History

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.

In 1935, the SA Honour Dagger was introduced by SA Chief of Staff Viktor Lutze. It was conferred upon high ranking leaders of the SA who rendered outstanding or meritorious service. The design of the dagger was very similar to the design of the standard Service Dagger, except for a few additions.

As these daggers were privately-manufactured, design variations may be encountered. Some daggers have a Damascus steel blade that features the SA motto “Alles für Deutschland” (everything for Germany) acid-etched on the obverse, while others have a steel blade that features the motto in raised gold-plated lettering, with a gold-plated oak leaf positioned on each end of the inscription. The reverse of the blade will feature a gold-plated manufacturer’s trademark near the hilt. A silver-plated tang nut attaches the blade to the hilt and may be engraved with the owner’s monogram.

The crossguards on both ends of the hilt are silver-plated and engraved with an ornate oak leaf design. The steel scabbard is usually covered in dark brown leather and features silver-plated fittings, which may feature grooves along the interior edge or an oak leaf design. There are examples of scabbards that feature elaborate designs. At times, the upper scabbard fitting was engraved with the owner's name and unit information.