Germany, SA. A Model 1933 Service Dagger, SA-Gruppe Westfalen, by August Merten Witwe

(SA 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 22.5 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 bears a maker’s mark of “AUG. MERTEN WW., SOLINGEN-GR.”, topped by the firm’s combined oak leaf and monogram 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 “WM”, indicating distribution to SA-Gruppe Westmark. 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, 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. The latter retains a loop for the accommodation of a hanger, which is included and consists of a brown leather strap with a functional nickel-silver spring clip maker marked with the logo of F.W. Assmann & Söhne, Lüdenscheid. An additional brown leather hanger with a belt suspension loop is affixed to the dagger’s handle. A functional spring catch in the throat firmly holds 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, and loss of scabbard paint. It remains in a near extremely fine condition.