Germany, SS. An Allgemeine SS Officer’s Dress Sword, by Hermann Rath

(Schutzstaffel Degen für Offiziere). A rare and very well-preserved Allgemeine SS Officer’s dress sword, measuring 905 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 740 mm-long polished magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and unsharpened edges. A fuller runs down the length of each side of the blade, which presents plain with the exception of a maker’s mark near the reverse ricasso of “HERM. RATH, SOLINGEN” for the firm of Hermann Rath. Underneath the mark is an additional SS Kulturzeichen. The blade sits securely within a one-piece magnetic metal hilt with a curved guard and flattened, ribbed pommel. The handle is composed of a single piece of ribbed black celluloid, wrapped in a non-ferrous wire cord. The handle is also topped by a magnetic metal ring bearing raised oak leaves around the circumference. Inset into the handle is a silvered non-ferrous metal SS insignia consisting of raised Sig runes, measuring 21 mm in total diameter. A Kulturzeichen is engraved onto the upper crossguard. Wrapped around the hilt is a period original SS portepee, constructed of multiple rows of twisted and rolled silver aluminum wire. The portepee features a stylized acord suspended from a cord of identical construction, with both sides of the acorn’s stem bearing machine-embroidered black SS insignia. It is also accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of black-painted magnetic metal. The tip of the scabbard features a polished and ribbed magnetic metal fixture, while an additional fixture of identical construction comprises the throat and presents with knotted designs on both sides, secured in place by dual side rivets. A band set into the upper part of the scabbard retains an integral loop for attachment to a hanger. A third SS Kulturzeichen mark is engraved onto the throat near the insertion slot. Minor issues consistent with age are evident, and include some pitting and running marks to the blade, chipping to the handle, and oxidation and loss of finish to the metal fixtures. This sword, from an uncommon maker of SS edged weapons, is in an overall near extremely fine condition.