M36 SS Chained Dagger – Type C

Product Description: This M36 SS Chained Dagger is missing the cross guards, T-nut and grip. It would be a good basis for a restoration. The blade is very nice overall, though it has been sharpened on the very edges on both sides. The blade shows typical runner marks and scratches, but still does retain some of the original crossgraining. The inscription on the blade “Mein Ehre Heißt Treue”, which translates to “My Honor is Loyalty”, is very strong, with crisp edges and lots of original darkening. The scabbard is a correct early style with a black anodized finish. Much of the surface shows light corrosion that looks like it could be removed. The four original scabbard screws are present and do not look to have been turned. The plating on the scabbard fittings is nice overall, with minor lifting on the cross fitting, scabbard tip and chain. The chain is a textbook type C, with the maker inscribed under the “Wonton” clip. The chain is complete with the correct amount of links and is marked on the back with the expected SS runic marking. The parts of this M36 SS Chained Dagger are 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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