Condition: Excellent
Maker: Carl Kloos
Pattern: Early, Nickel Fittings
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Product Description: This rare early SA Dagger by Carl Kloos is a choice piece, by an ultra rare maker. Carl Kloos is ranked 10 out of 10 on the McSARR list, indicating this is among the very rarest makers of these daggers. The blade is beautiful, and very bright, with a perfect point. The motto is crisply and correctly etched, with really nice original darkening. There is no damage or evident age to the blade, and no apparent signs of having been polished, with only normal runner marks along the length from being in and out of the scabbard. The reverse of the blade has the very rare and desirable Kloos maker mark, neatly etched. The handle on this one is also extremely attractive, with a nice early nickel eagle in the grip. The grip has zero issues, with no cracks or chips, and all of the enamel in the SA roundel is intact. All of the metal fittings have a lovely, even patina. The “T” nut looks never to have been turned, and the lower cross guard has a correct early “Ns” stamp for SA-Gruppe Niedersachsen. This rare early SA dagger is complete with its original scabbard. The scabbard retains most of the correct early type brown anodized finish on the scabbard body, and has no dents or issues. The metal fittings have a patina that matches the handle, and the ball at the tip is perfect. This is an impressive piece, with a great, untouched look; it would be a challenge to upgrade. The condition rates as excellent plus plus.
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, 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. They are similar to the transitional period daggers in that they use plated fittings and painted scabbards, but will only be found with the RZM logo and code on the blade.
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