Early M33 SS Dagger by 120/34 – D1107
Though we do not know which edged weapon manufacture the RZM code 120/34 belonged to, whoever they were certainly produced a quality early M33 SS dagger. Some think it may have been the initial code which was issued to the E. Pack firm. Other manufactures mentioned include Pet Dan Krebs as a possibility. In any event, this listing is for a crusty ole salty example which some collectors love to find when it comes to 3rd Reich daggers. It’s all complete, and as green as it gets.
The hilt to this nickel silver SS dagger is an absolute thing of beauty, beginning with the smooth contour black as all get out grip. The shape and fine surface texture of the wood is consistent with every 120 that I have ever handled. With the exception of a couple very minor upper reverse small flakes, it’s as perfect as one would hope to find on any early SS dagger. This unknown manufacture was very consistent with the insignia that they used in their grips. By that I mean the upward beak style eagle, and the thinner lightening bolt runes set at the 7 o’clock position. Both emblems are in fine condition, and have nearly turned totally black. The same can be said with the solid nickel crossguard fittings. As shown, they are encrusted with 90 years of patina that has settled over their over their surfaces. What a striking evil looking hilt on this edged weapon, worn by a member of the most feared organization to walk the face of the earth, 1933-45.
The scabbard to this SS dagger remains in very good condition. Other than small depression on the lower obverse, the shell remains straight, void of any major hits, splits, creases, or bends. Where the lower obverse shows some surface oxidation, the rest of this scabbard and especially the reverse of the shell has wonderful period bluing that is very much intact. Both upper and lower nickel fittings are in good shape, and held securely to the shell with 4 proper factory nickel screws. Where the lower fitting shows lots of age and patina, the upper less so where it was covered by the hanger. And speaking of hanger, this scabbard comes with it’s original vertical accoutrement and black strap D ring. The hanger is in a loose position, and honestly the way that you want to keep it for a couple of reasons. First being tight verticals not only impart wear to the scabbard components and create corrosive verdigris at times, but they also stress the brittle leather which is nearly 100 years old. Additionally, the way it is set now affords the collector to examine as well as show off the beautiful SS 1/35 RZM stamp on the reinforcing strap running down the middle of this hanger. Trust me, you mess with tightening up the old leather on these verticals, and you’ll break them. It’s OK to put a little preservative on say the cross straps. But that’s pretty much it.
Finally the blade. Oh I know, it shows some rust spots, oxidation, darkening and age. I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way on this crusty ole untouched beauty! Just as black as the soul of the individual who paraded around proudly wearing it I would imagine. That being as such, it still remains straight, full length, void of any buffing, sharpening, polishing, tipping, or cutting edge chips. Additionally, even the Meine Ehre heist Treue etching still retains the acid burnishing to each of the letters in the motto. And that same darkening is shown within the SS 120/34 RZM code on the reverse riccasso.
There you have it. An early nickel silver introductory M33 SS dagger, in untouched condition. Think about what those early SS marked vertical hangers and belt strap run if you were buying one. Now subtract that price in your mind out of what the actual dagger itself is costing. I’d say a pretty good deal for this salty ole dog! SOLD