SA Dagger by C. Linder – 7/10

Product Description: This SA Dagger by C. Linder is a choice piece, with a lot going for it. This is a scarce maker, ranking a 7 out of 10 on the McSarr rarity scale. The blade on this dagger is in outstanding, near mint condition, with exceptional shine and excellent cross graining. The motto etching is crisp, with nice darkening. The reverse of the blade is etched with the seldom-seen “C. Linder Solingen Merscheid” logo. The handle of this early dagger is beautiful, with very nice, uncleaned patina on the correct nickel silver crossguards. The rosewood grip shows only light wear and small marks, and features an early nickel eagle and enamel SA roundel. The reverse of the lower crossguard is stamped “Wm” for SA-Gruppe Westmark. This SA Dagger by C. Linder is complete with its original scabbard. The scabbard is the anodized type, correct for this early dagger, and is in excellent condition, with scattered light marks and much of the original Zapon lacquer still remaining. The nickel silver fittings are all intact, with one light dent to the lower drag area. This desirable dagger has wonderful eye appeal, and the condition rates as excellent plus.

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.

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