SMGN-0767 Ground Rohm SS dagger with Serial number and full research Dossier (Eickhorn)

I will be the first one to tell you that this is not a super condition dagger. However, the rarity of a fully researched individual that can be attributed to it does add tremendous value. The officer was Adolf Seidenfaden SS N0. 8033 (stamped on lower scabbard throat facing part of the guard). He was born in 1909 and was a Railroad engine driver. He was a relatively early part member with number 304 598 which was issued on sept 1 1930.  He earned the old fighters Chevron, Treffen Braunschweig 1931 badge, SA sports badge in bronze, DRL badge in bronze, NSDAP long service awards in bronze and silver. This SS Rohm dagger and a Yule Lantern.

On to the dagger. In addition to the SS number on the underside of the guard, there is a number “4” which directly ties to his 1942 transfer to 4. Sturm/116 SS Standarte. The guard is roman numeral marked III. The guards and all scabbard fittings are nickel silver as you would expect from an early dagger like this. The pommel shows some evidence of turning but nothing abusive. The grip is in good condition but there are some dings and stress cracks. The eagle is the nickel type and seems to have a good fitment but does show some wood flaking on the top of the eagles left wing. The roundel area does look like there may have been a very old repair made at some point although it’s impossible to tell when. The pommel nut unscrews by hand and with inspection there is nothing ugly under there or cause for concern. The tang is marked “8” and was part of the casting. The blade is where we can see the biggest issue since it was ground down aggressively by someone in order to meet the new regulations. They took off too much material and had to re contour the whole thing making it noticeably thinner than standard. The funny part is that they didn’t even get the whole inscription off and it’s easy to see a few parts of it remaining. The early Eickhorn logo sits lower on the blade as it should. There is no significant rust and the motto on the other side has been spared any abuse. The scabbard is period hand repainted over what was left of the original anodizing. It is interesting that the theme of this dagger is that the owner did not have the means to professional have the Rohm inscription taken off or have a professional repaint the scabbard. He elected to do both himself and the difference is evident 80+ year later.

While not a mint dagger, it is still full of interesting information, history and character which can be corroborated with the Dossier. These attributed daggers don’t come around too often in any condition.