Original German WWII Early Possible Ground Röhm Signature Numbered M33 SS Dagger with Scabbard & Belt Hanger Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available: Prior to his “unmasking” as a traitor, Ernst Röhm was the leader of the Sturmabteilung (SA). In 1934, he distributed approximately 100,000 SA daggers with his personal inscription on the reverse blade. This was etched into the blade, and read In herzlicher kameradschaft Ernst Röhm (In cordial companionship Ernst Röhm). These daggers were to honor individuals who had served with the SA prior to December, 1931. At this time, the Schutzstaffel (SS) was an Elite Unit within the SA, so longtime members were among those who received these daggers as well.

Other than the inscription, these pieces were identical to the standard M1933 SS dagger. After the Röhm purge in mid 1934, the inscription was ordered to be removed, and failure to comply would be considered treason. Some were simply ground in the field by whatever means were available. Many other examples, as we suspect this is one of, were returned to the factory for grinding and refinishing. Often, this would remove the maker logo as well, as on this example, which now has a completely blank reverse. Examples will occasionally be encountered with remnants of the original inscription remaining on the blade, but mostly none will remain. Some blades exist with an intact inscription, exhibiting only the removal of the Röhm signature. Very, very rarely is an example seen with a full, untouched inscription, as the holder would have surely risked a charge of treason.

The SS (Schutzstaffel) was originally formed in 1925, ostensibly to act as a small, loyal bodyguard unit to protect the Führer, Adolf AH. Under the direction of the Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, the SS grew to be the most ruthless and feared organization of the 20th century. They were the vanguard of the NSDAP organization, and eventually controlled nearly every function of German life and much of Occupied Europe. The SS dagger was introduced in 1933. Early on, members of the SS were awarded their daggers during a ceremony at the Feldherrnhalle Memorial in Munich. The annual ritual, charged with mysticism and meant to evoke the traditions of medieval Teutonic knights, was held on 9 November, the date of the unsuccessful Munich Putsch of 1923. Both officers and enlisted men wore the identical dagger until 1936. After this time, only enlisted men wore the M1933 dagger.

The SS Dagger was equipped with nickel crossguards with an ebony wood grip. The black grip contained a National eagle with swas insignia recessed in the center area and an SS sigrunne button inset at the top. On early examples the scabbard shell surface was factory blackened using a metal bluing process. The scabbard had nickel mounts. The SS blade was a polished type containing the SS motto, Meine Ehre Heißt Treue (My Honor is Loyalty). Early examples were mostly hand-fit. Production of later examples was more standardized, using cheaper, nickel-plated fittings with black painted scabbard shells. They could be held with a standard belt hanger, or a much rarer vertical hanger.

The blade on this example is actually in really good condition, the best we have seen on an SS dagger for quite some time. The factory final grind markings on the obverse are still present in many areas, especially near the ricasso. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. The rear is in a similar condition, however close examination of the rear spine by sighting down it in the light shows that material was definitely removed, and then it was reground at the factory, showing much of that same final grind crossgrain.

We believe the rear was reprofiled and ground because it was originally issued with the inscription “In Herzlicher Freundschaft Ernst Röhm” (In heartfelt friendship Ernst Röhm) on the back. It was then returned to the factory, where almost the entire rear of the blade was re-ground, removing the etched signature and maker marking. The acid etched SS motto on the front, Meine Ehre heißt Treue (‘My honor is loyalty’) is clear, though the factory darkening is completely worn away due to cleaning. The edge of the blade does not show any sharpening after the original factory grind, and is still in good condition. Overall the blade does show signs of polishing and runner wear, but it really presents great.

The crossguards of this dagger and tang nut are in very good condition throughout, though it looks like they are nickel plated zinc alloy, and not solid nickel. It is possible that they were swapped out by the manufacturer when the blade was reground. There is no district marking on the crossguard as far as we can see. Per a customer request, we removed the handle, and both the crossguard and pommel guard are unmarked on the interior.

The ebony grip on this example is in good condition with a great color, though like many there is a missing chunk on the reverse next to the cross guard, and some chipping on the front near the pommel guard. The treatment used on these grips makes them quite brittle, so they crack quite easily, and Ebony is also known for cracking somewhat easily, which makes this condition typical. Still. it is a lot better than many we have seen, and still has a great color. The ᛋᛋ doppelte Siegrune (Double Sig/Victory Rune) inside double circles emblem is in good condition, with intact enamel, though the plating is completely worn away, showing the copper base metal. The nickel grip eagle is the “high-necked” type with the beak pointing slightly up, and shows only minor wear, with some oxidation in the recesses.

The scabbard shell is a good example, showing wear from age and use. There is a sizable dent just below he throat fitting on the rear of the scabbard, but it does not interfere with sheathing the blade. The shell originally had a black “anodized” finish, which was then lacquered to protect it. The lacquer on this example has mostly worn away, only preserved near the top locket fitting. This has also allowed the anodized finish to wear a bit, but it is still well retained, especially where the lacquer is still present.

The matching solid nickel silver scabbard mounts are in good condition. The lower ball has been dented in quite far and is split on the bottom. The weaker nickel alloy used in early models (later ones used steel) is unfortunately prone to denting. All four dome headed screws are present, and in good condition.

The attached belt hanger is in good condition, with solid nickel non-magnetic nickel alloy hardware, including the belt clip. The black patent leather finish is well retained, with cracking due to age, and some wear on the back. There are no markings present, but the nickel construction definitely indicates early issue.

An excellent chance to own an early SS M33 Dagger in great shape, which is very likely a great example of a “Sanitized” ground Röhm example. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 8 3/4″
Overall length: 13 3/4”
Crossguard: 3”
Scabbard Length: 10”