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 Officer's Degen (Épée) Dress Sword, made by the well-known Solingen-based firm of Peter Daniel Krebs. It is still in very good condition, looking to have seen moderate use at formal events. The nickel-plated steel fittings and the "D" guard are still present, with a lovely lightly oxidized patina. There is just a bit of wear through to the base material, making this a really great example.

The "D" guard does not show any cracks or other damage, and still retains the original shape well. It terminates in the usual teardrop quillon, and there is actually an SS-Kulturzeichen proof marking on the top, which is two overlapping ᛋ Siegrune (Sig/Victory Rune) symbols inside an uneven octagon. The hilt has the correct officer's pommel cap, which has serrations around the top. The ferrule is decorated with six standing oak leaves separated by acorns, still retaining the plating relatively well, showing a lovely lightly oxidized patina. The ebony grip is in good condition, with the officer's aluminum grip binding fully retained, showing moderate overall wear. There is wear to the finish layer, which has exposed the underlying lighter fruit wood. The inset Police Civic eagle insignia is also in fine condition, and is bronze alloy, which was originally plated nickel, however that has mostly worn away and oxidized, leaving a lovely patina. The hilt is still firmly attached to the blade, with no wobble we can detect.

Wrapped around the handle is a lovely police troddel knot, made with a faux leather strap embroidered with red and aluminum bullion threads, approximating the "national colors" used by the NSDAP in much of their symbology. The insert in the end of the "knot" is tri-color as well. There is some wear and tearing to the faux leather strap, which is almost cracked completely through at one area, so it should be handled with care.

The 31” blade is in very good condition, still bright and retaining the original matte finish well. We can see a few small areas of past oxidation, now cleaned away, as well as some scratches and minor scuffing, but there is not any major damage to the surface. The edge is correctly unsharpened and dent free, and the tip is fully intact. The leather blade buffer is present, but in delicate condition.

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 very good condition, with the steel body still straight and dent free. It retains the black enamel finish at about 75%, with crazing and checking to due to age, showing that it was definitely not repainted. There are some areas of finish loss, which has allowed the steel to oxidize, which then often pushes off more finish. The upper mount is in the "Wotan's Knot" configuration, which is nickel-plated steel, and is marked on the top with another SS-Kulturzeichen proof marking. It is in very good condition, showing some minor oxidation and wear. It still has both retaining screws still present inside of the "knot" on both sides. The drag fitting is in good shape, with a nice matured look due to plating loss and oxidation, and this is the type without retaining screws. The hanger ring is intact, as is the rectangular slot for "hitching up" the sword, though both have lost most of the paint, allowing the steel to oxidize.

These SS police swords are quite rare and desirable, and we have only had a handful previously. This is definitely a lovely example, made by a hard to find Solingen maker, complete with scabbard and troddel knot! Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 31"
Blade Style: Single Edge w/ Fuller
Overall length: 36 1/4“
Guard dimensions: 5" width x 4 3/4” length
Scabbard length: 34 1/4”