Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available: The SS (Schutzstaffel) 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 Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler, the SS grew to be the most ruthless and feared organization of the 20th century. They were the vanguard of NSDAPsmand eventually controlled nearly every function of German life and much of Occupied Europe. The SS 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 crossguards with an ebony wood grip. The black grip contained a National eagle with swas insignia recessed in the center area and an SS sigrunne 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.
Gottlieb Hammesfahr is a very rare maker
The crossguards of this dagger and tang nut are in good condition throughout. They have smooth surfaces, good crisp edges and precise accent grooves. The guards are internally marked "P.A". The lower guard is makred with a Roman numeral III.
The ebony grip is a nice example showing in great shape except for a chip to the front lower right side. The symbol button is positioned at about 8:00 o'clock. The enamel surfaces are perfect. The silvered SS symbol and double circles around them have a nice matching patina. The nickel grip eagle is the "high-necked" type. 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 shell is a solid example being straight as an arrow. The "anodizing" is 20% showing age. The matching nickel scabbard mounts are in good condition. The lower ball has a small hit to the right side.
The blade remains bright and still retains some cross grain. There are small age spots. The blade also has the usual runner marks. This blade still grades in goodcondition. The SS motto, Meine Ehre heisst Treueis crisp and deep. 60% of the factory blackening is in the letter fonts in the backgrounds.
The reverse ricasso is etched with the double ovals which contain the firm's name and location, Gottlieb Hammesfahr, Solingen. Inside, is the pyramid logo having the "+" mark on the front. The blade shoulders perfectly meet the lower crossguard contour.
A great chance here to acquire an early SS dagger by one of the rarer makers. A nice dagger here is used condition but affordable for an SS dagger!
- This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
- Due to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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