Here is another dagger I'm considering purchasing...all comments appreciated

Looks like an honest early SA in average condition with some slight blade issues

thanks...something worth investing in ? what would you value it at ?

No, not worth investing in.

The blade has rusted and been cleaned, the scabbard has rust/condition issues, the hanger leather has problems and the grip is is very average with a big scratch.

Save your $$ and find one in much better condition.

The guy wants $200

To be fair $200 is a good price

Yes, it is worth that or even $300 or maybe $350.

But, are you opening a home for elderly daggers or building a collection?

Save up and buy a dagger in great condition.

Dave

point made...and taken

Hi Ike offer the guy $150 he may take it or counter with $175 even at $200 if you were to purchase you could most likely sell on GDC for $300 and use the $100 profit towards a better conditioned dagger as Dave says. I have seen the same conditioned or worse SA sell for $300 or higher here and elsewhere cheers Ryan A no brainer good luck!!!!

Ike,

Id sent Sellick the phone number of the guy with the dagger

Well that's kinda what I was thinking ...plus it seems that a lot of the good pieces are already in personal collections and getting pricey...don't you think these less desirable ones will move up in value ? What I've seen at shows and on line are beautiful...and the prices reflect it...which is great for the hobby, right ? I just want to get in at a price point I can afford. One day I hope to be accomplished collectors like you guys ...just seems I started about 10 years to late !

Ike,

That is a $350 (or so) dagger. A dealer will price it at $425 so he can discount it a little at a show. It has been at the price level ($350) for many years. The asking price went up when the Russians were buying, but is back to what I mentioned above. Can they go up? Sure, maybe a few bucks. Over the next 20 years, even a little more. The basic problem is that there were millions issued and seemingly hundreds of thousands brought back by vets and lots of them are in very good shape or better. Every dealer has a good (lifetime?) supply of the $350 SA daggers, as well as similar supplies of Army and second model Luftwaffe daggers. K98 bayonets, too.

If your dad or GF brought it back, then it has value to you and goes on the wall in a shadow box along with his picture, rank badges, medals, etc.

The prices of the ones in better shape will keep going up. No great jumps, but a gradual increase because that is what collectors want. You don't have to get a very rare one or one in perfect shape, but do yourself a favor and buy something that will give you joy every time you look at it.

If you need private advice ..... dave@germandaggers.com

Dave
Admin

two things My name is Ryan, I don't call or refer to you by your last name Dave......that is just rude and classless. Second, joking or not and I lean towards NOT!! I am not interested in the dagger.......I am interested in giving decent, honest advice to a new collector. I stand by my assertion that for $200 Ike would easily be able to make $100 profit and apply towards a better conditioned piece, which he could most likely purchase from you one doesn't have to go beyond this thread to see what is wrong with this forum

Hi Ike ,,separate and apart from the value of the dagger..before you buy anything..always comparison shop or research another dagger from the same producer..or if possible try to study a few of them..either by reading through some of these threads..and ask questions.

I say this because..you want to be sure of the grip to crossguard fit ..which the lower grip does not conform to the angles of the lower guard at all. Just an observation. The top guard in the same respect. These early SAs wee crafted and fitted very well..and I do beleive in "Monday Morning blues at the factory..tht one may have been "Put together " rather quickly. Who knows.

But take the extra step before spending the extra dollars and research a bit if at all possible..and dont be afraid to walk away from it either. As Dave said..these SAs are still plentiful as millions were produced..and there are alot of them to be found.

3 dealers for Early SA daggers

www.lakesidetrader.com
www.wwiidaggers.com
www.medamilitaria.com

If you dont buy your cars in haste..one will pay attention to the Historical worth of these and spend the extra time in study. Remember cars depreciate over time...these daggers will hold their worth and creep up in value over time. All dagger types will vary in Market Value. SA daggers can not be compared to any other dagger type in value..and vice versa.

A decent conditioned SA dagger can be found within the price range in the dealers I listed above. Take your time..and enjoy the walk. Regards Larry

I would have purchased that SA dagger in that condition, for $200 all day long. Sometimes, it's the history of a piece, just to have existed in that time period that makes value. In my experience, most SA daggers are just plain fun to own and do what we used to call the "Bernie fondle" to them every now and again. I've had a couple of SA's in my life and sooner or later, they are all collectible, at all price ranges. One of my most mint, a XX marked, I think Wolfe? is my personal favorite.

Some of the best and rarest daggers never see the public eye. Good dealers know, much more often then not, who is looking for what and make notes of it. The dealer finds the piece the buyer wants and makes the phone call. It happened to me several times.

Interesting thread. Good opinions on all points of view shared.

Mark

I'd have snapped it up for $200, haven't browsed ebay in months but often you'll see the scabbard alone going for that.
This one has some issues but its still a legit historic piece with value, it is what it is and there is no shame owning a dagger with condition issues. I'd rather have one like this than a better conditioned RZM with nasty plate lifting issues, and some guys aren't bothered much by that.

Thanks for all the advice...I may take you up on that offer Dave

I guess what appealed to me was finding this dagger in its "natural state". This was a vet bring back offered to me because of my appreciation for that era. When the owner knew I collected WW2 rifles he offered me this piece ...I just wanted to be able to buy it while making a fair offer. He has some other daggers as well that I would like some advice on if thats ok. Will post pics as I can. I think I'm going to offer him what he asked since it seems to be a fair number, I won't get hurt and I guess I may be able to sell it down the road if something better comes along...plus I like the guy and want to see the rest of his collection. Maybe this is my "admission fee" ??