Germany, SA. A Model 1933 Service Dagger, SA Group Niederrhein with Hanger, by Gebrüder Christians

(Sturmabteilung Dienstdolch M33). A well-preserved 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 “CHRISTIANSWERK, SOLINGEN” for the firm of Gebrüder Christians, circumscribing the company’s fork 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 are letters “NRH” for SA-Gruppe Niederrhein (SA Group Niederrhein/Lower Rhine). The handle grip consists of a single piece of dark brown wood carved into a curvature for a comfortable grip. Carved onto the reverse of the handle just below the crossguard are presumed owner’s initials “W.P.”. Inset into the obverse of the handle is a silvered German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. Also inset into the obverse of the pommel is a partially-silvered SA insignia measuring 9 mm in diameter. It completes with a nickel-silver lower crossguard, similarly marked with eight notches, which is secured in place with a rounded pommel nut that securely 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 secured to both the tip and throat, with a loop emanating from the latter for the accommodation of a hanger. The former is included and consists of a blackened leather strap which is adjusted with a functional silvered bronze buckle and retains a functional spring clip for uniform suspension. 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, loss of scabbard paint, the loss of one of the throat’s two rivets, and extensive material fatigue to the leather hanger. The dagger remains in a better than very fine condition.