Germany, SA. A Sturmabteilung Röhm Dagger, with Hanger, by Friedrich Herder

(Sturmabteilung Röhm-Dolch mit Anhänger). A very well-preserved Sturmabteilung (SA) Röhm dagger, measuring 370 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 220 mm-long polished magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and edges. The obverse of the blade bears an acid-etched inscription of “ALLES FÜR DEUTSCHLAND” (“EVERYTHING FOR GERMANY”) in Fraktur script, with a dark patina providing a striking contrast to the surrounding metal. The reverse bears an acid-etched inscription of “IN HERZLICHER FREUNDSCHAFT - ERNST RÖHM” (“IN HEARTFELD FRIENDSHIP - ERNST RÖHM”) in cursive handwriting. A maker marked is also etched onto the reverse ricasso reading “F. HERDER A.S. SOLINGEN” for Friedrich Herder, beneath the firm’s logo of crossed bit keys. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated upper crossguard, marked with eight notches, with four distributed across both the top and bottom. An engraved mark of “NRH” is set into the reverse of the crossguard for SA Group Niederrhein. A single piece of polished dark brown wood composes the handle group, carved into a curvature for a comfortable grip. Inset into the handle is a silvered insignia consisting of a SA-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 25 mm (w) x 15 mm (h). Also inset into the handle near the pommel is a second insignia consisting of a partially-silvered SA logo, measuring 9 mm in diameter. The dagger completes with a nickel-plated lower crossguard, similarly marked with eight notches, secured together with a rounded pommel nut which maintains the structural integrity of the dagger. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a brown-painted magnetic metal shaft. Nickel-plated fixtures are secured to both the tip and throat, each with dual side rivets. The throat fixture retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the dagger in place during storage. It also features an integral loop for the accommodation of a dagger hanger. The former is included and consists of a dark brown leather strap adjusted with a silvered non-ferrous metal buckle, in turn affixed to a functional spring clip with two additional leather straps for uniform suspension. Minor issues consistent with age and use are evident, and includes some running marks to the blade, spots of oxidation to the nickel-plated features, and loss of scabbard paint. Additionally, scabbard friction renders insertion and extraction of the dagger difficult. This rare and desirable dagger is in an overall near extremely fine condition.