Original Item: Only One Available: The SS (Schutzstaffel - 'Protection Squadron') was originally formed in 1925, ostensibly to act as a small, loyal bodyguard unit to protect the Führer, Adolf AH. Under the direction of the infamous Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, the SS grew to be the most ruthless and feared organization of the 20th century. They were the vanguard of NSDAP and eventually controlled nearly every function of German life and much of Occupied Europe. The SS-Ehrendolch (SS honor dagger) was introduced in 1933. Early on, members of the SS were awarded their daggers during a ceremony at the Feldherrnhalle Memorial in Munich. The annual ritual, charged with mysticism and meant to evoke the traditions of medieval Teutonic knights, was held on 9 November, the date of the unsuccessful Munich Putsch of 1923. Both officers and enlisted men wore the identical dagger until 1936. After this time, only enlisted men wore the M1933 dagger.

The SS Dagger was equipped with nickel cross guards with an ebony wood grip. The black grip contained a National eagle with swas insignia recessed in the center area and an ᛋᛋ doppelte Siegrune (Double Sig/Victory Rune) button inset at the top. On early examples the scabbard shell surface was factory blackened using a metal bluing process. The scabbard had nickel mounts. The SS blade was a polished type containing the SS motto, Meine Ehre Heisst Treue (My Honor is Loyalty). Early examples bore one of three district stampings on the lower reverse crossguard of I, II, or III. Early examples were mostly hand-fit. Production of later examples was more standardized, using cheaper, nickel-plated fittings with black painted scabbard shells. They could be held with a standard belt hanger, or a much rarer vertical hanger.

This wonderful early example was produced by the legendary firm of Carl Eickhorn, based in Solingen, Germany, the Legendary "City of Blades." It was and still is the blade-making capital of Germany, with a centuries long history of edged weapon manufacture. The reverse ricasso is etched with a 1933-35 Eickhorn trademark logo: a double oval surrounding a seated squirrel with a notched tail holding a sword, with CARL EICKHORN / SOLINGEN surrounding the squirrel trademark. Per J. Anthony Carter's book GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this is one of several similar trademarks used during the period, and is exactly what would have been used on early SA, NSKK, and SS daggers. This legendary company was founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn, and is arguably the most famous of all Solingen makers. Not only could the family trace their history back 500 years, but they could also demonstrate involvement in the hardening and grinding industries for the same period. Truly the nobility of Solingen Edged weapon dynasties. Eickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers.

The blade on this example is in very good condition, showing some signs of past oxidation from the runners and handling near the cross guard, which was later cleaned away. In spite of this, it still retains most of the original factory final grind cross grain, visible throughout the blade. This texture is iconic, and is the definitive identifying characteristic for a real WWII German Blade. There is some wear from the runners, present on virtually every German dagger blade, as as well as some scattered oxidation, but aside from the ricasso area, it's really in lovely condition. The etched SS motto, Meine Ehre heißt Treue (Loyalty is my Honor) is crisp with little wear and almost all of the factory darkening. The blade shoulders perfectly meet the lower crossguard contour, and is solid in the grip.

The crossguards of this dagger and tang nut are in very good condition throughout, and are of the earliest solid nickel silver construction. They have smooth surfaces, good crisp edges and precise accent grooves. They do show some oxidation and light patination, and there is also some verdigris on the pommel guard, however there is no major oxidation or other damage. The cross guard is marked with district number I on the rear. Per customer requests, we always check the inside of the guard on these daggers, and the pommel guard is marked with H and E, which we have seen before, while the cross guard shows markings but they cannot be read due to oxidation.

The ebony grip is a nice example in good shape, though as with many we see has suffered cracking and chipping over the years, and now has a wood graft repair on the rear by the cross guard. The ebony wood is unfortunately brittle, and the treatment used to give it a uniform look exacerbates this. There are hairline cracks on both sides, so it should definitely be handled with care. The symbol button is positioned at about 7:00 o'clock, as it should be. The silvered ᛋᛋ doppelte Siegrune symbol and double circles around them does show some light wear and oxidation, with a bit of verdigris around the edges. The nickel grip eagle is the "high-necked" type with the beak pointing slightly up. It remains in crisp condition, showing little wear to the bird's head, breast and wing feathering and to the talons, wreath or swas.

The scabbard itself is a very good example, mostly straight, though there are dents on either side of the scabbard about 2 inches below the throat fitting, which do not interfere with sheathing the blade. It is the correct early ear type, produced with a black "anodized" finish on the body, which was then lacquered to protect it. This example retains about 25% of the original lacquer, mostly near the throat fitting, and the anodization on the steel is almost completely retained. There is some wear and small scratches, but it still looks great! The matching solid nickel silver scabbard mounts are in very good lightly oxidized condition, showing some verdigris in areas due to contact with leather. The lower ball shows some denting but still retains its shape well. The weaker nickel alloy used in early models (later ones used steel) is unfortunately prone to denting. All four dome headed screws are present, and in good condition.

Attached to the hanger ring on the scabbard is a very nice later pattern black leather belt hanger, with a plated steel belt clip. On the back it is marked (RZM) M5c/93, for maker Paulmann & Crone of Lüdenscheid, a city with a large garment accessories industry. It is in very good shape, still retaining the keeper loop, and the leather still retains the original black finish well.

A wonderful early SS dagger by a the most legendary of all Solingen makers with a really nice blade, complete with a lovely scabbard and belt hanger. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 8 3/4"
Overall length: 13 3/4”
Crossguard: 3”
Scabbard Length: 10”