Germany, SS. A Chained Model 1936 Service Dagger

(SS Dolch). An SS chained Model 1936 service dagger, measuring 37.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 22.5 cm-long nickel-plated magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is an inscription of “MEINE EHRE HEIßT TREUE” (“MY HONOUR IS LOYALTY”) in Fraktur script. Otherwise unmarked, the blade sits securely within a nickel-silver upper crossguard 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 and black-painted wood, 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 2.5 cm (w) x 1.5 cm (h). Also inset into the obverse of the pommel is a partially-silvered SS insignia measuring 1 cm in diameter. It completes with a nickel-silver lower crossguard, similarly marked with eight notches, secured in place with a rounded pommel nut which maintains the dagger’s structural integrity. Wrapped around the handle is a portepee consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorn suspended from a strap of identical construction. The dagger is accompanied by its matching scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft with nickel-silver fixtures secured to both the tip and throat. An additional nickel-silver fixture is secured to the mid-section, and bears a linked swastika design around the circumference. Integral loops emanate from the throat and mid-section and secure in place a silvered multi-link chain, with three links bearing double Sig runes and three bearing Totenkopfs. The two lengths culminate in a Wotan’s Knot which accommodates a functional reverse spring clip for uniform suspension. The scabbard’s throat retains a functional spring catch, firmly holding the dagger in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident throughout, and include tarnishing an running marks to the blade, minor scratching and chipping to the wooden handle, minor tarnishing of the nickel-silver, re-soldering of the throat chain loop, and evidence of adjustment of the scabbard rivets. This scarce dagger is in an overall very fine condition.