Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice WWII German Sturmabteilung (SA) Flag Pole Finial or Topper (Fahnenstange Endstück). As the name implies, these were attached to the top of flag poles, as an additional indication of the affiliation.

This topper is made from blacked brass, and is of a very interesting design, custom fabricated for this particular unit. It is shaped like a diamond spearhead, and has the stylized SA symbol on the left side, with II / J on the right. These are made from multiple pieces of brass, and are most likely soldered or brazed in place. It measures 18 3/4 inches in overall height, including the 4 1/2 inch long socket on the bottom, and is just under 7 1/2 inches wide. The socket is permanently attached to the pole topper, and has locations for securing screws on one side.

We have not really been able to find any other pole toppers quite like this for the SA, and it looks to have been custom fabricated for the specific unit from multiple pieces of brass. the II / J unit designation definitely appears to be for some type of Jäger mountain infantry. Definitely a prime candidate for further research, as well as a fantastic display piece!

The SA, "Sturmabteilung" (Storm-troops), were originally formed in August of 1921 as a protective guard unit for the political leaders of the fledgling NSDAP Party. As with the NSDAP, "Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei" (National-socialist German Worker’s-party), the SA was structured along para-military lines. Most of its recruits were from the ranks of the various "Freikorps" groups of the day, composed mainly of disgruntled ex-soldiers, and they were first utilized at a NSDAP party meeting in Munich in November of 1921.

The SA pattern box buckle was the first belt buckle to be introduced by the NSDAP, with its estimated introductory dates ranging between 1921 and 1923. On its introduction it was not fully standardized and came in at least five variations. The SA pattern buckle was originally worn by other NSDAP organizations including the SS, the NSKK, the NSBO, and political leaders

Unfortunately, the ambition and socialist leanings of the SA eventually came into conflict with the goals of the rest of the party, and in 1934 the group leadership was purged, and by 1936 the buckle was officially replaced, though many still wore them.