Early M33 SS Dagger by Herder – D1112
In this offering is an excellent R.A. Herder early nickel SS dagger. One of the handpicked edged weapon firms to have been chosen by the Reichsfuhrer initially, to manufacture these sinister black handled daggers to be worn by those under his command.
The hardest component to acquire on any SS dagger is always the grips. It seems that perhaps the type of wood, drying methods, and or color dying process imparted the Achilles heal so to speak with these handle. Prone to splits, cracks, and chips are just a few of the challenges collectors see with grips, and in particular the early manufactured M33’s. I’m happy to say that the grip to this fine SS dagger survived in amazingly well preserved condition. The slender high contour profile of this grip is a characteristic which many collectors can identify to this manufacture, and spells Herder all the way. With the exception of the normal light pressure marks, and a fraction upper reverse flaking at the crossguard, this handle is as nice as one would hope to find on any SS dagger hilt. The point behind the head nickel silver eagle is a sheer beauty. Void of any hits or scrapes, the detail of the emblem remains sharp and crisp. At the top crossguard the SS runes button is in good condition. The silvering to the lightening bolts and dual circles remain strong. As for the black enamel background, it exhibits some minor age cracking, though in my opinion nothing to detract all that much. Both upper and lower crossguard have a dull patina over their surfaces, as nothing has been cleaned nor polished on this edged weapon since being returned home as a souvenir from WWII. As shown in the photos, the obverse of the lower crossguard has an area of light taps to it. Probably it’s owner putting up a flyer on where the next bier hall get together was going to be. A very nice and all important grip / hilt assembly on this early M33 SS dagger.
The scabbard to this dagger remains in good condition. The shell is straight, void of any hits, splits, dings, or bends. While the factory bluing has dulled like all of the metal components to this untouched edged weapon, the coverage is strong at 90+ percent. Both upper and lower nickel fittings are tight to the shell, and held properly in place with 4 period dome head screws. As seen in the photos, the lower chape components has some taps to it, most of which are confined to the obverse. At the top of this sheath is the coffin shape vertical hanger that has been on this scabbard forever. It is absolutely frozen in time to the upper fitting and shell. The leather is in good shape for the most part, exhibiting some light surface age. An nickel Assmann stamped clip completes the assembly.
And as we had hoped for, a beautiful blade brings it all together on this Herder SS dolch. Full length, straight, void of any sharpening, tipping, pitting or cutting edge chips, this blade is everything a 3rd Reich edged weapon enthusiast could want. Loaded with crossgrain from crossguard to tip on both fore and aft, it is an absolute beauty! Nicely etched and burnished the My Honor is True motto is perfectly centered straight down the middle of the obverse. On the reverse is the diamond trademark and the logo of quality, that being the Richard Herder edged weapon firm.
This is a sweet dagger in it’s entirety. Lay your claim to it, you won’t be sorry! SOLD