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 legendary Solingen-based firm of Carl Eickhorn. While we have had multiple examples of the Officer's version of the Police Degen, this is only the third NCO version that we have had, and they appear to be relatively rare. It is still in very good condition, looking to have seen moderate use at formal events. The steel fittings and the "D" guard are still present, with a lovely lightly oxidized patina. There are not really any areas of wear through that we can see on the hilt, which is definitely a rarity.

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 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 crisp, decorated with six standing oak leaves separated by acorns, which has the antiquing in the recesses in great shape. The ebony grip is in very good condition, showing moderate overall wear, which has made the top of the ribs a bit lighter in color. 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 is some oxidation in the fuller, which looks to be from old grease trapping moisture next to the blade. We also noticed that there is a slight bend to the last 1/2" of the blade. The leather buffer is still fully intact.

The reverse ricasso is stamped with the 1935-41 Eickhorn trademark: a seated squirrel holding a sword, with the word ORIGINAL above and the firm's name and location, Eickhorn / SOLINGEN below. Carl Eickhorn is a legendary maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany. According to J. Anthony Carter's book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this 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 scabbard is in very good condition, and the black enamel finish on the steel body of the scabbard is retained at over 80%, showing a lovely pattern of checking and crazing. There are areas on the outer side of the scabbard where the finish is partly worn away, allowing the steel to oxidize. 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 or 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 5/8“
Guard dimensions: 5" width x 4 3/4” length
Scabbard length: 32 1/8”