Earliest Chained SA High Leader Dagger

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

A wonderful opportunity for you to purchase an untouched original SA High Leader Dagger. The blade is a maiden hair, hand-forged, Damascus steel construction. The obverse features a muted gilt, raised out, SA motto which reads "Alles Für Deutschland" and is flanked by oak leaf and acorn sprigs. There is about 10% of the original gilt remaining to the motto. The reverse displays that same prominent maiden-hair pattern. Just above the lower crossguard is the gilded, raised out 1933-35 "Carl Eickhorn Solingen" maker mark. This double oval maker mark provides the firm's name and location. In the center is a detailed seated ?serrated tail' squirrel. The full length blade features very prominent patterns with a nicely darkened finish. The condition of the blade easily rates Exc++. It is in excellent condition throughout with no problem areas, pitting or blemishes. The blade shoulders nicely fit the lower crossguard. The blades tang is stamped "DAMAST". Additionally, the other side of the tang is numbered. The scabbard shell is perfectly straight and is covered with the original fine grained brown leather. The leather shows some signs of period age wear from the chain and the base is revealed to the edges due to shrinkage. The leather runs up to, but not under, the upper and lower fittings. The center band is a fold-over fitting that was installed over the leather surface and riveted into place, as was the case with early High Leader examples. They were upgraded in the period with the addition of the fitting and chain. When this example was upgraded they left the original upper ring in place. Sometimes we see the ring removed and it's not a problem, I just mention it for interest sake. The scalloped scabbard fittings have burnished paneled lines bordering their design on both surfaces. They match the tone of the silver crossguards quite nicely. All of the fittings are in excellent condition only showing period age. These scabbard fittings are retained by early silvered screws. The round lower ball has never been dropped on and retains a nice round shape. The chain hanger is attached to the scabbard by small round wire ring connectors. These ring connectors are fitted through the eyelets, which accompany the upper and center scabbard fitting. The chain hanger assembly consists of five upper and seven lower links. Each link is rectangular in shape and has a centrally placed, raised out, stagnant swastika. The inner links are equipped with a loop on each of the four sides. These built in loops are used to connect the links together with small round metal tabs. The end links of both chain assemblies merely have holes drilled into them where small rings connect them directly to the proper hardware. The two upper chains connect to a clip, which has a large, separately applied, round SA emblem. This emblem is burnished to the recessed areas. The spring is original and continues to work well. The reverse of the chain assembly is in the same condition showing little signs of age. The burnished silver honor crossguards elegantly display a hand enhanced oak leaf and acorn motif. The crossguards are internally numbered and match. The lower guard is frozen in place and I will not force it off. The brown hardwood grip is a medium contour ridge constructed type. It shows the common pressure mark throughout along with one wee chip/flake to the reverse side. It has very attractive color tones and is also numbered. The grip remains in excellent condition, fitting the crossguards quite nicely. The SA runes are beautifully set into the grip and retain perfect enamel. The grip eagle is a fine silver-toned example, being the "high necked" silvered variety most often observed on these honor examples. The top tang nut snugly secures the grip and crossguards in place. All of the components feature even age throughout. An outstanding original SA High Leader dagger and one of the few that has never seen restoration work.