Germany, SS. A Model 1933 Service Dagger, Ground-Out Röhm Version, by Heinrich Böker & Co.

(Schutzstaffel Dienstdolch M33, Ex-Röhm). A well-preserved Schutzstaffel (SS) Model 1933 Service Dagger, measuring 37.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 27.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steep blade which retains factory-original sharpening to the edges and tip. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is an inscription of “MEINE EHRE HEIßT TREUE” (“MY HONOUR IS LOYALTY”) in Fraktur script. The reverse bears the lower half of the maker’s mark of Heinrich Böker & Co., Solingen. Partial erasure of the maker’s mark is consequent to the careful period removal of the acid-etched Röhm dedication previously applied to the reverse of the blade. It sits securely within a nickel-silver upper crossguard which is marked with eight notches, distributed in groups of four at both the tip and bottom. The reverse of the crossguard is stamped with a Roman numeral “1”, indicating Munich district issue. A single piece of blackened wood composes the handle, and is carved into a curvature for a comfortable grip. Inset into the obverse of the handle is a replacement silvered German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 25 mm (w) 15 mm (h). Also inset into the pommel is a silvered and black enameled SS insignia measuring 9 mm in diameter, and similarly showing evidence of expert period replacement. The dagger culminates in a nickel-silver lower crossguard which is similarly marked with eight notches, and retains a rounded pommel nut that maintains the dagger’s structural integrity. Notably, the dagger disassembles to reveal correct “FB” marks on the interior of both the upper and lower crossguards, indicating in-house Böker manufacture. Accompanying the dagger is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. Nickel-silver fixtures are secured to both the tip and throat with side rivets. Emanating from the latter is a loop for the accommodation of a hanger for uniform wear. A functional spring catch situated within the throat firmly holds the dagger in place during storage. In addition to the replacement hilt insignia, the dagger demonstrates other minor issues consistent with age, including some running marks to the blade, pitting of the hilt fixtures, and some denting of the scabbard fixtures. This scarce example by a noted manufacture of SS Röhm daggers remains in an overall better than very fine condition.