Original Item: Only One Available: The SS (Schutzstaffel - 'Protection Squadron') was originally formed in 1925, ostensibly to act as a small, loyal bodyguard unit to protect the Führer, Adolf AH. Under the direction of the Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, the SS grew to be the most ruthless and feared organization of the 20th century. They were the vanguard of NSDAPsm and eventually controlled nearly every function of German life and much of Occupied Europe.

The SS dagger was introduced in 1933. Early on, members of the SS were awarded their daggers during a ceremony at the Feldherrnhalle Memorial in Munich. The annual ritual, charged with mysticism and meant to evoke the traditions of medieval Teutonic knights, was held on 9 November, the date of the unsuccessful Munich Putsch of 1923. Both officers and enlisted men wore the identical dagger until 1936. After this time, only enlisted men wore the M1933 dagger, while officers would receive the "Chained" version that we have here.  These are quite a bit more rare and desirable than the Enlisted version.

The SS Dagger was equipped with nickel crossguards with an ebony wood grip. The black grip contained a National eagle with swas insignia recessed in the center area and an SS sigrunne (ᛋᛋ)button inset at the top. The SS blade was a polished type containing the SS motto, Meine Ehre heißt Treue (My Honor is Loyalty). Early examples bore one of three district stampings on the lower reverse crossguard of I, II, or III. Early examples were mostly hand-fit. Production of later examples was more standardized, using cheaper, nickel-plated fittings with black painted scabbard shells. They could be held with a standard belt hanger, or a much rarer vertical hanger.

This fine early example was produced by Gottlieb Hammesfahr & Co. AG, Nirosta-Werk, Stahlwarenfabrik und Gesenkschmiederei (Stainless Steel Factory, Steel goods factory and drop forge), in the Foche area of Solingen. This is a known producer of SS daggers during the Pre-WWII period and after. The rear of the dagger is marked with their trademark logo:

Founded in 1804 and registered with the Solingen chamber of commerce in 1875, this company is one of the largest and longest-established edged weapon producers in Solingen. While this company was known primarily as a drop forge, it also made knives and tools during the WWII period. They had several brand names, including PYRAMIDE, which had a logo of a Pyramide with a cross on it. The "oval" style trademark was specifically used on the blades of the earliest SS and SA daggers made during the Third Reich, per J. Anthony Carter's work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS. 

The blade remains mostly bright and still retains some factory cross grain, though there are small age spots and traces of past oxidation, as well as overall speckling. The blade also has the usual runner marks, and definitely saw long service. This blade still grades in good condition. The SS motto, Meine Ehre heißt Treue (Loyalty is my Honor) is crisp but has some minor wear. About 60% of the factory blackening is in the letter fonts in the backgrounds. The edge of the blade does not show any non factory sharpening, and is still in great condition, with no nicks or dents. The blade shoulders perfectly meet the lower crossguard contour, and is solid in the grip.

The crossguards of this dagger and tang nut are in good condition throughout, and are of the earliest solid nickel silver construction. They have smooth surfaces, good crisp edges and precise accent grooves.  The upper guard is marked with a Roman numeral III, for the third SS district, next to number 51 092, most likely the operating number of the officer it was owned by. There is no lifting of the finish, showing these are indeed solid nickel silver.

The ebony grip is a nice example showing in great shape except for small chips missing at the top and bottom. Early examples such as this were hand fit, which could result in cracking over time. The color is very good, and wood grain can be seen. The symbol button is positioned at about 7:00 o'clock, and the enamel surfaces are very nice. The silvered SS symbol and double circles around them have a nice matching patina with the nickel still intact, with a little verdigris. The nickel grip eagle is the "straight" type with the beak pointing straight across. It remains in crisp condition, showing little wear to the bird's head, breast and wing feathering and to the talons, wreath or swas.

The scabbard shell on this example really is a beauty. It is straight throughout, having only a tiny chip in the enamel on the lower reverse. The original paint is terrific, still having its original factory sheen. There are a few light scratches, but no lifting or crazing, and aside from the small chip, the paint is nearly 100%.  The scabbard mounts are all nickel, and just in great shape. There is only a bit of denting to the lower ball, with no other splitting, denting, or other damage. The original screws all are present, and do not appear to have been messed with at all.

The center ramp is the early style having the sharp, crisp edges. It features the three raised intertwined swass on both sides. There is little darkening in the backgrounds, matching the backgrounds of the Type II chain links. The connector tabs are all closed except for one, and the SS and Totenkopf (Skull) links all appear to be solid nickel, except for one which is plated brass, and may be a later war replacement. The two chain assemblies are connected to a matching clover leaf with good working snap with original spring. The clover leaf is the closed type normally seen with Type II chains. The first link of the upper chain is lightly stamped with the SS-Kulturzeichen proof marking.  Definitely a great example of this type of scabbard.

This is an excellent and very rare chance to own a good condition SS Chained Officer's dagger by a Well-known Solingen blade maker. Ready to be the centerpiece of any WWII Edged weapon collection!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 8 3/4"
Overall length: 13 3/4”
Crossguard: 3”
Scabbard Length: 10”