The John Bannister Collection - D-Day and Militaria
Lot 2238:
Description
This WWII-era German SA (Sturmabteilung) service dagger features a rich brown wooden grip inset with the SA “pastille” emblem and the silvered eagle with swastika. The blade is etched with the traditional motto “Alles für Deutschland” (Everything for Germany) and bears the maker’s mark for J.A. Schmidt & Soehne of Solingen, characterized by the three-tower logo. The nickel-plated crossguard is stamped with the “NS” (Niedersachsen) group mark, indicating its original distribution district. The dagger is accompanied by its original black-painted steel scabbard with nickel-plated fittings and a suspension ring. The item shows age-consistent wear, including minor surface oxidation on the crossguards, some light scuffing and thinning of the paint on the scabbard, and faint runner marks on the blade, though the etching remains crisp and clear. This piece was a souvenir brought back by John Klein during his service with the 709th MP Battalion and the 52nd MP CID in Frankfurt and Hanau, Germany, between 1952 and 1958. Klein’s transfer to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) in Hanau in 1953 placed him in a more specialized role. The CID dealt with more complex felony-level crimes involving military personnel or property, and leftover denazification issues. Being in the CID likely gave him unique access to various regions and facilities, which may explain how he curated this specific collection of relics. H 14.75″, W 3″, D 1″ Disclaimer: Due to the high quality of WWII German fakes, Donley Auctions has described this item to the best of their ability and assumes NO liability or responsibility if information provided is incorrect. Authenticity is unknown. Buyer assumes all responsibility to determine whether or not an item is authentic. Buyer may request additional photos, ask detailed questions and make inquiries into the specifics of this item. All content and information is provided “AS IS” and without warranty, implied or otherwise. Absolutely NO refunds are given for this item or any military relics, regardless of age or condition.
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