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Help finding an SA dagger
Hi guys, I've always wanted to have an SA dagger in my collection. I have a wide range of items in my collection and don't have any specialist knowledge of daggers.
I have done some research, and spent quite a long time searching but cannot seem to find one for sale that looks like good value.
Hoping someone might be able to point me in the right direction to a nice SA dagger? In the U.K. preferably but not essential.
Cheers guys, Jim
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11-21-2017 11:31 AM
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For something like an SA dagger, I'd hold out and save a little more for a mid-range/high end example. If you buy a low end one with rusting, pitting and the like, you'll never be completely happy with it. As someone who spent my first year or so buying whatever was cheapest, regardless of condition, I can tell you that it's the same for anything. I've wanted an SA dagger for some time, too, but have never found the 'right' one.
At the end of the day, only you will know which particular dagger is right for you. Both price-wise and in terms of condition. Above all else, it has to make you happy. When you see it, you'll know. It'll just pop out at you. I know Espenlaub Militaria has a few at decent prices, including a couple I'd consider 'right for me' examples. But what's right for me might not be for you.
WW2 German Daggers. Espenlaub Militaria
Go fishing through that section, and you'll find a fair amount to choose from. Espenlaub is based in Estonia, but as a UK collector I've experienced nothing but fast, efficient service from them. In terms of the law, importing an SA dagger should pose no problems. As a fixed blade and an antique, it meets none of the criteria for banned knives, and should be fully legal to import. I speak purely from speculation, as I've yet to purchase any dagger or knife from abroad, but I'll have no worries about doing so when the time comes.
Hope I've been of some help!
Regards, B.B.
EDIT: Seems they only have a single example for sale currently. My apologies. Last time I checked they had quite a few!
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Thanks for your replies guys, much appreciated.
I agree with you both, definitely worth paying a bit extra to get a nice example.
I must admit I do like the look of the one you linked above on pastglories, looks to be in good condition. As you say i will have a look around and see if there are any others that take my fancy! I have genuinely struggled to find ones for sale, may have to adjust my google searches!
That one you have looks great! Some very nice markings on there!
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It is not the size of a Collection in History that matters......Its the size of your Passion for it!!
- Larry C
One never knows what tree roots push to the surface of what laid buried before the tree was planted - Larry C
“The farther back you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” - Winston Churchill
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Thanks for the link Larry, I have had a look through and spotted one that I am interested in:
https://www.lakesidetrader.com/item.php?ID=15195
I was wondering what you guys think?
I have been reassured that (customs wise) it will not be a problem shipping to the UK, although i wondered if anyone else had successfully ordered these from the US to UK - trouble free?
Thanks guys!
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Lakeside Trader is a good choice, one of the best. Customs should not be an issue, as it's not a 'banned knife' and is an antique.
One thing I will warn you about, which has caught me off guard in the past, is the VAT charges. As it's from outside the EU, the final price you pay won't include in-EU VAT. Upon arrival, the post office will hold it and you'll have to pay the VAT before they'll release it to you. On the one occasion I've ordered from abroad, this came in the form of a piece of card through my letterbox telling me which local post office it was being held at, and how much the additional cost would be. From what I've been told, it's a 50/50 chance as to whether you end up getting charged, but if you do, it can be a substantial amount of money.
There's an online VAT calculator you can use to work out the 'real' price after converting it to Pound Sterling. Here: Online VAT Calculator
Just sat and worked it out. Price for the dagger in GBP is £450.99 before shipping costs. VAT on that is £90.20, which would bring the price up to £541.19. About what you'd pay for an SA dagger from a UK site.
Very often, I used to look at US and Canadian sites and get excited at the prospect of grabbing a bargain due to conversion rates. When you take into account VAT and shipping, however, the price works out about the same. Still won't stop me buying a dagger from abroad in future, but something to keep in mind when shopping for militaria overseas. The more expensive the item, the more VAT you'll pay.
If this dagger stands out to you, go for it! The most important thing is that you're happy with what you get, not necessarily grabbing a bargain in the process.
B.B.
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