*German, WW2, 1940, SA Army Honour Dagger RZM M.7/62/40 – Friedrich Plucker Jr of Solingen-Grafrath*
Approx measurements: 21.8cm blade, 34.3cm overall
Marked on the ricasso: RZM M.7/62/40
Marked on the obverse blade: Alles für Deutschland
In 1936, the Reichszeugmeisterei der NSDAP (RZM) organization standardized SA dagger production, replacing commercial manufacturer markings with the RZM logo and codes. This SA dagger features the RZM logo and the code “RZM M.7/62/40,” indicating it was made by Friedrich Plucker Jr. of Solingen-Grafrath. The 22 cm double-edged blade is engraved with the phrase “Alles für Deutschland” (Everything for Germany) in gothic script. The dagger’s grip is wooden with plated fittings, including a nickel Nazi eagle and an enameled SA insignia.
Later in dagger production, plated crossguards were introduced due to material economization, made from die-cast zinc or pot metal. These guards were copper flashed and then chrome or nickel-plated, but improper plating often led to bubbling and corrosion over time. Today’s die-casting processes are more advanced, but many older plated fittings show lifting or corrosion. The dagger has an anodized scabbard with nickel fittings and a belt ring.
The SA dagger served the Sturmabteilung (SA), or Brown Shirts, a paramilitary group formed under Adolf Hitler and Ernst Röhm in 1921. The SA provided security at Nazi rallies and suppressed opposition paramilitary groups, often using violence to intimidate civilians. Commissioned by Hitler in 1933 and designed by Professor Woenne, the SA dagger was modeled after a dagger displayed in the Munich City Museum.
Friedrich Plucker Jr. of Solingen-Grafrath was founded in 1858 and received an RZM permit on October 1, 1934. They are a rare maker to find. The “RZM M.7/62/40” maker mark on this dagger is well-executed. The use of periods in RZM numbers is debated, with “M.” speculated to mean Ministry, though there’s no documentation to confirm this. Other SA Honour Daggers and Hitler Youth Knives marked “RZM M.7/62/39” have also been observed.
*Condition*
The dagger shows considerable wear and tear to the grip and scabbard though the double edged blade is sharp and bright. There is a nick to the grip. There is pitting to the pommel and crossguard which is common to plated daggers of this period and the pommel nut looks like it has been removed with pliers at some stage. As is typical for anodized scabbards the anodizing has mostly worn off, showing us the rust. The scabbard fits firmly. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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