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

(SS-Ehrendolch). A Model 1936 SS chained leader’s dagger, measuring 375 mm in length when inserted into the scabbard. The dagger features a 220 mm-long magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and semi-sharpened edges, the obverse of which bears an acid-etched inscription of “MEINE EHRE HEIßT TREUE” (“MY HONOUR IS LOYALTY”). The blade sits flush with the nickel-plated upper crossguard, itself marked with eight notches, with four each on the top and bottom. The blackened wooden handle features a well-defined grip and is inset with a metallic NSDAP-style German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, measuring 25 mm (w) x 14 mm (h). It also bears a 9 mm-wide enameled and metallic SS insignia. The dagger completes with a nickel-plated lower crossguard, similarly bearing eight notches, and is held together with a magnetic metal pommel nut. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of black-painted magnetic metal. The throat of the scabbard retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the dagger in place during storage. The tip, body, and throat of the dagger each features nickel-plated adornments held in place by dual magnetic metal rivets. The latter two bear loops accommodating a hanger, consisting of a chain constructed of six silvered zink links held together with magnetic metal loops. Three of the links feature raised Totenkopfs, while three bear raised double Sig runes. The hanger completes with a functional magnetic metal spring clip with a stylized knotted adornment. The daggers displays evidence of fatigue consisting with age and use, including running marks to the blade, significant chipping and loss of wood to the handle at both the upper and lower crossguards, and paint loss to the mismatched scabbard. Overall, fine.