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

(SS-Ehrendolch). An extremely well-preserved SS Model 1936 Chained Leader’s Dagger, measuring 370 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. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is an SS motto of “MEINE EHRE HEIßT TREUE” (“MY HONOUR IS LOYALTY”) in Fraktur script. The blade otherwise presents unmarked. It sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy crossguard marked with eight notches, distributed in groups of four at both the top and bottom. The obverse bears an etched Roman numeral “III”, generally held to signify distribution by the Berlin region, also the rarest of SS dagger crossguard marks. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of lacquered and black-painted wood, carved into a smooth curvature for a comfortable grip. Inset into the obverse of the handle is a silvered bronze alloy German national eagle, measuring 25 mm (w) x 15 mm (h). Also inset into the obverse of the pommel is a partially-silvered SS insignia measuring 9 mm in diameter. The dagger completes with a nickel-plated lower crossguard, similarly marked with eight notches and held together with a rounded pommel nut which securely maintains the dagger’s structural integrity. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. Three plated magnetic metal fixtures are secured to the shaft at the tip, mid-section, and throat with side rivets. The mid-section bears a raised swastika motif around its circumference. Also emanating from the mid-section and throat are integral loops which accommodate a chain link hanger. Three of the links feature raised Totenkopfs, while the other three bear raised Sig runes. The two meet at a stylized knotted hanger retaining a functional spring clip connecting to a leather loop for uniform suspension. The throat fixture also retains a functional spring clip, firmly holding the dagger in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include slight running marks to the blade, sporadic oxidation of the nickel-plated elemented, and some loss of scabbard paint. This rare dagger is in an otherwise extremely fine condition.