Early M33 SS Dagger by Pack – D1123
As most collectors are aware of, and certainly those of the younger crowd, it’s not an easy task to find an early SS dagger for a reasonable and affordable price. If the condition is way up there, so is the price. If it down around the $2000 price range, it probably has half the grip missing, and a RZM SA scabbard stuck on the blade. Though the dagger in this offering is not perfect, if may fit the bill for someone out there who has their heart set on being able to afford their 1st SS dagger.
Always a challenge are the fragile grips on these maker marked SS daggers manufactured in the 1934-36 time frame. Prone to unsightly missing chunks, large fractures and even breakage, we see these issue and more quite often. Well, the handle to this Pack M33 has survived the test of time fairly well as shown. It has a couple thin hairline fissures, and light pressure marks, though void of any large chips, missing material, or repairs. The profile is of a high contour ridge coupled with a slender shape, very typical for this manufacture to use on both their SA and SS introductory daggers. A nicely toned nickel silver eagle has been perfectly set straight and flush, just below the center line of the obverse. The features of the bird remain excellent, though across the face of the swastika looks enhanced with some interesting striations. Who knows when that was done, whether by this daggers owner during the period, or sometime after. Just below the upper crossguard a fantastic SS runes button is set flush to the wood and properly in place. The emblem is in excellent condition with just some light surface wear. Both nickel silver crossguards remain nice and smooth, and have taken on an even patina over their surfaces. A good looking hilt assembly in it’s entirety on this nickel silver SS dagger.
The scabbard to this edged weapon is certainly pretty decent overall. It remains straight, void of any major hits, bends, or abusive damage. There is a light surface crease across the lower obverse, just above the nickel fitting below it. The factory chemical bluing process has held of nicely on this shell, and rates 85%. Both the upper and lower nickel silver fittings are in place, and held properly with period factory installed hardware. Lastly, the throat is secure in the upper fitting, which also hold the hanger ring.
And we finish up with the blade. As shown, it does show staining, age, and some light edge ticks, though most collectors have certainly seen far worse. In lieu of that, this blade still remains straight, void of any polishing, or buffing. Like all the other components on this edged weapon, it’s pretty much untouched. There has been some tip sharpening, and probably a couple millimeters off the end, though very slight from a viewing prospective. That aside this blade still retains an nice dark burnished Meine Ehre heist Treue SS motto as shown in the photos. As often encountered, many of these blades have been polished to death, and that attractive quality sometimes all but erased. On the reverse is the Siegfried wood chopper logo, the trademark of the Ernst Pack edged weapon firm.
Oh I know, it’s not an absolute perfect example. But for a rare maker of early SS daggers and not that often encountered by any means, it’s not all that bad. It would be nice to see a new collector get their long awaited 1st SS dagger. $4295.00