Early SA Dagger – Henckels

Product Description: This early SA Dagger – Henckels is a very nice and untouched example, with exceptional eye appeal. The blade has very nice crossgraining, with great original shine as well as typical runner marks along the blade. The edges and tip are undamaged, and the crisp motto is the correct light acid etched style used by this maker. The reverse of the blade is etched on the ricasso with the correct early commercial style maker mark for the firm of J. A. Henckels in Solingen. The handle on this dagger is wonderful, with correct solid nickel crossguards. The reverse of the lower guard is stamped “Wf” for SA-Gruppe Westfalen. The grip is really nice, with no chips or damage. The nickel grip eagle is correct for this early vintage, and the SA roundel boasts nice luster and flawless enamel. This beautiful Early SA Dagger – Henckels is complete with its original scabbard. The scabbard fittings are solid nickel, matching the guards on the handle perfectly. The scabbard body retains most of its original brown anodized finish, and shows an even, heavy patina. The ball at the end of the bottom scabbard fittings is dented, which is typical for these. There is no sign that the T-nut on the pommel or the screws in the scabbard have ever been touched, and there are no indications that this dagger has ever even been cleaned. The scabbard suspension ring retains a with correct hanger for these early SA Daggers. It’s brown leather, with functional hardware. This dagger is a choice piece that has a lot going for it. The condition is excellent.

Historical Description: The “Sturmabteilung” (SA), formed in 1921, was the original paramilitary branch of the Nazi party. With the Nazi rise to power in 1933, a dress dagger was introduced for wear with the iconic “brown shirt” uniform. As the SA was a huge organization, with an eventual strength of close to three million men, there was a huge demand for these daggers, and they were produced by 123 different makers, from larger factories to small, cottage-industry workshops. The daggers featured a wood grip with an inset enameled SA emblem and the German national eagle and swastika emblem. The blade was etched with the motto of the SA, “Alles für Deutschland.” The early daggers were crafted with the utmost quality, in both workmanship and materials. Originally, the name and logo of each manufacturer was etched on the reverse of the blade. These early daggers featured hand-fitted nickel silver fittings, and scabbards that had an anodized coating. Prior to around 1935, the daggers were stamped with an SA group letter on the reverse of the crossguard. In 1936, the Reichszeugmeisterie der NSDAP (RZM) organization began to standardize the manufacture of the SA dagger. Commercial type manufacturer markings were to be eliminated and replaced with the RZM logo, as well as an RZM code, to indicate the manufacturer. Late production daggers marked with RZM logos usually are made with plated zinc fittings and have aluminum grip eagles. Instead of the early anodizing process, later scabbards were simply painted. During the transitional period around 1936, many daggers were manufactured bearing the RZM logo and maker code in combination with the earlier type maker names and logos. These transitional daggers can be found with early or late features, or a mix of both.

We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers free evaluations and the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates.

Click the link here to learn more: Free Evaluation or Inquiries 

or feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com