Germany, SS. A Model 1936 Chained Service Dagger, Owner-Attributed Example

(SS Dienstdolch M36 mit Kette). A unique and extremely well-preserved SS Model 1936 Chained Service Dagger, measuring 37 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 22 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges. Hand-etched onto the obverse of the blade is an owner’s name and SS membership number of “28370”. Acid-etched onto the reverse of the blade is an inscription of “MEINE EHRE HEIßT TREUE” (“MY HONOUR IS LOYALTY”) in Fraktur script. The blade sits securely within a nickel-silver upper crossguard which is marked with eight notches, distributed in groups of four at both the top and bottom. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of lacquered black wood which is carved into a curvature for a comfortable grip. Inset into the obverse of the handle is a silvered German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 25 mm (w) x 15 mm (h). Also inset into the obverse pommel is a silvered and blackened SS insignia measuring 9 mm in diameter. It completes with a nickel-silver lower crossguard, similarly marked with eight notches and retaining a rounded pommel nut that screws in to maintain the dagger’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. Nickel-silver fixtures are riveted to the tip, mid-section, and throat. Emanating from the latter two is a multi-link chain, with three of the links bearing raised Totenkopf-style skull and crossbones, and three bearing raised double Sig runes. The chains connect to a functional spring clip for uniform suspension, with the obverse decorated with a knotted swastika. The throat fixture retains a functional spring catch to firmly hold the dagger in place during storage. Some issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include minor running marks to the blade and scratching of the scabbard paint. This scarce example of a hand-etched, owner-attributed SS dagger remains in an extremely fine condition.