obverse of the handle is a silvered German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 25 mm (w) x 15 mm (h). Inset into the pommel is a partially-silvered SA insignia measuring 9 mm in diameter. The dagger 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 a period original scabbard, constructed of a brown-painted magnetic metal shaft. Plated magnetic metal fixtures are secured to both the tip and throat. The latter retains an integral loop for the accommodation of a hanger ring which has been lost to time. The throat also retains a functional spring catch to firmly hold the dagger in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, scratching of the handle grip with additional chipping and cracking where the wood meets the crossguards, and some loss of scabbard paint. The dagger remains in a very fine condition.