Early M33 SS Dagger by Herder – D922
Have any of you guys out there been trying to locate an early SS dagger for your collection? When 2000 tables at the recent SOS doesn’t provide the venue for such a edged weapon, then that in itself makes a statement. Here is a nice Herder in this offering which probably won’t be around very long, when considering the trend that we are currently seeing.
The textbook thinner profile of the handle to this edged weapon spells R.A. Herder for the viewer in about a second. With that high contour ridge line and that low set grip eagle, these are 2 characteristics which many collector identify immediately as a trait of this Solingen firm. This grip is in very nice condition considering how fragile SS handles usually are. The wood is smooth to the touch, void of any chips, cracks, major flaking or significant pressure marks. There are a couple light lines on the reverse from the vertical hanger clip, and some spots of what looks like minor silver scuffing of some sort, though neither which detract from this truly exceptional M33 handle. A fantastic detailed high neck nickel silver eagle has been place flush, straight, and centered into the obverse. At the top the SS runes button is in good shape, though has some chipping to the enamel. Both upper and lower crossguards are smooth, with the later being Roman numeral stamped I.
This early Herder SS has a decent scabbard with it. The shell remains straight, void of any creases, splits, or bends. The period blued finish has dulled over the last nearly 90 years, though still has excellent coverage. Both upper and lower nickel fittings are dull with a undisturbed patina over their surfaces. On the lower hardware, the chape has been bent slightly toward the reverse. At the stop of the scabbard is the vertical hanger that this edged weapon came with. I’m sure it is SS & RZM marked by the looks of it. These old leather accoutrements are fragile, and I would advise against removing them just to see the SS stamp.
And lastly the blade. It remains full length, straight, void of any tipping, sharpening, buffing or cutting edged chips. A beautiful bright luster is shown on both obverse and reverse sides, with an excellent crossgrain running down both. There are a couple specks of surface age to this blade, but I’m telling you they are hardly worth noting. Typical for this manufacture, a lightly gray burnished motto is shown etched perfectly straight running down the obverse. Finally shown is the mark of excellent, a diamond within 2 ovals with the Herder name / city, displays the logo of this famous SS dagger manufacture.
An excellent early SS dagger, worn by an individual belonging to the most feared organization to walk the face of the earth during the 3rd Reich era! SOLD