Early SA Dagger – Hanger – Tiger

Product Description: An absolute gem for collectors, this Model 1933 Sturmabteilung Dienstdolch Early SA Dagger – Hanger by famed maker Tiger is an outstanding example of craftsmanship. Tiger remains one of the most sought-after makers, and this dagger is a prime representation of their exceptional work. The blade is stunning, rating Exc++ with an intact acid-etched “Alles für Deutschland” motto and a crisp Tiger maker mark. The crossgrain remains beautifully visible when held against the light, adding to the blade’s striking appearance. It fits tightly into the scabbard, and the tip comes to a sharp point. As expected, there are light scratches and runner marks, along with some minor contact along the cutting edges from being sheathed and drawn. The brown anodized scabbard is exceptionally well-preserved, with only minor oxidization spotting while retaining a deep, rich brown finish. Importantly, it remains completely dent-free. The solid nickel-silver scabbard fittings are in excellent condition, with the ball having only very light dents. The four original screws remain intact and appear unturned, while the scabbard-to-crossguard fit is flawless. The solid nickel-silver crossguards are correct early-production examples and are in wonderful shape. The reverse of the lower crossguard is Gau-stamped “Th”. The dark hardwood grip has expected minor scratches and bruises, but maintains a perfect fit against the crossguards. A small scratch is present to the right of the eagle’s wing, but this does not detract from its appeal. The solid nickel eagle remains beautifully detailed with a perfect inlay, while the SA roundel fits perfectly, retaining 95%+ of its enamel. The Tee-nut appears untouched, further cementing this dagger’s originality. This example includes an original leather hanger, Assmann marked on the clip, adding to its desirability and completeness. This extremely rare Early SA Dagger – Hanger by Tiger is a collector’s dream, boasting outstanding condition, tight fittings, and premium early-period materials. A truly exceptional example worthy of any top-tier collection.

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.