Wittmann Militaria - SA Dagger (Sturmabteilung) Section

The SA or Brown Shirts, were a private political formation which Adolf Hitler and the NSDAP used to maintain order at organized Party meetings and demonstrations. The group was formed in 1921, and grew to a huge force of nearly 3,000,000 men by the later 1930's. To instill esprit de corps, as well as create employment for the Blade City of Solingen, it was decided each SA man would carry a dagger with his Brown Shirt uniform. Huge quantities needed to be produced to accommodate the demand. The dagger initially was produced of hand-fitted nickel mounts with attractive finished wood grip and brown anodized (a bluing process) finished scabbard. The blade was etched with the SA motto, Alles für Deutschland. Examples produced prior to 1935 were stamped with the German sector of the SA group on reverse lower crossguard. Later examples underwent standardization through the RZM ministry. These pieces were produced of cheaper plated zinc-base fittings and scabbards were brown painted.

Prior to his "unmasking" as a traitor, Ernst Röhm was the leader of the SA. In 1934, he distributed approximately 100,000 SA daggers with his personal inscription on the reverse blade. These daggers were to honor individuals who had served with the SA prior to December, 1931. Other than the inscription, these pieces were identical to the standard M1933 SA dagger. After the Röhm purge, the inscription was ordered to be removed. Many examples were returned to the factory for grinding. Others were simply ground in the field by whatever means were available. Examples will occasionally be encountered with remnants of the original inscription remaining on the blade, but mostly none will remain. Some blades exist with an intact inscription, reflecting only the removal of the Röhm signature. Very very rarely is an example seen with a full, untouched inscription, as the holder would have surely risked a charge of treason.

SADAGGERS #33512C Early SA Dagger - Asso

This early SA does not appear to have ever been apart and it does not look to have been cleaned for some time. The nickel cross guards are in excellent condition, having smooth surfaces, crisp edges and precise accent grooves. The lower reverse cross guard is Gruppe marked “Ns”. The grip is a nicely grained lighter colored fruit wood. This wood is in good condition throughout except for a small surface sliver that has come off at the upper right obverse and also it has a small hit on the reverse down near the left lower cross guard. Other than this, this smooth to medium contour ridge grip is in good condition. The SA runes button is nicely placed and has perfect enamel surfaces. The nickel grip eagle is the “point-behind-the-head” type. All details are there to include the bird’s head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This scabbard has quite a bit of age to the anodized surfaces. It appears as though someone in the past rubbed some rust or age off of the scabbard on both sides and this has caused some scarring and thinning in these areas. The anodizing rates at maybe 20% - 30%. The nickel scabbard mounts are in good condition, the lower ball having a couple of minor dings at the bottom, but nothing that shows from the obverse. The blade of this example does not look to have been ever cleaned. It is just slightly gray but I think most of this will come out with a little semi-chrome polish. The cross graining still appears to be in the surfaces. The SA motto is nice and crisp and has easily 95% - 98% of the original darkening. This blade grades at about excellent but would grade higher with some cleaning. The reverse ricasso is acid etched with the logo of a pair of hobbyhorses. Above the horses is the abbreviated name of the company “ASSO”. This abbreviation stands for the Arthur Schüttelhofer Company of Solingen. The blade shoulders nicely meet the lower cross guard contour.

Excellent. $695.00
SADAGGERS #33498C Early SA Dagger - Südd Messerfabrik, Gefrees

This fine early SA does not look to have been cleaned in years. It features a dull patina across the nickel mounts. The cross guards are in fine condition throughout, having smooth surfaces, crisp edges and precise accent grooves. The reverse lower guard is Gruppe marked “Fr”. The dark grip appears to be a mahogany wood having some pleasing grain under the surfaces. This grip has sharp contours and fits the cross guards perfectly. Other than a couple of mild scratches along the bottom obverse of the grip, it is in perfect condition. The SA runes button is nicely placed and has fine enamel surfaces. The grip eagle is the style with “beak which points upward slightly.” This nickel bird has full details to his eye, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This scabbard has outstanding anodizing. The anodized surface shows some usage on the obverse and on the reverse there are a couple of very minor age marks but it is really nothing. Overall, this scabbard anodizing is in choice condition and rates at nearly 100%. The scabbard mounts are also in fine condition to include the lower ball. These mounts are retained by the original nickel screws which are all unturned. There is a short hanger and belt loop attached to the carrying ring. The leather of these two pieces exactly matches, leading one to believe that they have always been together. The leather to the short hanger is in superb condition complete with its small retainer loop. The hanger mounts are the solid nickel type having the snout nose style unmarked snap clip. The fine belt loop has a matching nickel rivet with smooth “d” ring. The blade of this example is as nice as they come. It is in full mint condition, having 100% of the cross graining and needlelike tip. The SA motto is crisp and deep with 100% of the background darkening. The reverse ricasso is matching etched with double ovals. The ovals contain the firm’s name and their location “SÜDD. MESSERFABRIK GEFREES”. The blade shoulders perfectly meet the lower cross guard contour. An outstanding early SA dagger here with a relatively difficult maker to find.

Near Mint. $1,395.00
SADAGGERS #33504C Early SA Dagger - Kaufmann & Söhne

This early dagger is in outstanding condition throughout and has never been apart. The dagger does not look like its been cleaned in many years and apparently never got dirty to begin with. The cross guards are beauties, having crisp edges, smooth surfaces and precise accent grooves. The lower reverse guard is Gruppe marked “Ha”. We do not see the Hansa Gruppe mark very often, so this is a good dagger from this aspect alone. The grip is a darker mahogany having medium to sharp contour construction. This grip has a nice look to it as it is a little bit thinner in proportion than most of the grips that we see. The wood does not really have any grain unless you look below the surfaces. This grip fits the cross guards like a rubber glove. The SA runes button is nicely placed; however, it does have a couple of minor chips, one above the “s” rune and one above the “a” rune. The nickel grip eagle is the “high-necked” variety. This bird has full details to its head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. A very nice hilt here. The scabbard shell is also a very fine example. It is straight throughout, having an excellent brown style anodized surface. There is only the slightest of age noticeable in a couple of places, mainly around the upper and lower mount but it is extremely negligible. This anodizing is in nearly mint condition. The scabbard mounts are also in choice condition to include the lower ball. The mounts are retained by the original nickel screws which are all unturned. The blade of this fine piece is about as nice as you will see. It is very bright and has all of its cross graining. This blade is in mint condition. The SA motto is nicely etched, being crisp and having all of its darkening in the backgrounds. On the reverse of this mint blade there is the etching of the producer which is a fairly rare maker. It features the producer’s name and location in capital letters formed to make a circle. The maker is “KAUFMANN & SÖHNE SOLINGEN”. In the center, there is a crown placed above a shield which has a floral device in the center. The cross guard contours exactly fit the blade shoulders. A very nice piece here which is about as good as they come.

Near Mint. $1,295.00
SADAGGERS #33500C Early SA Dagger - Gebr. Torley

This fine early SA does not appear to have ever been apart. It has nice even patinated nickel mounts throughout. The cross guards have good smooth surfaces, crisp edges and precise accent grooves. The lower reverse cross guard is Gruppe marked “Ns”. The grip is a fruitwood style being slightly lighter in color than the mahogany. It has a nice vertically running subtle grain. There are some dark spots up at the upper left area and also on the upper left and right area of the reverse. These marks may be in the wood or they are stain – I am not sure, but it does not look bad. The grip is a high-ridged contour type and it is in nearly perfect condition having only a couple of small taps to the left of the center reverse ridge. The SA runes button is nicely placed, being at about 5:00, and the enamel across the surfaces is perfect. The nickel grip eagle is the style with “beak pointing upward slightly.” This bird is in fine condition with all details to the head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. A fine hilt here! The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This shell has outstanding anodizing still remaining, showing some carrying signs in the surfaces but not much. There are a couple of minor age spots on the obverse but, still, the anodizing is about 98% overall. There is also lots of the original protective lacquer spaced throughout the surfaces. The nickel mounts are also in good condition. The lower mount has a small carrying ding which is just visible about the center point but the lower ball is in perfect condition. These mounts are retained by the original nickel screws which are unbuggered. The blade is a very fine example having all cross graining and other than runner marks, being in mint condition. This blade has a good, crisp motto that also appears to have about 99% of the dark backgrounds. The reverse is matching etched with the very rare maker mark. I have only seen this maker mark maybe once in the past. It is a double oval type which traps the firm’s name and location “GEBR. TORLEY SOLINGEN”. Inside the ovals is a butterfly-like insect. A neat logo here! The blade shoulders perfectly meet the lower cross guard contour. A very fine dagger here and a very rare maker if you are collecting by maker marks.

Excellent Plus, Plus $1,495.00
SADAGGERS #33483C Early SA Dagger - C.G. Haenel, Suhl

This early SA is a real beauty and is typical of the examples made by the three Suhl makers. Besides Haenel, the other makers were J. P. Sauer and Wilhelm Coburg. These three producers all grouped together to have their grips, cross guards and scabbards apparently made locally. All three dagger types will always be the same. This fine example has an upper cross guard which is slightly wider than the lower cross guard. This is typical of these producers. These cross guards are in choice condition throughout, having crisp edges, smooth surfaces and very precise accent grooves. This dagger does not appear to have ever been apart. The lower cross guard reverse is Gruppe marked “Sa”. The grip of this example is made from walnut wood. Since the Suhl producers made guns, the stocks were often made from this type of wood so the source was readily available. This beautiful grip is produced with sharp contour construction. It is hard as a rock and has beautiful vertically running grains. Aside from a small hit to the reverse center area, this grip is in totally perfect condition and fits the cross guards absolutely like a rubber glove. The SA runes button is perfectly placed, having good enamel surfaces. The nickel grip eagle is the “point-behind-the-head” style. This bird has outstanding detail throughout its head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. A very fine hilt here! The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This shell still has remarkably conditioned anodizing. The anodizing is the purple color variety and it is in mint condition and still has about 98% of the original protective factory lacquer. A beautiful shell here! The shell is equipped with nickel mounts which are still in excellent condition. The lower ball has one small ding just to the center area but it is nothing. These mounts are retained by the original four nickel screws which are unturned. The blade of this example is mint. It is a real beauty, having full polish and 100% cross graining. There is a tiny amount of smudge just on the reverse lower area but it is not enough to reduce the rating of this blade. The SA motto is crisp and deep and has 100% of the original factory darkening in the backgrounds. The reverse ricasso is matching etched with the arrow logo. The logo contains the firm’s name “HAENEL”. Below this is the full name of the firm, their location and the products that they made “C.G. HAENEL/SUHL/WAFFEN-u.FAHRRAD-FABRIK”. The words beneath the company indicate that this firm was a factory which made weapons and bicycles. The blade shoulders perfectly fit the lower cross guard contour. An outstanding Suhl produced piece.

Mint Minus. $1,395.00
SADAGGERS #33501C Early SA Dagger - Eduard Becker Kolumbuswerke

This fine early SA Dagger has a desirable logo that we do not see too often. The dagger is in nice condition throughout, having a good, even patina. It does not look to have ever been apart. The cross guards are nice and crisp with smooth surfaces and precise accent grooves. The lower reverse cross guard is marked with a Gruppe “He”. The grip is a lighter color brown fruitwood. It is of medium to sharp contour construction. This grip is in fine condition throughout and fit’s the cross guards like a rubber glove. The SA runes button is perfectly placed and has perfect enamel surfaces. The grip eagle is the nickel “high-necked” type having full details to the head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and raised mobile swastika. A fine hilt here! The scabbard shell is perfectly straight on the obverse. On the reverse, it had a bad kink dent towards the lower area. We were able to remove most of it and it looks a heck of a lot better than it did. This is a shame, because nearly all of the anodized surfaces are still on this shell. In fact, the anodizing is nearly 100% with most of the factory lacquer still there also at about 98%. The scabbard mounts are in excellent condition to include the lower ball. They are retained by the original nickel screws which are all un-buggered. The blade is a very fine example in nearly full mint condition. It has a little bit of runner marking and some minor smudge here and there, mostly on the reverse. All of the graining is there though and the blade retains its good needle tip. The SA motto is crisp and deep and has 100% of the factory darkening. The reverse ricasso has the very interesting logo of an etch darkened star-like figure and in the middle there is a workman that is easing a large tool with something on the end of it. He is probably inserting a metalwork piece into a furnace, although I must say he looks like a pizza man putting a pie in to the oven in modern terms. The logo is above the word “Kolumbuswerk” and the producer and location below “EDUARD BECKER SOLINGEN”. The blade shoulders perfectly meet the lower cross guard contour. A nice dagger here with a most interesting trademark.
Excellent Plus Plus. $1,195.00
SADAGGERS #33507C Early SA Dagger With 3 Piece Hanger - Herbertz & Meurer

This early SA Dagger was produced by a fairly rare maker but we do see the Herbertz & Meurer marking once in a while. This dagger has never been apart and has a nice patina throughout. The evenly toned cross guards have good, crisp edges, smooth surfaces and precise accent grooves. The lower reverse guard is Gruppe marked “He”. The grip is probably a mahogany wood. It has a nice deep reddish color to it and has good graining under the surfaces that run lengthwise. This grip is slightly more narrow in proportion than most others. The grip is of medium contour construction and fits the cross guards like a rubber glove. The SA runes button is nicely placed and has all of the enamel intact. The nickel grip eagle is the "high-necked" style bird having full details remaining to the bird's head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. A very fine hilt here! The scabbard shell is straight throughout. The anodized finish is a darker brown color and it is mostly still all there. There are some mild age signs in the surface and a couple of carrying signs, but overall this anodizing is at least 95%. The nickel scabbard mounts are also in choice condition to include the lower ball. These mounts are retained by the original nickel screws which are all unbuggered. Attached to the upper carrying ring is what appears to be the original 3-piece hanger. The hanger leather throughout is all of the same color and age and really looks good together. The hanger has the original retainer loop. It is equipped with the matching toned nickel hardware with the snap clip being marked in the reverse "A" and "DRGM". Attached to the hanger is a belt loop and grip retainer loop with working snap. Fine accouterments here! The blade of this dagger is also extremely nice, having most of the cross graining all there. It has just the slightest signs of some minor age but it is virtually nothing and the blade easily grades near mint. The SA motto is crisp and deep and has all of the darkening in the backgrounds. The reverse ricasso is matching etched with the dual oval logo of this company. Inside the ovals is the firm's name and location "HERBERTZ & MEURER SOLINGEN-GR." The blade shoulders perfectly meet the lower cross guard contours. A very fine dagger here with a seldom seen trademark.

Mint Minus. $1,395.00
SADAGGERS #33505C Early SA Dagger - Wilh. Wetlersbach

This early SA Dagger is in choice overall condition. The nickel cross guards have nicely toned throughout but they are not dirty. These cross guards have fine, smooth surfaces, crisp edges and precise accent grooves. The lower reverse cross guard is Gruppe marked "No". The grip of this example is a fine mahogany wood. It has good graining on both sides which is slightly subtle but still there. The grip has a couple of signs of wearing here and there. There are a couple of taps at the upper right obverse area and also a couple at the lower right reverse area. Otherwise, the grip is in choice condition. The SA runes button is nicely placed and does have a couple of minor fractures to the enamel, one being to the left of the "s" runes and one being to the right of the "a" runes. The enamel does not appear to be gone from the button though, it is just slightly chipped. The nickel eagle is a fine "high-necked" variety having full detail to the bird's head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. This grip fits the cross guards like a glove. A fine hilt here! The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This scabbard shell has outstanding anodized surface being a fine brown color. This anodizing appears to be at 100%. I don’t see any lacquer over it and most likely it never had any, but the preservation is remarkable to this scabbard. It really looks good! The scabbard mounts are the nickel type and they are in good condition. The lower mount has a couple of wearing signs and a couple of very minor dents to the lower ball but they don’t show from the front. Attached to the carrying ring are what appears to be the original short hanger and belt loop. The leather on both of these pieces is outstanding. The short hanger still has the retainer loop. The hardware on the hanger is the early nickel type having a snout nosed, unmarked clip. The belt loop has a fine nickel plated “d” ring. The blade of this example is as nice as they come. This blade has full mirror finish with 100% of the original cross graining. This blade is in full mint condition. The motto is crisp and deep, having 100% of the original blackening in the backgrounds. The reverse ricasso has a matching etched logo. The logo is a double oval which traps the firm’s name and location “Wilh. Weltersbach Solingen”. Inside is what appears to be a fire plug device having water dripping from two spouts, one on each side. The Weltersbach brand is fairly rare. A fine overall dagger here.

Near Mint. $1,395.00
SADAGGERS #33506C Early SA Dagger - J. Dirlam & Söhne

This dagger was produced by a seldom seen maker and also has very fine condition. The hilt mounts are excellent nickel types having choice smooth surfaces, crisp edges and precise accent grooves. The mounts are patinated, having a fine dull nickel finish and do not appear to have been cleaned in many years. The lower reverse cross guard is Gruppe marked “Nrh”. The grip of this example is of medium to high ridge construction. It is a fine mahogany type wood having good subtle vertically running grain. The grip is in very fine condition, being perfect throughout and fitting the cross guards like a glove. The SA enamel button is in good condition throughout, showing some usage but no fractures. The early nickel grip eagle is the “high-necked” type. This eagle still has good details to its head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. An extremely nice hilt here! The scabbard shell is also a beauty. This shell has jus a slight wearing sign about two inches up from the lower fitting but other than that, it is in perfect condition throughout. The anodized surfaces all still seem to be there, being a pleasing brown-red color. There also seems to be about 70% - 80% of the original protective lacquer. A very nice scabbard here. The matching nickel scabbard mounts are also in very good condition, the lower ball having a tiny ding at the very center bottom which does not show from the front. The scabbard mount screws are all in place and are unbudgeted. The blade of this example is bright throughout and other than runner marks, is in choice condition. There is only the slightest of age barely noticeable on the reverse center area. This blade does grade very close to near full mint however. All of the cross graining is there and the SA motto is crisp and deep with 100% of the darkening. The reverse of this blade is etched with a seldom seen trademark. The marking is of an old-fashioned front collar stud, having the firm‘s initials “J.D.” on the upper portion of the figure and the initial “s” on the lower portion. Beneath this logo is the firm’s name and location “J. Dirlam & Söhne Solingen“. The blade shoulders nicely meet the lower cross guard contour. This is a very rarely seen producer and is in very fine condition. A great opportunity here for a serious SA type collector to enhance his collection.

Mint Minus. $1,495.00
SADAGGERS #33493C Early SA Dagger - Leuco

This early SA dagger does not appear to have been cleaned and is in nice condition throughout. The cross guards have a good, even, dull patina. These guards have good, smooth surfaces, crisp edges and precise accent grooves. The lower reverse cross guard is Gruppe marked “Fr”. The grip of this example is a tea color mahogany. It shows a little bit of usage here and there and also has a regimental marking cut into the reverse surface. The grip is of medium contour construction. There is also a minor gauge on the right edge just to the right of the grip eagle. On the reverse right segment of the grip at about the center area is the marking “11/M77”. This marking appears to have been done by the original owner and certainly is his SA regiment and group. This tea colored grip has a horizontal graining more noticeable on the reverse than the obverse. The SA runes button is nicely placed and is in good condition. The nickel grip eagle is the style with “beak which points upward slightly.” This bird still has good detail to his eye, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and raised mobile swastika. This grip nicely fits the cross guards. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. It has the more purple color anodizing which appears to be all there. This anodizing has some age spotting in the surfaces but it is not much. The upper nickel scabbard mount is in good condition while the lower mount has a crushed ball. This ball is crushed off to the left and unfortunately is also split. The original screws are in place and are unturned. The blade of this example is still nice and bright. It shows some in-and-out markings but little age. This blade has full cross graining and is in near full mint condition. The SA motto is crisp and has all of the black backgrounds. The reverse of the blade is matching etched with a flower having 7 petals and beneath one on a downward horizontal is the producer’s name “LEUCO”. The firm of Leuco is not seen very often and is a desirable maker. Aside from the crushed ball, this dagger is quite desirable.

Excellent Plus Plus. $1,350.00(#010911)
SADAGGERS #33503C Early SA Dagger - Carl Schmidt

This early SA does not appear to have been cleaned in some time and it does not appear to have been apart. The cross guards have good, smooth surfaces with crisp edges and very precise accent grooves. The upper cross guard has a much “straighter” look than they usually do and is also a bit thinner. The grip is a fine fruitwood having fairly close grain. The graining runs vertical throughout both sides of the grip. This grip is of medium contour construction and is slightly thinner in proportion than most. The grip is in perfect condition and nicely fits the cross guards. The SA runes button is perfectly placed. It has an extremely small minor hit to the enamel just above the “s” rune. The nickel grip eagle is the style with “point-behind-the-head.” This bird has full remaining detail to his eye, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. The lower reverse cross guard is Gruppe marked “s”. A fine hilt here. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This shell has excellent anodized coating, being the more purple style variety. There is only minor age in the surfaces and the anodizing still appears to be mostly all there. The nickel scabbard mounts are in extremely nice condition. It appears to me that possibly the lower ball has been restored. It is an excellent example and probably would not be noticeable. The original nickel screws are all in place and are unbuggered. The blade of this example is as nice as they come. This blade has a mirror finish and easily has 100% of the cross graining. The motto is crisp and has 100% of the black background. This blade is in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso has a matching etch which has a circle with the company’s name and location block lettered around the circumference “CARL SCHMIDT SÖHN A./G SOLINGEN”. In the center of the circle is a small church with a cross on each roof side. This fine blade has shoulders which perfectly fit the lower cross guard contour. A nice dagger here.

Excellent Plus Plus. $1,095.00
SADAGGERS #33482C Early SA Dagger - Gust. Weyersberg Nachf.

This Gusf. Weybersberg produced is a very rarely seen maker. The nickel cross guards are nicely toned and do not appear to have ever been apart. These guards have excellent crisp edges, smooth surfaces and precise accent grooves. The lower reverse is Gruppe marked “Ns”. The grip is a very fine fruitwood having a lustrous look to its surfaces. There is a pleasing grain which subtly swirls around the grip eagle area on the obverse. The reverse appears to be a standard grain. This grip is of medium contour construction and nicely fits the cross guards. The grip has a couple of minor hits under the SA runes button but otherwise is in perfect condition. The SA runes button is nicely placed and has perfect enamel surfaces. The nickel grip eagle is the style with “beak which points upward slightly.” This bird still has full details to his head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. A fine hilt here! The scabbard shell is also a nice example. This shell has a slightly coppery look to the anodizing. The anodizing has some minor age markings in the surfaces but it is not bad. There are also some flecks of original protective lacquer also in the surfaces. The scabbard mounts are toned matching the cross guards. The lower mount has a hit to the lower ball where it is pressed upward slightly on the left. The ball, though, does not appear to be split. The mounts are retained by four original nickel screws. The blade of this example is nice and bright, having only the slightest amount of age here and there in the surfaces. The blade still grades in near mint condition. The SA motto is very crisp and deep and has 100% of the darkening in the backgrounds. The reverse ricasso is matching etched with this rarely seen trademark. In a circle are the words “GUST. WEYERSBERG. SOLINGEN”. In the center of the circle formed by these words at the top, is the word “NACHF.”. Below this are the initials “GWN” with a “S” at the bottom of the “W” letter. I do not remember seeing this trademark in the past and I think it is a very difficult example to find. This should be a great dagger for the SA type collectors out there.

Excellent Plus Plus. $1,395.00(#010911)
#33486C Early SA Dagger – Louper

This early SA is in choice condition throughout. It does not appear as though the dagger has ever been apart nor has it been cleaned, not that it was dirty. The nickel mounts have a fine dull patination throughout. The cross guard is kind of an interesting fitting as it looks smaller than we normally see them. It goes well with the lower cross guard which also is more rounded on the edges of the quillon ends than we normally see. It is always interesting to look at the different tactics used by companies when they produced these SAs which were basically hand-fit in the early years of 1933 and 1934. These mounts are in very fine condition, having good smooth surfaces and very precise accent grooves. The reverse lower cross guard is stamped with the Gruppe mark “Th”. The grip of this beauty is also extremely nice. It appears to be a furniture-like mahogany wood having medium to sharp ridge construction. This beautiful grip is in absolute perfect condition and fits the guards like a glove. The grip has some interesting grain on the obverse which seems to run almost around the grip eagle. The reverse also has fine graining which is running vertically. The SA runes button is perfectly placed and has some carrying signs to the enamel but there are no chips. The grip eagle is a “high-necked” version. This eagle has full details to his head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. A really great looking hilt here! The scabbard shell is also a crowd pleaser. This anodized finish is the more reddish color than most. It appears to be all there with some carrying signs across the lacquer covered surfaces. A very fine scabbard shell. The scabbard mounts are the early nickel type with matching patination. They are in good shape to include the lower ball. The mounts are retained by the nickel screws which are all unbuggered. There is also a short hanger attached. This short hanger appears to be original to the piece and is in good condition, except it is missing the little retainer loop. The leather is still in good shape, being a little bit limp but not bad. A new retainer loop would secure the limpness. The hardware is the all nickel type with matching patination. The standard shaped clip is unmarked. The blade of this example is also a beauty. It has only runner marks and the rest of it is nice and bright, having all of its cross graining. This mint condition blade has a fine, deeply etched SA motto. The motto has almost all of the original frosting in the backgrounds with just a slight amount gone from the center ridge which rubbed against the runners. The reverse ricasso is marked with double circles. In capital letters within the circles is the name of the company and the location city “LOUPER SOLINGEN”. Inside are three flickering flames and beneath the flames is the word “FLAMME”. This is a neat logo and has always been desirable by collectors. The Louper marking is one of the rarest that we see. It is really great to have this marking with such a fine condition dagger with some unusual aspects.

Near Mint. $1,495.00
#33492C Early SA Dagger -Carl Eickhorn

This early Carl Eickhorn produced SA dagger is a beauty, being in a basic untouched condition. The mounts do not look like they have been cleaned and the dagger has not been apart in many years. The mounts are the typical Eickhorn type, having the very deep hand-cut accent grooves. Additionally, they have good, crisp edges and fine, smooth surfaces. The lower reverse cross guard is Gruppe marked “Wf”. The grip of this example appears to be a furniture-like mahogany wood. It has some nice, very close graining throughout both sides, even having a slight burl effect to the grain on the reverse. The grip is of medium to sharp ridge contour construction. It is in perfect condition throughout and fits the cross guards like a rubber glove. The SA runes button is positioned quite low in the grip and looks great. It has a couple of taps across the surfaces but no damage to the enamel. The nickel grip eagle is the “high-necked” variety that we normally see on early Eickhorn pieces. This eagle has full details to the bird’s head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. An outstanding hilt here! It is also worth mentioning that the lower under cross guard is stamped with the inspection number “8”. We normally see this on early Eickhorn pieces, but not all of the time. The scabbard shell is straight throughout, having the fine Eickhorn brown anodizing. This anodizing is in outstanding condition, appearing to be all there and having only the most mild age in the surfaces. There is also quite a bit of the original protective lacquer on the scabbard rating at maybe 30% - 40%. The scabbard mounts exactly match the hilt mounts and they are in choice condition to include the never-dropped ball. These scabbard mounts are retained by the original nickel screws which are all unbuggered. There is an original short hanger still attached to the carrying ring. This hanger appears original to the piece and has good leather and also has its small retainer loop. The hardware is the solid nickel type with unmarked snout nosed clip. The blade is just as you like them. This blade is factory bright and still has all of its cross graining. The blade is in full mint condition. It has an outstanding crisp SA motto and easily has 100% of the original factory darkening. The reverse ricasso is matching etched with the very early double large oval circle. These ovals contain the firm’s name and location “Carl Eickhorn Solingen” and in the center is a seated squirrel clutching a nut in his paws and having a smooth tail. Beneath the animal is the firm’s initials “C.E.”. An outstanding dagger here. If you are a true collector, I think everyone has to have an early Eickhorn SA in their collection. They are always a good investment and collectors are always looking for them. I myself, never tire of Eickhorn SAs and I am sure you do not either.

Near Mint. $1,395.00(#010912)
#33487C Early SA Dagger - F. Ed Ohliger

This fine dagger does not appear to have been cleaned in many years. It has a nice dull nickel patina throughout the cross guard and scabbard mounts. The cross guards are good and smooth with crisp edges and precise accent grooves. The lower reverse cross guard is Gruppe marked “Nrh”. The grip of this example has some minor usage signs on the obverse but nothing really noticeable and the reverse has a number of hits which run mostly down the left of the ridge. (Maybe someone used it for a hammer or something.) None of the wood is cracked though, and there are no chips caused by this minor abuse. The SA runes button is nicely placed and has perfect enamel surfaces. The grip eagle is the style with “point-behind-the—head.” The details to this bird are crystal clear throughout the head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. This eagle also has some extra patination on its left side and a little bit of green material in the center areas behind the head and under the right wing. Looks kind of good though! This grip fits the cross guards like a rubber glove. The scabbard shell is completely straight throughout. This shell has outstanding anodizing, being a lighter brown color and still at 100%. There are some carrying signs which have put minor scratches into the surfaces, but they are not bad. A very nice shell here. The scabbard mounts are the early nickel type and they are good conditioned, to include the lower ball. There is the light scratching in the upper mount obverse, being “W.W.” This appears to maybe be the original owner’s initials but it is so lightly done that if not wanted, it could be mostly polished out. The carrying ring has a good short hanger a belt loop, both of which appear to be original to the piece. The leather is still in excellent condition throughout both of these accouterments and the hanger still has the small retainer loop. The hanger hardware is the early nickel type, the clip being the unmarked snout nosed type. The belt loop is equipped with a nickel plated steel “d” ring. The blade of this example makes up for any of the minor problems on the dagger’s outside. This dagger blade is absolutely stone mint. The blade has all of the cross graining and nice bright finish. The SA motto is crisp and deep with 100% of the darkening in the backgrounds. The reverse ricasso is matching etched with the interesting logo of this producer. It is a circle which has in capital letters the name of the producer and the location around the circumference “F.ED. OHLIGER SOLINGEN”. Inside is a hand holding up what appears to be a small light, as there are rays coming off of the top of the vessel. An interesting logo and not one we see too often. The blade shoulders perfectly fit the lower cross guard contour. A very fine dagger here.

Excellent Plus Plus. $1,295.00
#33497C Early SA Dagger - Wagner & Lange

This early SA dagger does not look to have ever been apart nor has it been cleaned. It has a fine dull nickel patination across the mounts. The cross guards are still nice and smooth and crisp with precise accent grooves. The reverse lower cross guard is Gruppe marked “He”. The grip is a darker wood which does not have a lot of grain on the surfaces. It is in excellent condition though, being a medium to high-ridge construction. The obverse has a couple of minor gauges to the right of the eagle and one under the eagle. The reverse is in near perfect condition. The SA button is well placed and has one extremely tiny nick to the enamel at about the 11:00 area. The grip eagle is the style with “beak which points upward slightly.” This bird has full detail to the head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This shell has excellent coppery color anodizing. It appears to all be there and almost all of the original covering lacquer is there too. There are just a couple of very minor age darker spots. A really great anodized scabbard here. The scabbard mounts are in perfect condition to include the lower ball. The original screws are in place and are unturned. There is a three-piece hanger attached which appears original to this piece. The leather is all matching and is in good, sound condition with working snap to the grip retainer loop and good pebbled nickel plated “d” ring to the belt loop. The short hanger has excellent leather also and still has the small retainer strap. The nickel hardware matches nicely the rest of the dagger, the snap clip being the snout nosed unmarked type. The blade of this example is bright throughout and other than runner marks, is in mint condition. All of the cross graining is there and the SA motto is deep and has 100% of the background darkening. The reverse ricasso is matching etched with double ovals having the firm’s name and location trapped inside “Wagner & Lange Solingen”. In the center is a shield-like device that has an arrow through the middle and what looks like a little chicken leg hanging down. The blade shoulders perfectly meet the cross guard contours. The area on the cross guard around the blade where it is protected by the scabbard throat still has its original brightness. This looks pretty neat against the dull patination of years of never being cleaned. A nice SA dagger here complete with three-piece hanger.

Uncleaned. Near Mint. $1,295.00
#33491C Early SA Dagger - J.E. Dittert & Co, Neustadt I.S.A.

This fine early SA dagger is by one of the rarest makers I have seen. In fact, this is the only one I have seen! The cross guards and scabbard mounts are all solid nickel. This piece does not appear to have been taken apart. The guards have good smooth surfaces, crisp edges and precise accent grooves. The grip is a furniture-like mahogany having a grain which runs slightly horizontal along with being vertical. I know this sounds odd, but it does look that way. The grip is of medium ridge construction and is in perfect condition on both sides. It fits the cross guards perfectly. The SA button is nicely placed with perfect enamel. The nickel grip eagle is the style with “beak which points upward slightly.” This eagle has good detail to the head with a little wear to the breast area, but the wings, talons, wreath and swastika are still in perfect condition. A very fine hilt here! The scabbard shell is straight throughout. It has a very attractive copper anodized finish. The anodizing appears to still be all there and there is some lacquer that is clinging here and there. The lacquer has bubbled just a little bit at the bottom area where it meets the scabbard mount. Nonetheless though, this is a really great anodized scabbard. The scabbard mounts are matching patinated nickel. They are in excellent condition throughout to include the lower ball. The four screws are in place and they are all unturned. The short hanger is attached to the upper ring. This hanger has outstanding leather and is complete with its retainer loop. The matching nickel hardware is complete with a standard snap clip being unmarked. The blade of this example is as nice as they come. It is mirror bright and other than runner marks, has all of its cross graining. The SA motto is very dark and somewhat shallow but all of the darkening seems to be in the backgrounds. The reverse ricasso is maker marked with the same dark backgrounds. It is marked with an ellipse which runs horizontal. The name and location is fashioned in the ellipse form “J.E. Dittert & Co/Neustadt i.SA.” There is also a triangular figure in the center. The blade shoulders perfectly fit the lower cross guard contour. An extremely rare maker marked SA dagger in very good condition.

Near Mint. $1,495.00
SADAGGERS #33499 Early SA Dagger - H. Herder, Ace of Spade Logo

This Early SA Dagger was cleaned in the not too recent past and really looks its best. It is a beauty, having all nickel mounts throughout. The crossguards are in exceptional condition, having good crisp edges, smooth surfaces, and precise accent grooves. The lower reverse crossguard is Gruppe marked “HE”. The grip is a very pleasing furniture-like wood, having subtle grain beneath the surfaces. The grip is in choice condition, showing little usage and still having a good sharp line to its medium contour shape. This grip is in perfect condition. It fits the crossguards like a rubber glove. The SA runes button is perfectly placed and has fine surfaces to the enamel. The nickel grip eagle is the “high necked” style, having all details visible to the head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath, and mobile swastika. An outstanding hilt here! The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This shell would be very hard to beat. It has some carrying signs in the form of a couple of scratches here-and-there but, overall, the anodizing is at least 98%. What makes it so great, though, is the fact that it has a very pleasing reddish-copper color instead of the dull purple we normally see. This scabbard will really open your eyes! The scabbard mounts are in perfect condition, to include the lower ball. These mounts are retained by domehead nickel screws. The blade of this example is also outstanding. Other than runner marks, it is in full mint condition. This blade retains all of its crossgraining and has a fine deep motto. The motto has 100% of the original darkening in the backgrounds. The reverse of the blade is a real pleasure to view, as it is the rarely seen logo that features the ace of spades in the center of double circles. The two circles contain the firm’s name and location, “H.HERDER, SOLINGEN”. The blade shoulders perfectly meet the crossguard contour. An outstanding dagger here that will be a great example to show your friends. This “Ace of Spade” marking is one of the most popular of all SA makes.

Mint. $1,495.00(#122811)
SADAGGERS #33489C Early SA Dagger - Axt und Hauerfabrik

This Early SA Dagger has a very rare trademark that we seldom see. The Axt und Hauerfabrik company did make quite a few RAD daggers and RAD hewers, and once in a while we see their name on RAD Officer’s too, but it is quite rare to see the name on a SA dagger. For those who collect Army’s, I’m sure that you will agree that this name is the premier army dagger as far as the rarest of the rare. On the army dagger, though, they used a different trademark. At any rate, this fine SA has good solid nickel mounts throughout. These mounts look as though they may have been cleaned a decade or so. They are starting to dull to a nice even tone. The mounts have good crisp edges, smooth surfaces, and precise accent grooves. The reverse ricasso is Gruppe marked “Wf”. The grip is a darker brown which may be a mahogany wood, but doesn’t have the usual reddish tones in it that mahogany seems to always have. Either way, though, the grip is extremely nice not having any obvious grain, but some under the surfaces. This grip is of medium contour construction, and it is in perfect condition throughout. It fits the crossguard fairly well, but there is a little bit of even shrinkage throughout. The SA runes button is in good condition with perfect enamel, and there is just the tiniest of surface flaking gone from the top of the button. The grip eagle is the “high necked” version, having complete details to the birds’ head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath, and mobile swastika. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This shell has the coppery color anodizing and most of it is all present on the obverse. The reverse has a little bit of age in the surfaces and some thinning, but not bad. The scabbard mounts are in choice condition throughout, to include the lower ball. They have all of the original screws, which are in place and unbuggered. The blade is an outstanding example, having only runner marks. This blade still remains in mint condition, having all of its original crossgraining. The crisp SA motto has very dark backgrounds and really looks great. There is a slight bit of “pimpling” that can be seen in the motto, but the black coating covers it. The reverse of the blade, just where it meets the crossguard contour, has a slightly dark line running across that could be a little age, or it could clean off. Either way, it is not much and does not really affect the blade’s mint rating. The reverse ricasso has the double circles that contain the firm’s name and location, “Solinger Axt – und Hauerfabrik”. Inside is the head of a horse looking to the viewer’s left. A great dagger here if you are collecting SA makers.

Excellent Plus, Plus. $1,395.00
SADAGGERS #33488C Early SA Dagger - Ehr Reich Schwein

This Early SA Dagger is in top condition throughout and represents one of the very rare makers. The crossguards are a substantial solid nickel type. The guards look to have been cleaned maybe a decade ago. These crossguards have good crisp edges with smooth surfaces and precise accent grooves. The reverse crossguard is Gruppe marked “Mi”. The grip is a most beautiful furniture-like mahogany. It has some fine red in the finish and also has a grain which runs vertically and tends to swell around the nickel grip eagle. It almost looks as though the grip was chosen to be finished to accent this natural characteristic. This beautiful grip is of medium-to-sharp contour construction, and it is in perfect condition throughout. It fits the crossguards like a rubber glove. The SA runes button is placed perfectly and has fine enamel surfaces. The grip eagle is the “high necked” version. There is a slight amount of wear to the bird’s head, due to the sharp contour of the grip at that point. The rest of the bird, to include the breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath, and raised mobile swastika, still have all details. A very fine hilt here! The scabbard shell is nice and straight throughout. This shell has some signs of carrying along both edges but, overall, the anodizing is still in choice condition and is the more coppery brighter color. This anodizing looks to be at approximately 95%. The scabbard mounts are in good condition with the lower ball having just a slight “hit”, which has pushed it a small amount to the right. There is also a slight split in the lower ball, but it is not bad. The original screws are all in place and are unturned. The blade of this example is a beauty. Other than runner marks, it is in full mint condition having all of its crossgraining. The SA motto is very crisp and deep, and has all of the darkening in the backgrounds. The reverse ricasso is matching etched with double ovals. The ovals capture the rarely seen firm’s name and their location, “EHR. REICH SCHWEINA”. The blade shoulders perfectly the crossguard contour. A fine example of a rarely seen maker marked SA.

Near Mint. $1,395.00
SADAGGERS #33340 Early SA Dagger with Unusual Vertical Hanger – J.P. Sauer

This textbook Sauer example is an extremely fine and interesting early SA dagger. The nickel crossguards are beauties having the distinctive upturned lower guard that we often see on the Suhl-made pieces. These crossguards are in choice condition throughout having good smooth surfaces, crisp edges and precise accent grooves. The lower reverse guard has the Gruppe mark, “Mi”. It is also interesting to note that the lower crossguard is slightly thinner than the upper crossguard, an anomaly seen frequently on Suhl-made daggers. The grip is a fine gunstock walnut wood. The wood has smooth to medium contour ridges. It shows only nominal usage and remains in perfect condition throughout. This grip absolutely fits the crossguards like a rubber glove. It has a pleasing tobacco color and features a fine vertically running grain in the surfaces. The SA runes button is in good condition having perfect enamel. The matching nickel grip eagle is the style with “beak going upward slightly”. This bird shows full details to the eye, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and raised mobile swastika. A very fine hilt here! The scabbard is also a nice example. The shell is completely straight ton both sides and has all of its original anodized finish. There is only the slightest of age on the surfaces. An extremely nice shell here! The scabbard mounts are choice matching nickel in excellent condition to include the lower ball. These mounts are retained with the original unturned nickel screws. Attached to the upper portion of this scabbard is a unique vertical hanger. The vertical almost has a heart shape to it. The brown leather has a pleasing line running around its obverse edge. There is a retainer loop at the lower portion of the hanger and the upper portion has a small belt loop with roller buckle. This roller buckle is nickel-plated. Attached with a rivet is a loop which retains a “dog leash” style snap clip. The plating on this clip shows a little minor age. Attached to the clip is a fine matching brown belt loop which appears original to this piece as the color and wear of the loop are identical to that of the vertical. The loop has a nickel-plated steel “D” ring. As we would hope the blade of this example is a beauty. It is bright throughout with good needle point showing only minor in and out wear. This blade has 100% of the crossgraining and is in mint condition. Etched into the obverse is the SA motto. It is e