Description
Product Description: This early Klaas SS Dagger is a super choice, extremely desirable piece. This is an outstandingly well-preserved dagger, with fantastic visual appeal. The steel blade is virtually pristine, with vibrant original shine throughout. The original factory cross-graining is still apparent, and spans the entire length of the blade. The SS motto is crisply etched and still retains most of the original darkening. The reverse ricasso is neatly etched with the distinctive and well-known “kissing cranes” logo of the firm of Robert Klaas in Solingen. The handle on this dagger is gorgeous, and top quality, with early type solid nickel silver crossguards that present a beautiful, uncleaned light patina. The reverse of the lower crossguard is stamped with “I” indicating the Munich district. The fine black ebony grip has a great look, with a nicely inlaid nickel silver eagle and enameled SS roundel. The nut at the top of the pommel appears to be untouched. This wonderful Klaas SS Dagger is complete with its correct original scabbard. The scabbard body shows minimal age and wear, and still retains nearly all of the original black anodized coating, as well as much of the factory original “Zapon” protective lacquer. The scabbard throat and drag are solid nickel silver with patina that perfectly matches the crossguards. The scabbard screws appear to be untouched and untampered with. This Klaas SS Dagger is an exceptional example. Daggers like this are very hard to find on the market today. The condition of this gem rates as excellent/near mint.
Historical Description: The Model 1933 (M33) SS dagger was first serviceable dagger produced for the SS. The design was derived from a 16thcentury Swiss hunting dagger called the “Holbein”. The M33 SS Dagger was worn by all ranks within the SS. Becoming a member of the SS was held in high respect during the Third Reich, and their daggers became a symbolic piece within its ranks. Every year on November 9th, the new SS men would pledge their full allegiance to the Führer (Adolf Hitler) in front of the Feldherrnhalle monument in Munich and receive their dagger as a symbol of that oath. The inscription on the blade “Mein Ehre Heißt Treue”, which translates to “My Honor is Loyalty”, was the motto of the SS.
Manufacturing for these daggers began late in 1933 and continued until 1942 when production of all daggers ceased to conserve materials and labor for the war effort. Today, collectors categorize these daggers into three main categories; Early, Transitional, and Late period. SS daggers produced from 1933 to early 1935 are early and have anodized scabbards, nickel fittings, and are generally of a higher workmanship. Transitional period daggers were produced from 1935 to 1938, are usually found with painted scabbards, plated fittings and RZM codes with their makers logo on the blade. Late period daggers were produced from 1938 to 1942 and are similar to the transitional period daggers in that they use plated fittings, painted scabbards but will only be found with the RZM logo and code on the blade.
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