The SS Chain Dagger

In terms of components used within the production time frame, there was never a more complex edged weapon produced during the 3rd Reich, than the Model 1936 SS Chain Dagger. This edged weapon ran the entire gamut and then some, in regards to how it was manufactured. Just look at the variables that can come into play, when considering one of these daggers. It’s no wonder that collectors at times can be confused, in trying to determine the authenticity of these M36’s. Here is what they are faced with, in analyzing these complex, and fascinating daggers. First off, they were carried by mostly officers, but NCO’s, and even enlisted men could wear them if certain membership requirements were met. But here is where the fun begins, with the vast array of combinations in which we see these daggers found. We have the following:

Early Period
Mid Period
Late Period
Type I
Type II
Type III
Type A
Type B1
Type B2
Type C
burnished chains
non-burnished chains
plated chains
nickel fitting
plated fittings
steel fittings
zinc fittings
mid period with both plated and nickel components
no maker blades
maker marked blades
RZM marked blades
Rohm blades
Himmler blades
nickel crossguards
Gruppe marked crossguards
plated crossguards
anodized (blued) scabbards
painted scabbards
with portapees
without portapees
nickel emblems
plated emblems
aluminum emblems
copper emblems

Can it get any more complected than that? And I’m sure that there are some additional variables that could be added to the list. Anyway, that’s what makes the hobby fun. Analyzing the production time frame in which these daggers were manufactured, and how the components changed over the years. And certainly also, some of the combinations that the M36 may encompass, and are found. They were highly revered edged weapon worn by their owners back in the day. And certainly one of the most sought after 3rd Reich edged weapon by collectors today.