M36 SS Dagger – D849
This SS chain dagger has had some restoration work done on it in the past, and before we received it. Hence the way that it is presented in this offering. In light of that, it is a decent example of a very desirable 3rd Reich dress dagger. Here’s the description.
A nice grip is the start of this fairly early Type C SS chain dagger. The wood remains in excellent condition, appearing void of any repairs or major issues, with a textbook contour and profile to it’s shape. A beautiful nickel silver upward beak eagle has been inlaid straight, uniform, and flush to the wood in the center of the obverse. At the top of the handle, the same is true of the SS runes. It remains with fantastic silvering to the borders and lighting bolt symbols, additionally with all of the black enamel in the runes background. With a manufacturing vintage of most likely 1937, the early plated crossguards have held up fairly decent over time. There is some light flaking at the crossguard / wood grip plane, but not all that detracting. A nice looking grip and hilt assembly on this M36.
No two ways about it, the scabbard shell to this dagger has been repainted at some point. Though it doesn’t look as though it has been any time recently. The job isn’t all that bad, and actually very similar to what you would have expected to see done during the period. All 3 scabbard fittings are in good shape, and secured tight and properly to the shell. The chain assembly constructed out of heavy die struck links with corresponding connectors, is a beauty. All have excellent detail save for one skull link in the upper span, which has some surface wear to it. The second link in the upper span is shown in one of the photos stamped with the SS runes culture proof mark . The Wotan’s knot is securely in place, with a clip that functions fine. As most of the time observed on these Type C’s, the patent pending DRGM initial are stamped in the top loop of the cloverleaf design. A D ring belt hanger is included in this assembly and is shown through the clip.
Lastly the blade. It remains full length, void of any sharpening or tipping. On inspection it looks like this blade must have had some surface pitting to it at one time, and it was polished as a result. Doing so has imparted a more reflective finish than would be typically seen with these blades. Additionally, the motto was enhanced afterwards to bring back the burnished effect in the Meine Ehre heist Treue etch. This is just something that we as collectors encounter at times. Additionally, some of these restorations were even performed by the returning vet who brought these relics home. What is done, is done, and that’s basically it. This dagger will still display just fine. Especially at half the price of a minty example.
An early Type C SS Chain dagger, restored, for a bargain price. SOLD