Germany, SS. A 1936 Model SS Service Dagger

(SS-Ehrendolch). This is a very well-preserved 1936 model SS Service Dagger. The dagger measures 370 mm in length with the scabbard on, while the blade of the dagger itself measures 220 mm (l) x 33 mm (w) and is constructed of nickel-silver plated metal, acid-engraved with the SS motto "Meine Ehre heißt Treue" (“My Honour is Loyalty”) on the obverse. The reverse of the blade presents plain. The edges are in a semi-sharpened condition and the tip is moderately sharp. The blade fits neatly through the upper crossguard, itself constructed of nickel-silver plating, which in turn sits flush with the wooden handle that shows only minimal shrinkage from age. Eight notches are neatly carved into the upper cross guard, evenly distributed between the top and bottom. The obverse of the black wooden handle bears a metallic NSDAP Parteiadler- (Party Eagle) style emblem fitted within the wood, featuring an eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 25 mm (w) x 15 mm (w). On the same side, just above the lower cross guard, sits a metallic Schutzstaffel logo, comprised of the organization’s double sig runs on a black enameled background, measuring 9 mm in diameter. Similar to the upper crossguard, its lower counterpart also features eight carved notches.

The dagger is held together by a nickel-silver pommel nut that sits tightly and securely in the lower crossguard. The dagger’s accompanying scabbard measures 250 mm in length and is constructed of black-painted magnetic metal, with nickel-silver plated metal fittings at the tip and throat. The scabbard features a chain for attachment to the wearer’s uniform, with six links alternately featuring the SS sig runes and a skull-and-crossbones designs, completing in a functional spring-loaded clip with a stylized knotted metal plate. Underneath the plate, an inscription of “D.R.G.M.”, for Deutsches Reichsgebrauchsmeister (“German Reich Utility Model”), is partially visible, indicating registration for design or use. The dagger is otherwise unmarked. The chain is attached to the scabbard at the throat at one end, and at the other end by a metal band surrounding the circumference, securely affixed with two screws, with a raised design featuring linked swastikas. Although very well-preserved, the dagger shows evidence of wear consistent with age and use, including a chip to the wood of the obverse handle near the upper crossguard, a similar chip to the same region on the reverse with a smaller chip near the lower crossguard, running marks to the blade consistent with insertion and extraction from the scabbard, and wear and tarnishing of the painted and nickel-silver features. The dagger is in an otherwise better than very fine condition.