SA Röhm Honour Dagger (with dedication removed) (by A. Merten)
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 51.GOR.04.01.003.002
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
Measuring 370 mm in length with the scabbard on, while the blade of the dagger itself measures 225 mm and is constructed of nickel-silver plated metal, acid-engraved with "Alles für Deutschland" (“Everything for Germany”) on the obverse. The reverse bears evidence of the Röhm inscription being etched out, and now presents plain. Near the ricasso is a maker’s mark of “Aug. Merten Ww., Solingen-Gr.”, along with the firm’s logo of an initial “M” between two oak leaves. The tip and edges of the dagger are in a semi-sharpened condition. The blade fits neatly through the upper crossguard, itself constructed of plated zink, which in turn sits flush with the wooden handle. Eight notches are neatly carved into the upper cross guard, evenly distributed between the top and bottom. The obverse of the wooden handle bears a metallic NSDAP “Parteiadler” (Party Eagle) emblem fitted within the wood, featuring an eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 25 mm (w) x 18.5 mm (w). On the same side, just above the lower cross guard, sits a metallic Sturmabteilung logo, comprised of stylized “SA” initials measuring 9 mm in diameter. Similar to the upper crossguard, the lower also features eight carved notches. The dagger is held together by a pommel nut that sits tightly and securely in the lower crossguard. The scabbard measures 245 mm in length and is constructed of brown-painted magnetic metal, with a magnetic metal throat. A bronze loop measuring 15 mm in diameter is attached to the upper fitting, allowing the dagger to be hung from a uniform. The fittings are each held securely in place with two (original) screws connecting to the main body of the scabbard. Significant tarnishing and deterioration of the metal and plated features is evident. Otherwise in near 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.
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