Original Item: Only One Available. Under provisions of the decree of 17 June 1936 Reichsführer-SS, Heinrich Himmler assumed full power over the entire German police organization and as such many members of the police held dual membership in the Police and SS. This sword is an example of this dual membership policy.

This is a genuine vintage World War II German SS Police NCO's Degen (Épée) Dress Sword, made by the well-known Solingen-based firm of Peter Daniel Krebs. While we have had multiple examples of the Officer's version of the Police Degen, this is only the fourth NCO version that we have had, and they appear to be relatively rare compared to the officer's version. It is still in very good condition, looking to have seen moderate use at formal events, and possibly some use in the field. The steel fittings and the "D" guard are still present, with a lovely lightly oxidized patina. There are areas of the plating being worn through on the guard, and the steel now shows some light past peppering in areas.

The pommel cap is the correct smooth type for an NCO sword (Officer's were serrated), and shows no signs of removal. The "D" guard is in wonderful unbent condition, ending in the usual teardrop quillon. There is actually an SS-Kulturzeichen proof marking on the top next to the blade buffer, which is two overlapping ᛋ Siegrune (Sig/Victory Rune) symbols inside an uneven octagon. The ferrule is in good shape, decorated with six standing oak leaves separated by acorns, which has the antiquing in the recesses in great shape. There is some past peppering to the oak leaves from oxidation and cleaning. The ebony grip is in good condition, showing moderate overall wear, which has worn the dark finish off of much of the wood, now retained at about 50%. There is no wrapping, another appointment only seen on the officer's version. The inset Police Civic eagle insignia is also in fine condition, and looks to be aluminum, with antiquing in the recesses of the design. There are no cracks, chips, or other damage to the wood of the grip.

The 31 1/2” blade is in good condition with little oxidation and without any chips to the edge of the blade. These were produced in a matte texture, and that is very well retained. There are a few spots of oxidation, which look to be caused by old grease trapping moisture next to the blade. As mentioned before the edge is still great, and the tip is still fully intact and unbent. The leather buffer is still fully intact.

The reverse ricasso is maker marked with a "Crayfish" or "Fresh Water Lobster" mark inside a shield, surrounded by PET. DAN. KREBS and SOLINGEN, the maker mark of Peter Daniel Krebs, Waffenfabrikation (Arms Manufacture). This was a relatively well-known maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany, which produced many fine edged weapons. Per J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS, this company began trading in 1860, though it did not register until 1899. Krebs is the German word for "Crayfish", and was originally registered as a trademark by August Krebs. The company was run by his relatives and descendants, and survived post war until 1954, when the company was dissolved.

The scabbard is in good condition, and the black enamel finish on the steel body of the scabbard is retained at about 60% showing a lovely pattern of checking and crazing, as well as large areas of peppered flaking of the finish. We can see oxidation to the steel shell in areas, and it looks to have had some moisture exposure in the past. The upper mount is in the "Wotan's Knot" configuration, which is also nickel plated, and is marked on the top with another SS-Kulturzeichen proof marking. It is in very good condition, showing some wear, but no major loss of plating, just some light oxidation. It has retaining screws still present inside of the "knot" on both sides.

These SS police swords are quite rare and desirable, and we have only had a handful previously. Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 31 1/2"
Blade Style: Single Edge w/ Fuller
Overall length: 36 1/2“
Guard dimensions: 5" width x 4 3/4” length
Scabbard length: 32 1/8”