Early SS Dagger by Robert Klaas

Product Description: Beautiful, uncleaned, un-messed with early SS Dagger, with loads of character. This one is made by Robert Klaas and bears their “kissing cranes” maker logo on the blade, a very desirable and sought-after maker. The blade of this SS dagger still has lots of crossgraining on both sides, and the etching to the motto remains very dark. The blade has the normal runner marks, some small spots of graying here and there, and one band of graying near the top of the blade- it looks like some moisture may have gotten into the scabbard at some point. The etched maker mark is still dark, and crisp, as one would expect. The handle on this is gorgeous, with all the character one would expect of an uncleaned early piece. The grip fittings are the correct nickel silver type, with a lovely patina. There are no signs the pommel nut has ever been turned. The cross guard is neatly stamped with the district mark “I.” The black dyed hardwood grip shows typical age, with a few very tiny surface cracks, and one very small chip on the reverse near the crossguard. There is some honest wear to the original finish. The fit of the grip with the other handle fittings remains tight. The grip eagle and SS runic emblem are in great condition, with no enamel damage. The eagle has some very minor verdigris as is typical on an uncleaned piece. The scabbard has nickel silver fittings that match those of the handle. It’s anodized, and the original black finish shows lots of honest wear. There are no dents in the scabbard. This is just a lovely early SS dagger, by a desirable maker, showing some age and use, and loaded with eye appeal.

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.

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