The Daggers of the SA/NSKK 1933–1942: A Collector’s Gallery is an indispensable german dagger reference book for collectors and historians of Third Reich edged weapons, making it a key resource in understanding these historical artifacts. It offers an in-depth visual and historical exploration of the service daggers used by the Sturmabteilung (SA) and the National Socialist Motor Corps (NSKK) during the years of 1933 to 1942, making it a vital german dagger reference book for enthusiasts.
- Comprehensive Visual Reference: Spanning 326 pages in a large-format A4 landscape layout, this hardcover book presents over 1,000 high-resolution images and illustrations, showcasing a vast array of SA and NSKK daggers, including many of the rarer manufacurers examples.
- Detailed Manufacturer Profiles: The book includes extensive information on the manufacturers of these daggers, highlighting the diversity of production techniques and the variations in design and markings across different makers.
- Authenticity and Rarity Guides: Insights into identifying authentic pieces, distinguishing original daggers from reproductions and fakes, and understanding the rarity and value of various models.
- Historical Context: Beyond the technical details, the book delves into the historical significance of these daggers, exploring their role in Nazi propaganda and their symbolic importance within the SA and NSKK.
Whether you are a seasoned collector, a researcher, or a military history enthusiast, The Daggers of the SA/NSKK 1933–1942: A Collector’s Gallery is an essential addition to your library.
This german dagger reference book is not just a collection of images; it is a testament to the craftsmanship and historical significance of the daggers.
The daggers of the Sturmabteilung (SA) and the Nationalsozialistisches Kraftfahrkorps (NSKK) from 1933 to 1942 are some of the most widely collected edged weapons from the Third Reich period. Introduced as symbols of honor and loyalty, these daggers were deeply tied to Nazi ideology, worn proudly by members of the SA and NSKK as part of their uniforms.
SA Daggers (1933–1942)
Introduced in 1933, the SA dagger was one of the earliest standardized Nazi paramilitary weapons. Modeled after the traditional 16th-century Swiss dagger, it featured a brown wooden grip and an etched blade bearing the SA motto:
“Alles für Deutschland” (“Everything for Germany”).
Key Features:
- Grip: Brown hardwood with inset SA roundel and nickel eagle.
- Blade: Double-edged with the SA motto acid-etched on one side.
- Crossguards: Initially solid nickel, later plated with nickel-silver or zinc.
- Scabbard: Painted brown, later anodized or blued, with nickel or plated fittings.
NSKK Daggers
The NSKK dagger was essentially an SA dagger, but starting in 1936, it began featuring black-painted scabbards to distinguish NSKK members. Earlier NSKK members simply wore the standard SA dagger. By 1938, certain NSKK daggers were also issued with chain hangers.
Manufacturers (Herstellers)
Over 240 different manufacturers produced SA/NSKK daggers between 1933 and 1942. Each blade was marked with a manufacturer’s logo or RZM (Reichszeugmeisterei) code after 1936, when the RZM assumed control over production standards.
Notable Manufacturers:
- Eickhorn (Carl Eickhorn, Solingen) – One of the most prolific and respected blade makers.
- Paul Weyersberg & Co.
- Ernst Röhm Presentation Daggers – Early daggers sometimes bore a dedication to SA Chief Ernst Röhm; these were later removed or ground off after his purge in 1934.
- J.A. Henckels
- F. W. Holler
- Gustav C. Spitzer
- WKC (Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co.)
- RZM-coded Makers – From 1936 onward, codes like RZM M7/66 (Eickhorn) were used in place of logos.
Each manufacturer’s style and finish had subtle differences, such as grip contours, blade shape, logo placement, and scabbard fittings, which are now key identifiers for collectors and researchers.
Transition Over Time
- 1933–1935: Early production; high-quality materials, hand-etched blades, solid nickel fittings.
- 1936–1938: RZM standardization; materials began shifting to cost-effective alternatives.
- 1939–1942: Wartime production quality declined due to material shortages and changes in manufacturing focus.
Collectibility & Historical Importance
SA and NSKK daggers are highly collectible today, with values influenced by:
- Maker rarity
- Condition
- Presence of original hangers
- Röhm inscriptions (intact or ground)
- Early nickel fittings vs. later plated versions
These daggers are not only militaria artifacts but also chilling reminders of how symbolism and design were weaponized by the Nazi regime to instill loyalty and fear.
German Dagger Reference Book Insights
In this german dagger reference book, collectors will find detailed insights into the historical context and significance of these weapons, enhancing their understanding of the SA and NSKK dagger collection. This german dagger reference book is invaluable for serious collectors and historians alike.
For anyone interested in Third Reich memorabilia, this german dagger reference book provides crucial insights into the SA and NSKK daggers, enhancing the collector’s knowledge.
Why This German Dagger Reference Book Matters
This german dagger reference book not only highlights the daggers but also emphasizes the cultural and historical narratives intertwined with these artifacts.