Numbered SS Dagger Klaas

Product Description: This Numbered SS Dagger Klaas is a desirable, early piece. The blade on this one has been heavily sharpened on both edges in the past. Despite having been sharpened, it shows very well, with nice luster and a crisp motto that retains lots of original darkening. The reverse of the blade is neatly etched on the ricasso with the commercial type “kissing cranes” logo of the firm of Robert Klaas in Solingen. The handle on this dagger has a great, uncleaned, untouched look. The pommel nut does not appear to have ever been turned. The black wood grip has a hairline crack on the front and back, which is normal on these grips. The early type grip eagle and enameled SS roundel are intact, with no damage, and a nice patina. All of the nickel fittings on this dagger match perfectly and have a lovely, uncleaned age patina. The lower crossguard is engraved on the front with the SS number “27192” and is also stamped with the Gau mark “II.” This numbered SS dagger Klaas is complete with its correct original early type scabbard. The scabbard is perfectly straight, with no dents to the scabbard body, and retains most of the original black anodized finish, with some wear and age. The nickel silver fittings including the suspension ring are intact. The ball at the tip of the lower scabbard fitting is dented. This attractive M33 dagger is a very appealing example, in excellent condition overall.

Historical Description: The Model 1933 (M33) SS dagger was first serviceable dagger produced for the SS. The design was derived from a 16^thcentury 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 9^th, 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, nickel 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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