Original Item: Only One Available. Under provisions of the decree of 17 June 1936 Reichsführer-SS, Heinrich Himmler assumed full power over the entire German police organization and as such many members of the police held dual membership in the Police and SS. This sword is an example of this dual membership policy.

This is a genuine vintage World War II German SS Police Officer's Degen (Épée) Dress Sword, made by the well-known Solingen-based firm of Hermann Rath. It is still in very good condition, looking to have seen moderate use at formal events. The nickel-plated steel fittings and the "D" guard are still present, with a lovely lightly oxidized patina. We cannot see any wear through to the base material, making this a really great example.

The "D" guard is in wonderful condition, ending in the usual teardrop quillon. The ferrule is crisp, decorated with six standing oak leaves separated by acorns which show a great patina. The ebony grip is in very good condition, showing moderate overall wear, but no major damage. The inset Police Civic eagle insignia is also in fine condition, and is bronze alloy, which was originally plated nickel, however that has worn away, leaving a lovely patina. There are no cracks, chips, or other damage to the wood of the grip, and the hilt has just a bit of wobble.

The 33 1/2” blade is in good condition with little oxidation and without any chips to the edge of the blade. It does show evidence of past water staining from the scabbard runner near the ricasso, as well as near the tip, which has been polished out. The leather buffer is still fully intact, and the ricasso is marked:

HERM. RATH
SOLINGEN

Under this is the SS-Kulturzeichen proof marking in a diamond. Hermann Rath, Waffenfabrik (Weapons factory) was one of only seventeen Solingen firms listed in the 1941 edition of the DRAB as manufacturers of edged weapons. This firm seems to have supplied officers’ and NCO swords to the SS and Police, as many examples have been recorded. For more information please see GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter.

The scabbard is in very good condition, with just a bit of a bend in the steel body, and the black enamel finish on the steel body of the scabbard is retained at over 90%. This is definitely among the best that we have seen, and there is the usual crazing and checking in areas, showing that the scabbard has not been refinished. The upper mount is in the "Wotan's Knot" configuration, which is also nickel plated. It is in very good condition, showing some minor oxidation and wear, especially on the top where it contacts the leather blade buffer. It still has both retaining screws still present inside of the "knot" on both sides. The drag fitting is in great shape as well, with a nice matured look, and both retaining screws present.

These SS police swords are quite rare and desirable, and we have only had a handful previously. This is definitely a great example, ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 33 1/2"
Blade Style: Single Edge w/ Fuller
Overall length: 38 3/4“
Guard dimensions: 5" width x 4 3/4” length
Scabbard length: 34”