M33 SS Dagger by Klaas – D1201
This is an extremely nice Model M33 dagger which was distributed by the Robert Klaas edged weapon company. This firm in my opinion had the best quality early SS daggers of all edged weapon companies. While Klaas was not technically a manufacture per se’, but one which purchased edged weapon components, finished them to a degree, assembled and then sold them.
Of all the early SS dagger manufactures, Klaas had the most elegant and appealing handles on their M33 daggers. And the grip on this SS is no exception. Common for this company, the contour shape of this hourglass grip spells Klaas all the way. Oh, it has a couple pressure mark on the reverse imparted by the scabbard vertical hanger, and a slight hair line at the lower obverse. Though by and large it is one of the nicest preserved grips that you will encounter on any early SS dagger. And that goes for the eagle and SS runes insignia too. Both remain in excellent condition, while displaying typical characteristics known and favored by the Klaas firm. The hardware on this hilt is something collectors are also familiar with, that being that it is internal caster marked St. Thus, displaying components used by this company almost exclusively. It is interesting to note that the top crossguard has been period knurled down and recessed with precision machining. This is exactly as I have noticed with other M33’s sold by this sole manufacture. Because this firm purchased all of their components from various distributors and then assembling them, this was a typical step to complete a solid as well as firm hilt fit. You learn something every day!
An excellent scabbard accompanies this Klaas SS dagger. The shell remains nice and straight, void of any bends, creases, splits, or major dings. The period blue oxide finish has held up amazingly well on this shell, to include 90% of the protective surface lacquer. Something rarely encountered on these introductory political daggers of any type. Both upper and lower nickel silver fittings are in excellent condition, and taken on the same beautiful hue of the hilt hardware components. And as a nice bonus, the top of this scabbard is shown an early SS vertical hanger / D ring. Frozen in time, I’m not about to disturb it to show the SS stamp down the center reinforcing strap.
And to complete this extremely nice Klass SS dagger is the mint blade which is shown in the photos. It just doesn’t get any better!
A sweet early M33 SS dagger, and all textbook Klaas components in its entirety. $7500.00