*German, WW2, SS Officer’s Dress Sword (SS Degen) with Scabbard and Later Portepee*
An original Second World War German SS officer’s dress sword (SS Degen), complete with its black painted scabbard and officer’s portepee knot. The sword measures approx. 84.4 cm blade length, 98.3 cm overall, placing it within the standard range for SS officer swords, which were often made in slightly varying lengths to suit the height of the wearer.
The hilt is of the regulation SS pattern, featuring the characteristic nickel-silver D-guard, forward-swept knuckle bow and stepped pommel. The grip is formed from black wood, ribbed and bound with twisted wire, and inset with the SS runic badge to the obverse side. The ferrule and grip collar are decorated with the typical SS oak-leaf style patterning seen on period examples.
The straight, single-edged blade is bright and clean, with no visible maker’s mark, and retains a good polish throughout. Unmarked blades are known on SS swords, particularly on early or contract-produced examples. The sword is housed in its original black painted steel scabbard with silvered mounts, the throat fitted with suspension ring and the chape retaining its original finish with honest age wear.
The sword is accompanied by an original SS officer’s portepee, in silver and black weave, with the knot showing the correct SS runic emblem to the stem. The knot remains attached to the guard and displays natural age and service wear.
Overall this is a very attractive and complete example of the SS officer’s dress sword, retaining its original fittings, knot and scabbard.
Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 84.4 cm. Overall length: 98.3 cm.
History Note:
The SS officer’s dress sword, commonly referred to as the SS Degen, was introduced in the mid-1930s as part of the formal dress uniform of commissioned officers of the Schutzstaffel (SS). Unlike the earlier SS honour dagger, which was awarded to members of the organisation, the sword served primarily as a ceremonial and parade weapon symbolising rank, authority and loyalty to the SS leadership.
Production of SS swords was carried out by a number of Solingen manufacturers under SS contract, including firms such as Peter Daniel Krebs, WKC, Carl Eickhorn and others, although some examples are encountered without visible maker markings. In certain cases blades were supplied blank or finished without commercial logos, particularly on contract pieces assembled for SS distribution.
The design of the sword reflects the SS preference for distinctive insignia, with the SS runes set into the grip and the use of black and silver colours corresponding to the SS uniform scheme. Officers wore the sword with a portepee knot when in full dress or ceremonial uniform, and the weapon was intended more as a symbol of status than for combat use. Because SS edged weapons were produced in relatively limited numbers compared with army swords, surviving complete examples with original scabbard and knot are highly sought after.
*Condition*
Very good overall condition for its age. The blade remains bright with light surface marks only. Hilt and guard show normal age wear and light tarnish. Grip intact with wire binding present and SS emblem in place. Scabbard retains original paint with areas of wear and age marks, and the chape shows surface corrosion. Portepee original and good condition but complete. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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