Germany, SA. An Unusual and Customized Model 1934 Dagger, by Friedrich Herder

(Sturmabteilung Dolch). An unusual and well-preserved Sturmabteilung (SA) Model 1934 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, retaining original bluing for a striking contrast to the base metal. The reverse ricasso bears a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo above a maker’s code of “M7/49” for Friedrich Herder, Solingen. It sits securely within a nickel-silver upper crossguard, marked with eight notches distributed in groups of four at both the top and bottom, and decorated on both sides with expertly hand-etched oak leaf designs. 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 pommel is a partially-silvered SA insignia measuring 9 mm in diameter. The dagger completes with a nickel-silver lower crossguard, similarly decorated with hand-etched oak leaves, secured in place with a rounded pommel nut that screws in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. The exceptional detail of the dagger modifications includes a swastika carefully etched into the nut. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a brown-painted magnetic metal shaft. Nickel-silver fixtures are secured to both the tip and throat with side rivets, and are similarly decorated with oak leaf designs. The throat fixture retains an integral loop for the accommodation of a hanger, as well as a spring catch to firmly hold the dagger in place during storage. Although well-preserved, the blade is a later-period example that was added subsequent to manufacture, possibly to replace a Röhm piece, and demonstrates minor running marks, while the scabbard shows moderate scratching and loss of paint. This unusual and carefully-customized example is in a near extremely fine condition.