SA Röhm Honour Dagger (with partial dedication) (by Stöcker)
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 51.GOR.04.01.002.001
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
A well-preserved Sturmabteilung (SA) Röhm Dagger, measuring 370 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. The dagger features a 220 mm-long nickel-plated magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and semi-sharpened edges. The obverse bears an acid-etched inscription of “ALLES FÜR DEUTSCHLAND” (“EVERYTHING FOR GERMANY”) in Fraktur script. Acid-etched onto the reverse is an inscription of “IN HERZLICHER KAMERADSCHAFT” (“IN HEARTFELT COMRADESHIP”) in cursive script. The subsequent dedication from Ernst Röhm has been ground out. Underneath the latter inscription, the blade bears a maker’s mark of “SMF” for Stöcker & Co. of Solingen. The blade sites securely within the nickel-silver upper crossguard, marked with eight notches, with four distributed at both the top and bottom. The reverse of the crossguard bears an engraving of “NO”, indicating SA-Gruppe Nordsee. It sits flush with the wood handle, the obverse of which bears two insignia. Set into the mid-section is a silvered SA-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 25 mm (w) x 15 mm (h). Near the pommel, it bears an enameled SA insignia measuring 9 mm in diameter. The dagger completes with a nickel-silver lower crossguard, similarly bearing eight notches. It is held together by a pommel nut which securely maintains the integrity of the structure. The dagger is accompanied by its period original scabbard. Constructed of a brown-painted magnetic metal shaft, both the tip and throat of the scabbard bear silvered adornments, each held in place by dual side rivets. The throat retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the dagger in place during storage. The throat fixture also bears an integral loop and suspension ring connecting to a period original dagger hanger. The latter consists of a brown leather strap, adjusted with a magnetic metal buckle, and bearing a functional magnetic metal spring clip. The clip is marked with a Reichszeugmeisterei (RZM) logo, a maker code of “M5/71”, and the logo of Overhoff & Cie, Lüdenscheid. In addition to the ground-out blade dedication, the dagger displays issues consistent with age and use. These include running marks to the blade, chipping of the handle along the seams of both crossguards, denting and cracking of the scabbard tip, loss of paint to the scabbard shaft, and material fatigue of the leather strap of the hanger. It is in an overall very fine condition.
The SA (Sturmabteilung, storm detachment) was established in 1921 as a paramilitary protection squad of the NSDAP. The members of the SA were tasked with protecting party leaders at political rallies and meetings from the paramilitary forces of the opposing political factions. The SA was first utilised on November 4, 1921 at a meeting held in Munich’s "Hofbräuhaus" beer hall. The organisation was banned after the failed putsch in 1923 and was reactivated in February 1925.
The SA Röhm Honour Dagger was introduced on February 3rd, 1934 by SA Chief of Staff Ernst Röhm. The dagger was awarded to SA personnel who had joined the organisation prior to December 31, 1931, and were still in good standing. A total of 125,960 dedication daggers were issued.
The Röhm dagger is identical to the standard SA Service Dagger, except it features the acid-etched dedication, ‘In herzlicher Kameradschaft Ernst Röhm’ (in heartfelt comradery) on the blade. After Röhm was executed in 1934, recipients of the dagger were ordered to have the dedication ground off or the dagger exchanged for a standard service dagger. Variations of daggers with a ground off dedication exist, depending on how much was ground off. For example, some owners had the entire dedication removed, while other opted to just remove Röhm's name. Today, blades with a partial dedication are scarce, while blades that have a complete dedication preserved are even rarer.
These daggers were introduced prior to the institution of the RZM and as such, do not feature RZM markings.
Comments
Sign in to comment and reply.
COMMUNITY
ACCOUNT
Scroll Top
