Germany, SS. An Allgemeine SS Officer’s Dress Sword

(Allgemeine SS Degen). An Allgemeine SS Officer’s dress sword, measuring 1025 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features an 875 mm-long polished magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip, unspoiled edges, and with a fuller running approximately two-thirds of the length of each side. The blade sits securely within a one-piece nickel-plated hilt that features a hand guard, with the seam covered by an intact white-painted leather buffer pad. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of ribbed and lacquered black wood, with the ribbing retaining an original non-magnetic metal wire cord, with a silvered oak leaf wreath covering the crossguard joint. Inset into the obverse of the handle is a non-magnetic metal insignia consisting of a silvered ring surrounding a black disc, in turn bearing raised double Sig runes, measuring 22 mm in overall diameter. Wrapped around the hilt is a matching portepee, consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorn, with the stem bearing a double-sided black SS insignia, suspended from a cord of identical construction. Etched onto the reverse of the pommel are initials and presumed membership number of “12 324”. The sword is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. A magnetic metal fixture is riveted to the tip, while the throat retains a nickel-plated non-magnetic metal adornment featuring a trefoil design. An integral loop fastened around the upper quarter of the shaft accommodates an optional hanger. Finally, an SS mark is stamped onto the throat itself. Issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include minor tarnishing of the blade, loss of handle paint, minor material fatigue to the portepee, and some oxidation of the metal features. Additionally, the scabbard throat’s spring catch is no longer functional. Otherwise intact, the sword is in an overall very fine condition.