Germany, SS. An Non-Commissioned Officer’s Dress Sword

(SS Degen für Unterführer). A well-preserved SS Non-Commissioned Officer’s (NCO’s) dress sword, measuring 102 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features an 86 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and unspoiled edges. A fuller runs approximately two-thirds of the length of each side of the blade. It is unmarked with the exception of a partially-legible number “25” stamped onto the reverse ricasso. The blade sits securely within a one-piece magnetic metal hilt, with the seam covered by an intact black leather buffer pad. The hilt features a rounded hand guard and has a grip consisting of a single piece of blackened wood carved with 13 grooves. The pommel bears raised double Sig runes. Wrapped around the hand guard is a matching SS-issued portepee, consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorn, suspended from a stem bearing double-sided Sig runes, in turn attached to a strap of identical construction. The sword is also accompanied by a period original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. The upper quarter of the shaft features an integral loop for the accommodation of a hanger, while the throat retains a silvered trefoil fixture, and retains a partially-functional spring catch to hold the sword in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some tarnishing and running marks to the blade, loss of finish to the silvered fixtures, some some loss of finish to the scabbard with consequent surface oxidation. It is in an overall better than very fine condition.