{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-early-sa-dienstdolch-service-dagger-by-carl-eickhorn-with-scabbard-probable-ground-rohm-signature","title":"Original German WWII Early SA Dienstdolch Service Dagger by Carl Eickhorn with Scabbard - Probable Ground Röhm Signature","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. \u003cstrong\u003ePrior to his removal from power, Ernst Röhm served as leader of the Sturmabteilung (SA)\u003c\/strong\u003e. In 1934, approximately 100,000 SA daggers bearing his personal inscription on the reverse of the blade were distributed to recognize individuals who had served with the SA prior to December 1931. Aside from the inscription, these daggers were identical to the standard Model 1933 SA Dienstdolch Service Dagger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing the Röhm purge during the Night of the Long Knives, the inscription was ordered removed, and failure to comply could be considered an act of treason. Some inscriptions were crudely ground away in the field using whatever tools were available, while many others, \u003cstrong\u003eas we believe may be the case with this example, were returned to the factory or a professional cutler for refinishing.\u003c\/strong\u003e Occasionally, examples are encountered with traces of the original inscription still visible, while others retain only the removed Röhm signature. Very rarely does a dagger survive with the complete inscription untouched, as retaining it would have placed the owner at considerable risk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a pleasingly aged probable \"Ground Röhm\" SA Dienstdolch Service Dagger that appears to have been professionally resurfaced on the reverse of the blade, most likely at the factory or by a period cutler. The refinishing begins at the upper portion of the maker's trademark, which remains largely intact. We carefully examined the reverse surface but were unable to identify any surviving traces of the original Röhm dedication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe obverse of the blade remains in very good condition and retains the original factory cross-grain polishing throughout the surface. This distinctive cross-grain finish is one of the defining characteristics of an authentic German WWII-period blade. There is the expected runner wear, commonly found on nearly all surviving German daggers, along with areas of light staining and typical moisture marks where water was trapped against the blade by the scabbard runners. We see no evidence of any aggressive cleaning. The acid-etched \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlles für Deutschland\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e (Everything for Germany) motto is sharply executed and still retains almost all of its original factory darkening. The blade remains correctly unsharpened, with a nick-free edge and an intact tip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse exhibits a noticeably coarser cross-grain pattern, and when sighted down the blade, slight variations can be seen along the center ridge. We believe this is consistent with a blade that originally bore the inscription:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eIn Herzlicher kameradschaft Ernst Röhm\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e(In heartfelt comradeship, Ernst Röhm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade was most likely returned to the factory or a professional cutler, where nearly the entire reverse surface was re-ground to remove the etched inscription, resulting in the loss of a small portion of the maker's trademark as well. The reverse shows scattered oxidation and light staining but no significant corrosion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse ricasso is etched with the 1933-1935 trademark of \u003cem\u003eCarl Eickhorn, Stahlwarenfabrik\u003c\/em\u003e (Steelware Factory): a double oval surrounding the famous seated squirrel with a notched tail holding a sword, encircled by \u003cstrong\u003eCARL\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003e[EICK]\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHORN \/ SOLINGEN\u003c\/strong\u003e. According to J. Anthony Carter's reference book \u003cem\u003eGERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS\u003c\/em\u003e, the definitive reference work on German edged-weapon manufacturers and their trademarks, this is one of several trademarks used by the company during this period and is correct for early SA, NSKK, and SS daggers, including Röhm-inscribed examples.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarl Eickhorn, founded in 1865, is widely regarded as one of the premier edged weapon manufacturers of Solingen, Germany's legendary \"City of Blades.\" The Eickhorn family could trace its involvement in the blade-making, hardening, and grinding trades back roughly 500 years, making the firm one of the most respected names among Solingen's historic edged weapon makers. \u003cstrong\u003eEickhorn remains one of the most, if not the most desirable manufacturers for collectors today.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEickhorn was a documented producer of Röhm presentation daggers, and we have handled multiple examples by this maker with completely removed inscriptions, partially removed inscriptions, and even one retaining the full original Röhm dedication. All exhibited this same trademark configuration, leading us to believe this example is most likely a professionally \"sanitized\" Röhm dagger. While there is no way to conclusively prove this, the physical evidence is certainly consistent with that conclusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe honey-colored fruitwood grip is free of chips and major damage and features the correct medium center ridge profile used on these early daggers. There is a stress crack on the obverse adjacent to the crossguard, along with minor stress cracking near the pommel, typical of the brittleness caused by the grip's original dyeing process. The grip appears to have originally been finished, although very little of that finish remains today. The SA grip insignia roundel is firmly set and retains most of its original translucent amber enamel. Its plating is well preserved, showing only light wear and minor oxidation. The solid nickel-silver eagle fits perfectly within the grip and displays crisp detail with light overall wear and darker oxidation consistent with solid nickel construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth crossguards are solid nickel alloy and appear to have been lightly cleaned at some point, leaving an even matte patina with scattered oxidation. There is no evidence of plating loss, confirming their solid nickel alloy construction. The pommel nut remains in place and shows only slight turning, with a patina matching the rest of the hilt. The lower reverse crossguard is Gruppe\/Gau marked \u003cstrong\u003eHe\u003c\/strong\u003e, indicating the Hessen district in western Germany, centered around Frankfurt. This district marking is found only on daggers produced during 1935 and earlier. The hilt fittings remain tight on the blade tang.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe steel scabbard is straight throughout and is of the early production pattern that originally featured a brown anodized finish protected by a clear lacquer coating. As is common, much of the lacquer has worn away over the years, exposing the brown anodized finish beneath. That original finish remains very well preserved, with its brown coloration clearly visible, accompanied by scattered light oxidation and no dents that we can detect. The upper and lower scabbard fittings are solid nickel silver and have developed an attractive aged patina with expected scratches and handling marks. The lower fitting has a minor dent, typical of this softer alloy, while both retaining screws remain present and undisturbed. The upper mount and throat display a patina that matches the crossguards well, and both dome-headed screws remain intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an attractive and well-preserved possible factory-sanitized Röhm SA Dienstdolch by Carl Eickhorn, one of Solingen's most respected edged weapon manufacturers. The professionally refinished reverse blade, early nickel fittings, Hessen district marking, and correct Eickhorn trademark all support the possibility that this dagger originally carried the Röhm dedication before being altered following the Night of the Long Knives. While the original inscription can no longer be confirmed, the characteristics of this example make it an especially interesting piece for collectors of early SA edged weapons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 8 3\/4\"\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 13 3\/4”\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard: 3”\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 10”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe SA or Brown Shirts, were a private political formation which Adolf AH 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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 simply painted brown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Night of the Long Knives\u003c\/strong\u003e, in June 1934, saw the wiping out of the SA’s leadership and others who had angered AH in the recent past in NSDAP Germany. After this date, the SS lead by Heinrich Himmler was to become far more powerful in NSDAP Germany. For all the power the Enabling Act gave AH, he still felt threatened by some in the NSDAP Party. He was also worried that the regular army had not given an oath of allegiance. AH knew that the army hierarchy held him in disdain as he was ‘only ‘ a corporal in their eyes. The Night of the Long Knives not only removed the SA leaders but also got AH the army’s oath that he so needed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy the summer of 1934, the SA’s numbers had swollen to 2 million men. They were under the control of Ernst Röhm, a loyal follower of AH since the early days of the NSDAP Party. The SA had given the NSDAP’s an iron fist with which to disrupt other political parties meetings before January 1933. The SA was also used to enforce law after AH became Chancellor in January 1933. To all intents, they were the enforcers of the NSDAP Party and there is no evidence that Röhm was ever planning anything against AH. However, Röhm had made enemies within the NSDAP Party – Himmler, Goering and Goebbels were angered by the power he had gained and convinced AH that this was a threat to his position. By June 1934, the regular army hierarchy also saw the SA as a threat to their authority. The SA outnumbered the army by 1934 and Röhm had openly spoken about taking over the regular army by absorbing it into the SA. Such talk alarmed the army’s leaders.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy the summer of 1934, AH had decided that Röhm was a ‘threat’ and he made a pact with the army. If Röhm and the other SA leaders were removed, the rank and file SA men would come under the control of the army but the army would have to swear an oath of loyalty to AH. The army agreed and Röhm’s fate was sealed. On the night of June 29th – June 30th 1934, units of the SS arrested the leaders of the SA and other political opponents. Men such as Gregor Strasser, von Schleicher and von Bredow were arrested and none of them had any connection with Röhm. The arrests carried on for 2 more nights. Seventy seven men were executed on charges of treason though historians tend to think the figure is higher. The SA was brought to heel and placed under the command of the army. AH received an oath of allegiance from all those who served in the army. Röhm was shot. Others were bludgeoned to death. The first the public officially knew about the event was on July 13th 1934, when AH told the Reichstag that met in the Kroll Opera House, Berlin, that for the duration of the arrests that he and he alone was the judge in Germany and that the SS carried out his orders. From that time on the SS became a feared force in NSDAP Germany lead by Heinrich Himmler. The efficiency with which the SS had carried out its orders greatly impressed AH and Himmler was to acquire huge power within NSDAP Germany.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45348912463941,"sku":"ONJR26JUMS044","price":1495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/06F84B49-C842-4943-9DE3-36AB49BCAF13.jpg?v=1784141130","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-early-sa-dienstdolch-service-dagger-by-carl-eickhorn-with-scabbard-probable-ground-rohm-signature","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}