“small ‘A’ motto” - SA Dagger by Carl Eickhorn

German WWII > Edged Weapons > SA and NSKK Daggers > Christmas Daggers

A highly sought-after Sturmabteilung Ehrendolch by Carl Eickhorn of Solingen. Next to the Prototype Christmas Dagger, with the earliest style eagle, this “small ‘A’ motto” variation is the earliest SA dagger. The prototype daggers are said to have been given to prominent SA generals to see how they liked them prior to including them in standard SA uniform dress. While still in some debate, it is likely that this variation had the Röhm inscription though factory removed. These incredibly rare daggers hardly ever come to market. If you’ve been looking for one now is your chance…

The blade on this one looks great! The first pattern “Alles für Deutschland” “small ‘A’ motto” and large double oval serrated tail “Carl Eickhorn C.E. Solingen” maker mark are both beautifully executed. The crossgrain looks excellent and is exactly how you want to see it on these. This one has a perfect fit and perfect tip. The blade rates a Exc++/NM. It shows the common age grey/spotting and typical surface scratches throughout. The steel based brown anodized scabbard looks great. It remains completely dent free. It shows oxidization spotting throughout. The solid nickel-silver scabbard fittings look excellent as well. A perfectly round ball and all four screws remain intact. The solid nickel-silver crossguards look great. They have been slightly cleaned leaving minor traces of surface scratching. The reverse of the lower crossguard is stamped “Wf” (Westfallen). The underside is nicely bench marked “1”. The crossguard / grip fits are perfect. The hard wood is in wonderful shape. It has the odd pressure mark throughout, but that’s it. The solid nickel eagle has one hit to the head yet retains excellent detail and a perfect fit. The early type SA roundel retains 99% of its enamel and also has a perfect fit. This example features the textbook characteristics you’d like to see on these. Don’t hesitate….