Stunning SS Officer’s Degen – D1011
This is one of the most fantastic SS officer’s swords that I’ve have ever owned, and truly a pleasure to offer to the collecting community. As you have already noticed, the heavy silver fittings on the hilt have turned absolutely stone cold black. Just as sinister as the soul of the individual who must have carried this degen during the infamous era. The 13 section “ebony” grip is in wonderful condition, and void of any splits, crack, or missing material. Each section is wrapped with a strand of decorative silver wire which is firmly tucked under the reverse groove strap covering. Although secure, the strands are just a tad loose to the handle only on the obverse side. I’ve seen this before, and it’s due to either some slight wood shrinkage, or the owner’s hand steadying the edged weapon while being worn. Probably both. No biggie, as they are not going anywhere. Because the ends are firmly embedded under the back strap on the reverse of the grip. As an early degen and already mentioned, all of the hardware is nickel silver. And that includes the SS runes button as you can clearly see. These introductory degens were manufactured for the 1st nine months as “non-takedown” swords. The runic is actually pinned clear through the grip, then through the tang of the blade, finally having the prongs spread on the opposite side of it. These swords don’t come apart without destroying the entire hilt. Hence the reason for the pressure cap over the tang of the blade that I show in one of the photos. Both ferrules the handguard and the pommel have taken on a gorgeous rich patina that is indescribable. Wrapped around the crossguard and grip is a fine looking officer’s knot in excellent condition. It came on this degen exactly as you see it.
The scabbard to this M36 SS officer’s sword is in fantastic condition. The shell remains fairly straight as far as those usually encountered, and void of any major extreme misshaping, bumps, splits, bends, or harsh creases. The original factory black enamel is truly outstanding, and rates a strong 97%. The hanger ring is present, as is the reverse square support for a teardrop hange. Both upper and lower fittings are in place, and held firm with the factory hardware. As shown, those fittings have turned dark with age, as nothing has been touched nor cleaned on this evil black beast.
Lastly, and as we had all hoped for, the blade is an absolute thing of beauty! At 33 ½” inches, it perfectly matches the length of the scabbard which has protected it for all of these years. It remains straight, full length, void of any tipping, cleaning, polishing, pits, sharpening, or cutting edge chips. A gorgeous factory matte finish is shown from hilt to tip running down both sides. It just doesn’t get any better! Finally, the off white leather blade washer is solidified in place, up against the bottom of the crossguard.
An absolutely stunning SS officer’s degen in every sense of the word! $10,900.00