Germany, SS. A Model 1936 Chained SS Leader’s Dagger

(SS-Ehrendolch). A well-preserved Model 1936 Chained SS Leader’s Dagger, measuring 470 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 220 mm-long magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and semi-sharpened edges. The obverse features an acid-etched inscription of “MEINE EHRE HEIßT TREUE” (“MY HONOUR IS LOYALTY”) in Fraktur script. The blade sits securely within the upper crossguard, constructed of silver-plated feinzink and marked with eight notches, with four distributed at both the top and bottom. The handle consists of a blackened wooden grip, inset with dual insignia. The latter includes a copper German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 25 mm (w) x 15 mm (h), as well as a blackened SS rune insignia near the pommel, measuring 10 mm in diameter. The dagger completes with a silvered feinzink lower crossguard, similarly marked with eight notches, and a rounded pommel nut securely maintaining the overall structure. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. The tip of the shaft bears a polished magnetic metal fixture, secured in place by dual side rivets. Two additional polished magnetic metal fixtures are secured to the throat and upper third of the scabbard, similarly with two side rivets each. These fixtures bear integrated rectangular loops connecting to a chain. The chain consists of six magnetic metal links, with three bearing raised Totenkopfs and three bearing SS rune insignia. The chain connects to a functional spring clip, with the exterior bearing a decorative knotted swastika. One link is marked on the reverse with a SS Kulturzeichen. The scabbard throat retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the dagger in place during storage. While well-preserved, issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include running marks to the blade, oxidation and consequent loss of finish to the feinzink elements, and oxidation of the magnetic metal. The dagger is in an overall very fine condition.