Germany, SS. A Model 1936 Chained Leader’s Dagger, Canadian Veteran's War Souvenir

(SS-Ehrendolch). A Model 1936 SS Chained Leader’s Dagger retrieved from the estate of a Canadian veteran measuring 375 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 220 mm-long polished magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and edges. The obverse bears an acid-etched inscription of “MEINE EHRE HEIßT TREUE” (“MY HONOUR IS LOYALTY”) in Fraktur script. It sits securely within a nickel-plated upper crossguard, marked with eight notches distributed in groups of four at both the top and bottom. The handle grip consists of a single piece of lacquered dark brown wood, contoured 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 pommel is a circular SS insignia measuring 9 mm in diameter. Completing the dagger is a nickel-plated lower crossguard, similarly marked with eight notches, retaining a rounded pommel nut which securely maintains the dagger’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of black-painted magnetic metal. Three polished magnetic metal fixtures are secured to the scabbard with dual side rivets. The centre fixture is decorated along the circumference with a raised swastika pattern. Emanating from the centre and throat fixtures are integral loops connecting to a magnetic metal chain. The latter consists of six links, with three bearing raised Totenkopf insignia and three bearing raised double Sig runes. Each length connects to a functional spring clip decorated on the obverse with a knotted design, in turn retaining a brown leather strap for belt suspension. The dagger demonstrates issues consistent with an untouched, uncleaned veteran’s wartime souvenir, including some oxidation and running marks to the blade, loss of finish throughout the nickel-plated elements, cracking throughout the handle grip in addition to a large chip across the obverse seam of the upper crossguard, some loosening of the lower crossguard, and oxidation throughout the scabbard and chain. An unaltered example in fair condition.