A very attractive early M33 SA dagger by E.P.&S. (Ernst Pack & Sohne) of Solingen, fitted with their distinctive beechwood grip and early nickle mounts. Pack daggers are instantly reconisable by their slim grip profile and light, honey-orange tone of the wood, and this example is no exception. This is a factory ground Rohm dagger, adding significant historical interest and placing it firmly in the period immediately after the Night of the Long Knives, when all Rohm-inscribed blades were ordered to be returned to Solingen for removal of the inscription.

Grip:

Beautiful beechwood grip with the classic E.P.&S. colour – a light orange tint with a smooth, tight grain. It is in superb condition, showing no damage, with an excellent fit to both crossguards. The nickle eagle sits perfectly in the wood with clean, sharp detail to the wings and swastika. The enamel SA rune is also inserted correctly and is in excellent condition.

Crossguards:

Early, solid nickle crossguards showing an untouched, honest patina. The rear lower guard carries the “NO” Gau mark, (Nordsee). These marks were used as a distribution control measure. The blade to guard fit is nice and tight, as expected on these early pieces.

Blade:

This blade began life as an Ernst Rohm dedication dagger. Following the Night of the Long Knives in 1934, Hitler ordered all Rohm inscriptions removed. This example is a factory-ground Rohm, meaning it was returned to the factory to be professionally erased. As expected, part of the reverse maker logo has been affected by the grinding, but luckily the majority still remains. There is a tiny left-over fragment of the inscription remaining, in the aera of Rohm’s signature, although, very small, and you’ll need to look closely. The obverse motto “Alles Fur Deutschland” is a good detailed inscription, with frosting remaining to the letters. The blade retains aeras of original crossgrain, with some light surface staining in places. The blade has not been sharpened and ends in a clean, original point.

Scabbard:

Early scabbard with solid nickle fittings. The screws are present and in good condition. The body shows Three indentations – one on the the front and two to the rear, (see photos). Most of the original anodising finish has worn away, with only traces remaining at the upper fitting. The lower ball has taken a knock, but the overall shape still remains. The blade fits the scabbard perfectly with a nice snap, exactly what collectors look for.

Overall:

A very respectable early E.P.&S. SA dagger in very good condition. The untouched nickle fittings, classic Pack grip, and tight overall fit place it well above average examples. Its status as a factory-ground Rohm dagger adds significant historical interest and makes it far more desirable than a standard M33. A strong honest, and very displayable early SA.

Historical Note:

The SA dagger was introduced in 1933 as the official sidearm of the Sturmabteilung (SA), the early paramilitary wing of the Nazi Party. Designed as a symbol of loyalty and political identity rather than a combat weapon, it carried the motto “Alles Fur Deutschland” (All for Germany) on the blade. Early examples, like this one, were produced with high-quality nickle fittings and hardwood grips by the Solingen makers.