Early RZM SS Dagger

Product Description:  This early RZM SS dagger is a very desirable type that has a lot going for it. It’s in very good condition overall, with some age and wear. The blade is nice, with some scattered tiny gray spots, and normal runner marks. The darkening has faded to the “Meine Ehre heist Treue” motto etching, but the etching remains crisp. The reverse of the blade is neatly marked “SS 120/34 RZM” which is an early type of RZM mark. This is a very sought-after maker of these, though exactly what factory made this is unclear; some have attributed these 120/34 pieces to Pack. The scabbard and all of the handle fittings on this early RZM SS Dagger have desirable early features usually found on pre-RZM pieces. The upper and lower crossguards are nickel silver, with an attractive patina. The early type grip eagle retains great detail, and the SS enamel button is undamaged. The fruitwood grip shows age and wear, with some dings and marks, and a small age crack or two. There are some small gaps where the grip meets the handle fittings, a normal result of the grip shrinking slightly due to age. This early RZM SS dagger is complete with its original, early, anodized scabbard. The scabbard is nice and straight, and retains nearly all of the original dark oxidation. The nickel silver fittings nicely match the handle. There is a dent to the ball at the tip of the scabbard. There is no indication that this lovely dagger has ever been cleaned or messed with in any way. It’s a nice early piece by a desirable maker, loaded with character, and displays great.

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, 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.

                          We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers free evaluations and the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates.

Click the link here to learn more: Free Evaluation or Inquiries 

or feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com