Germany, SA. A Model 1933 Service Dagger, SA-Gruppe Hessen, by Hermann Konejung

(Sturmabteilung Dienstdolch M33). A Sturmabteilung (SA) Model 1933 Service Dagger, measuring 37.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 22.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the edges and tip. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is an inscription of “ALLES FÜR DEUTSCHLAND” (“EVERYTHING FOR GERMANY”) in Fraktur script. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “HERM. KONEJUNG, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s spectacle logo. The blade sits securely within a nickel-silver upper crossguard which is marked with eight notches, distributed in groups of four at both the top and bottom. Stamped onto the obverse of the crossguard is a mark of “HE”, indicating distribution to SA-Gruppe Hessen. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of lacquered dark brown wood, and is carved into a curvature for a comfortable grip. Inset into the obverse of the handle is a silvered German national eagle measuring 25 mm (w) x 15 mm (h). Also inset into the pommel is a silvered and enameled SA insignia measuring 9 mm in diameter. The dagger culminates with a nickel-silver lower crossguard, similarly marked with eight notches, which retains a rounded pommel nut that maintains the dagger’s structural integrity. Accompanying the dagger is its original scabbard, constructed of an anodized magnetic metal shaft which retains nickel-silver fixtures to both the tip and throat. The latter has a ring for the accommodation of a hanger, and a functional internal catch to hold the dagger in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks and tarnishing to the blade, scratching and tarnishing to the nickel-silver elements, some scratching of the handle and pommel insignia (with a small chip adjacent to the latter), the loss of one scabbard fixture rivet, and crude repainting of the scabbard shaft. This early example by a scarce manufacturer remains in a very fine condition.