Germany, SA. A Model 1933 Service Dagger, SA Group Ostland with Hanger, by Eduard Wüsthof

(Sturmabteilung Dienstdolch M33 mit Gehänge). A well-preserved Sturmabteilung (SA) Model 1933 Service Dagger, measuring 37.5 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 “ED. WÜSTHOFF, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s trident 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 of the crossguard is stamped with a partially-legible inscription of “OST”, indicating distribution to SA-Gruppe Ostland (SA Group Ostland, corresponding to 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 obverse of the handle is a silvered German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 25 mm (w) x 15 mm (h). 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 maintains the dagger’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a brown painted magnetic metal shaft with nickel-silver fixtures secured to both the tip and throat. The latter has a loop for the accommodation of a hanger, which is included and consists of a functional nickel-silver spring clip attached to a brown leather strap, in turn connected to an additional strap of identical construction which is stitched into a loop for belt suspension. The throat 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, loosening of the hilt structure with scratching of the wooden handle grip, minor loss of scabbard paint, denting of the scabbard ball, and some material fatigue to the hanger. This high-quality example remains in an overall better than very fine condition.