Condition: Excellent
Pattern: M36
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Product Description: This M36 SS Chained Dagger is a gorgeous and extremely desirable piece, in excellent condition. The blade on this one is exceptional, with crossgrain that remains clearly visible all the way from the hilt to the tip. It shows the common surface scratches/runner marks from being in and out of the scabbard, and minor age greying throughout. The tip of the blade comes to a perfect point, and the crisp acid-etched “Meine Ehre heißt Treue” motto is beautifully executed. There is no maker mark, and this is exactly how they were issued from the factory. The blade has a nice and tight fit in the scabbard. The handle of this dagger shows wear, with some losses to the black wood grip on the front and back of the dagger. A small section of the upper right wing of the grip eagle also appears to be missing. The enameled SS roundel in the grip is intact, and the crossguards are in excellent shape, perfectly matching the scabbard fittings in color and patina. The scabbard of this M36 SS Chained Dagger is a textbook steel based example with black anodized finish to the body. It has a wonderful look, and remains completely dent free, with 90% of its original factory lacquer intact. The rear of the scabbard throat fitting is very nicely hand engraved with a personalized “HJ” monogram of the original owner. All five scabbard screws are still present. The scabbard to cross guard fit is perfect, and closes with a snap. The extremely desirable and eye-catching suspension chain is complete, and very well preserved, with wonderful detail to the skulls and SS runes. It’s well marked, with the correct “DRGM” mark to the center of the Wotan’s Knot, and a clear “SS” proof mark to the reverse of the second upper link. The spring clip is functional, with no issues. This dagger has a lot going for it, with outstanding eye appeal.
Historical Description: The Model 1933 (M33) SS dagger was first serviceable dagger produced for the SS. The design was derived from a 16th century Swiss hunting dagger called the “Holbein”. The M33 SS Dagger was worn by all ranks within the SS. Becoming a member of the SS was held in high respect during the Third Reich, and their daggers became a symbolic piece within its ranks. Every year on November 9th, the new SS men would pledge their full allegiance to the Führer (Adolf Hitler) in front of the Feldherrnhalle monument in Munich and receive their dagger as a symbol of that oath. The inscription on the blade “Mein Ehre Heißt Treue”, which translates to “My Honor is Loyalty”, was the motto of the SS.
Manufacturing for these daggers began late in 1933, and continued until 1942 when production of all daggers ceased to conserve materials and labor for the war effort. Today, collectors categorize these daggers into three main categories; Early, Transitional, and Late period. SS daggers produced from 1933 to early 1935 are early and have anodized scabbards, nickle fittings, and are generally of a higher workmanship. Transitional period daggers were produced from 1935 to 1938, are usually found with painted scabbards, plated fittings and RZM codes with their makers logo on the blade. Late period daggers were produced from 1938 to 1942 and are similar to the transitional period daggers in that they use plated fittings, painted scabbards but will only be found with the RZM logo and code on the blade.
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