The swords, or degens in the German, carried by the German Police and the SS were based on a rigid design approved by SS channels in 1936. The degen was composed of a nickeled hilt design with "D" guard shape and black ebony grip. The insignia of the organization was positioned in the center grip - an eagle within a wreath clutching a swastika for Police Degen and a set of SS runes within a round disk on the grip of the SS Officer degen. On the SS NCO degen, the SS runes are contained within the top pommel cap.

The scabbards for the degens are the same. They are black with nickel mounts having a weave design. The NCO versions have a built-in drag. The blades are a plain matte-finished variety.

SSPOL #53705C POLICE OFFICER DEGEN - No Maker

This Police Officer Degen is equipped with stainless steel hilt fittings, apparently deriving from the Dachau forge. The pommel nut is the round officer variety having serrations around the edge. Below the pommel is an oval-shaped washer that sits firmly against the upper portion of the "D" guard acting to hold the Degen together when the pommel is in place. The "D" guard is in excellent condition, flowing downward through the crossguard area and ending in a teardrop-shape quillon. There are decorative holes drilled on either side of the teardrop, being slightly smaller than we usually see. The ferrule is also stainless having much hand-done decoration consisting of circles punched into the leaves as well as the acorn caps to give them enhancement. The ebony grip is in excellent condition. It is tightly wrapped with brass wire and has the concealment cover on the reverse, which is also stainless. This is an officer's Police insignia recessed into the obverse center grip. It shows a little mild surface wear but has good detail remaining in the bird's head, breast feathering, wreath, and swastika. The bird appears to be a silvered example. An interesting hilt here, built a little different than the norm.

The scabbard is straight throughout and has outstanding original black paint. This paint is in mint condition. The lower fitting is the style with the vertical line designs, and it is retained with two dome head side screws. The upper scabbard mount features the Wotan's knot configuration. The pebbled areas in between have mild amounts of the original blackening remaining. The mount is secured with two domehead screws, one on each side of the lower loop.

The 31 inch blade has a good original finish showing little age and appearing to be nickel-plated. There is a mild fault in the blade in its formation where the blade comes out of the ricasso. Otherwise, the blade is in near mint condition. The brown leather buffer is in place.

A slightly odd example here, but an original piece and priced accordingly.

Excellent Plus. $1,095.00

SSPOL #53702C PLAIN DOVEHEAD NCO SWORD with APPLIED SS RUNES - Carl Eickhorn

This NCO sword is the Model Nr. 189, produced by the Eickhorn firm. The hilt is plain throughout and has a nickel-plated finish. The grip has perfect celluloid covering and is tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire, with the center wire being of larger proportion. But the plainness of the sword's hilt is highly accented by the addition of an applied set of SS runes. The runes appear to be nickel and the prong retaining them in place is visible on the reverse of the sword's languet.

The scabbard is a fine example, being completely straight. The original paint is excellent showing some minor age and small usage signs, but remains at 98%, and retains its bright finish.

The blade is the wider version favored by cavalry personnel. It remains in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the early Eickhorn logo used from 1933-1935. The original blade washer is in place.

This sword was originally purchased by an early SS man, as proven by the early logo vintage on the blade. At this time, the SS still did not have a designated sword for their exclusive wear, so this example represents one that was factory upgraded with the addition of the SS runes on the languet. A completely original example here and in very collectible condition. I show a similar example in my SS book on Page 333, owned by advanced SS collector, Brian Hoesl.

Excellent Plus. $1,895.00

SSPOL #53703C DACHAU SS NCO CANDIDATE DEGEN with DOUBLE-ETCHED BLADE

This remarkable Degen was produced in Dachau under Paul Müller's supervision at the forge located there. We believe that SS NCOs assigned there could privately purchase a Degen as long as it did not have SS runes on it, as these men were not qualified to wear the Honor Degen. These issues are discussed fully in my SS book beginning on Page 406. I acquired most of this knowledge from the late advanced British SS collector Barry Brown who spent many years studying Müller and his work at the Dachau forge. As a collector, Barry's highest achievement was to once own the Sepp Dietrich Honor sword, easily, in my opinion, the best crafted SS weapon known from this period.

This Degen is equipped with a stainless steel hilt. The pristine conditioned NCO pommel is flat on the top and flares outward at the edges. The "D" guard remains in perfect condition flowing downward through the cross guard area and ending with a teardrop-shaped quillon. The upper ferrule is a separate part from the hilt and is plain throughout. The lower ferrule features the six standing oak leaves and acorns. It is hand-enhanced on the veins of the leaves and the caps of the acorns, and also features hand pebbling between the leaves. There is no added blackening on this mount. The grip is a fine ebony wood remaining in completely perfect condition. It is the style without wire wrap. This entire hilt is mint.

The scabbard is a traditional variety, not the smaller size we normally see on Dachau degens. However, it has always been with this piece and perfectly fits the blade. The scabbard is straight throughout and has near mint original black paint. There is some minor crazing here and there, but the paint remains at 99%. There is no lower mount since it is an NCO scabbard. The upper scabbard mount features the Wotan's knot and appears to have had blackening in the areas between the knot, but the majority of the paint is gone. The mount is retained by two dome head screws, one on each side of the lower loop. The throat is stamped with the SS Kulturzeichen. It is possible that this scabbard is a replacement.

The blade of this example is just superb. The blade measures 32 inches long. It is perfectly nickel-plated. The blade is etched on both sides and has a distinctive floral design only seen on these rare examples coming from Dachau. The frosting behind the nickeled designs highlights the unique designs exemplarily. The ricasso is etched with the monogram of the former owner and appears to be "KG". The letters are in a custom calligraphy-style design and are somewhat difficult to read. Additionally on this blade and also known to be on all other known examples of this etch, there is a small design in the etch directly below the monogram that appears to be possibly the artist's signature that developed this unique design. The original new-like black leather blade washer is in place. There are two other known examples of this specially etched blade that are shown in my SS book on Pages 413 and 414.

This is a wonderful, incredibly rare Degen and would be the highlight of an SS Degen collection. Absolutely beautiful etched blade!

Mint. $7,495.00

SSPOL #53537 POLICE OFFICE DEGEN - Pet Dan Krebs

This Police Office Degen shows some age here and there. but it would clean-up quite well with a little effort. The nickel-plated officer pommel is in good condition with good serrations around the cap. The "D" guard has decent nickel-plating, but there are some age spots in a couple of areas. The "D" guard continues through the cross guard area and ends in a teardrop quillon having the decorative partially drilled hole. The ferrule still has most of the factory darkening. The oak leaves and acorns feature hand-enhancement consisting of small circles punched around the veins. The ebony grip shows some hand wear to the original lacquer coating, revealing the ebony wood beneath. The nickel grip wire remains in tight perfect condition. The Police officer insignia is countersunk into the center of the ebony grip. It is a copper example featuring the open-wing eagle clutching a wreathed swastika superimposed over an oak leaf wreath. The under-hilt is SS-Kulturzeichen stamped.

The scabbard is straight throughout. The original black paint shows some crazing on the surfaces - more on the upper areas than the lower. The scabbard has the line-decorated lower mount which two dome-head screws retain. The upper mount displays the Wotan knot configuration. About 90% of the factory blackening remains between the knots. The mount is retained by two dome head screws, one in each of the lower loops. The throat is stamped with the SS-Kulturzeichen proofing.

The blade measures 31 1/2 inches. It has the matte surface, and is in fairly good condition with a few age stains, but it is not bad and possibly would clean up some. It easily grades at excellent plus. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the seal containing the well-known lobster trademark. Around the seal is the name and location of the factory, "Pet. Dan Krebs / Solingen". The original white leather washer is in place.

A good starter piece here, priced accordingly.

Excellent. $1,095.00

SSPOL #53701C EXTRA LONG POLICE OFFICER DEGEN - Pet Dan Krebs

The police officer who wore this Degen must have been a giant, as the blade is 37 inches long! The hilt mounts are nickel-plated and the plating remains in choice condition throughout. The pommel is the officer style, featuring a flat top and serrations around the edges. It does not look to have ever been taken down. The "D" guard is beautiful and remains perfect throughout. The guard continues down through the cross guard area and ends with a teardrop quillon having decorative holes drilled in each side. The ferrule is a choice example having been blackened at the factory. All six standing oak leaves and acorns have been hand-enhanced, the leaves have little circles punched into their surfaces and the acorn caps have fine, hand-done checkering. The ebony grip is in fine condition showing some wear to the lacquer coating over the ebony base, but only in the hand-hold positions. The grip is tightly wrapped with nickel wire which is concealed at the reverse by a nickel cover strap. The grip insignia is a copper example recessed into the surface of the grip. The eagle has fine detail on its open wings, as well as on the wreath and swastika. The eagle is superimposed on a wreath of oak leaves. The lower hilt bottom area is stamped with the SS-Kulturzeichen proof mark. The hilt is further decorated with the original-to-the-piece portepee. This Police portepee is the thicker variety, which is composed of black leather strapping decorated with three rows of aluminum stitching that run the length. The center stitching has a contrasting red stitch. This portepee shows some mild usage, but remains in sound condition. A fine hilt here.

The very long scabbard is straight throughout and retains good original paint. The paint shows only nominal usage and still remains at about 98%. The lower mount has decorative vertical lines and no retainage screws. It was installed hot, and when it cooled, it shrank to cling to the metal of the scabbard. The upper scabbard mount features the Wotan knot configuration. Some of the original factory blackening remains between the knots. This mount is retained by a dome head screw on each side of the lower loop. The scabbard throat is stamped with the SS-Kulturzeichen proofing. A fine scabbard.

The blade, as stated above measures a very long 37 inches. It is forged with a matte finish and remains in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the second style shield logo, which has a well-defined lobster inside. Around the shield is the factory details, "Pet. Dan Krebs / Solingen". The original white leather washer is in place.

This Degen would be a great addition to any Police/SS collection. You won't find a longer example!

Excellent Plus. $1,995.00

SSPOL #53690C SS NCO CANDIDATE DEGEN with RARE BLACK PORTEPEE - Alcoso

This SS NCO Candidate's Degen remains in remarkable condition throughout. The entire hilt has outstanding nickel-plated surfaces, showing little to no wear. The flat style pommel cap remains in perfect condition having no hits. The "D" guard is virtually like new throughout, flowing through the cross guard area and ending in a teardrop format. The ferrule has been factory darkened. It features six standing oak leaves separated by acorns. There is no enhancement to the leaves, but they are well-formed with their own merit. The ebony grip remains in totally perfect condition, being the style without grip wire. There is little to no sign of use on this ebony. Wrapped about the lower hilt is the rarely seen black style SS portepee, which has dual white color lines running the length of the strapping. The strapping remains in mint condition. The usual black woven thread slide does not seem to accompany this portepee. The stem below features a black woven upper rim and below is a curved surface ball to which on both sides is a printed a set of SS runes enclosed with a circle. An extremely fine hilt here.

The scabbard is straight as an arrow. Its original black paint is still nearly 100% and retains its original sheen to the finish. Other than a small amount of paint missing at the built-in chape, the scabbard paint is otherwise intact. The upper scabbard mount has been silvered, as is the case with this producer. It features the Wotan knot and the areas in between have been darkened the same color as the knot from the patination of the silvering process. The mount is retained by the larger-style screws only used by this firm.

The 31-inch-long blade has a matte finish. It is in mint condition with its needle-like tip. The reverse of the blade ricasso is stamped with the firm's name in an arch shape, "Alcoso". Beneath is a set of scales with the letters "ACS" interspersed. Below the scales is the location town of "Solingen". There is a white washer on this blade, but this was done post-war, as this Degen would normally have a black washer. This should be an easy adjustment for the next owner of this Degen.

A very fine piece here in the best of condition. There are no SS-Kulturziechen marks on this piece, as Alcoso did not apply this marking to its products.

Mint Minus. $3,495.00

SSPOL #53691C SS OFFICER CANDIDATE DEGEN - Pet. Dan Krebs

This SS Officer Candidate Degen has outstanding nickel plated hilt parts. The pommel cap is an officer version with serrated edges and a smooth center area. The serrations remain crisp, and this pommel is untouched. The "D" guard remains in perfect condition with new-like plating throughout. The "D" guard travels through the cross guard area and ends in a teardrop. Since this is an officer version, the teardrop has a small decorative hole drilled in its center on both sides. The blackened ferrule features the six standing oak leaves separated by acorns. The ferrule retains the factory blackening, with some enhancement to each leaf, mainly in the center vein areas. The ebony grip remains in perfect condition. Although this Degen is an officer version, the ebony grip has no wire. The underside of the hilt is stamped with the SS Kulturzeichen proof. There is an NCO-style SS portepee attached to the hilt. It is the style with bullion strapping having dual black stripes running the length of both sides. There is a bullion covered slide with black woven enhancement and a matching stem. The top of the lower ball is made of bullion mixed with a black yarn. The same treatment is given to the ball below with a mixture of bullion and black thread. The lower insert matches the strapping. This original portepee remains in mint condition.

The scabbard is a very fine example, completely straight throughout. The original black paint retains its factory sheen and is present at 99%. Beautiful scabbard here! The lower fitting is the line-decorated variety, retained by two dome head side screws. It is in perfect condition. The upper scabbard mount features the Wotan knot which has at least 95% of the blackening between the knot. . This mount is retained by two dome head screws, one on each side of the lower loop of the mount. The throat area is stamped with the SS Kulturzeichen marking.

The blade is beautiful, in full mint condition and measures 32 1/2 inches in length. It reflects the matte finish and has a needle-like tip. Fine blade here. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the 2nd style lobster trademark. The lobster is within a seal. Around the seal is printed the name and location of the firm, "Pet Dan. Krebbs / Solingen". The original white leather blade washer is in place.

A very fine original example here!

Mint Minus. $2,895.00

SSPOL #53676C NAMED SS/POLICE NCO DEGEN with SS PORTEPEE - Alcoso

This SS/Police Degen is quite an interesting example because it is named, has a custom-style SS pommel cap and is fitted with an SS Officer portepee.

The Degen is a nickel-plated version with excellent plating showing only very minor signs of age. The pommel cap is interesting as it has a different look and construction than the types I have seen in the past. I believe it might be an example perhaps custom made by Alcoso for this Degen. The pommel is the flat style made for NCOs; however, the area for the SS runes is larger than normal and is more oblong in its formation. It features a large set of raised-out SS runes with pebbling around them and the image is surrounded by a serrated-style, hand-done border. This is a most interesting look and it almost appears to be a one-off. The "D" guard has fine nickel-plating which flows through the cross guard area and ends in a teardrop. The lower ferrule is well-done having accented stems on the leaves but no provision for veins. The background areas also have factory blackening. The grip is the normal wireless ebony style. It remains in perfect condition throughout with its many ribs. In the center is a countersunk aluminum Police insignia. The insignia shows excellent detail with little to no wear. It depicts the open-winged eagle clutching a wreathed swastika positioned over a wreath of oak leaves. Wrapped about the lower hilt in the traditional tie is a fine SS bullion portepee. Studying the knot, it appears that this portepee is original to this piece. The portepee is the standard type with twin black lines running the length of the aluminum bullion strapping. It has the webbed bullion slide and the stem below. The stem is slightly rounded and depicts the black circle around the black SS runes on both sides. There is only very minor wear to this portepee.

The scabbard is straight throughout. The original black paint remains in good condition, showing age crazing in many places, but the paint is still there. The lower chape is the built-in type, since this is an NCO Degen. The upper mount is silvered, which is how this company (Alcoso) produced the mount. The mount has good darkening to the Wotan's knot inner areas. The mount is retained by the large-head silvered screws that Alcoso exclusively used on their Degens. Alcoso did not use the SS-Kulturzeichen stamping on their Degens.

The blade is a long 37 inches in length. It has the matte finish and is in mint condition, having a brown leather blade buffer. The obverse ricasso is perfectly etched with the original owner's name, " H. Remmert". The reverse ricasso is etched with the name "Alcoso" formed in an arch and positioned over the scales with the letters, "ACS" interspersed. "Solingen" appears below.

Although we knew the owner of the Degen was not an SS officer, we looked in the SS Dienstaltersliste and did find one "H Remmert" listed. Heinrich Remmert was listed as an SA Sturmhauptführer at Camp Esterwegen from December 1933 to the 30th of April 1934. It was here that he was convicted of ill-treating prisoners and sentenced to 15 months in prison. Apparently when released the SS thought Remmert would make a good man for their organization where he therefore joined and he was given the rank of SS-Obersturmbahnführer serving as "protective custody camp leader" at Lichtenburg. However, since at no time did Heinrich Remmert seem to serve with the police, we discounted him as the owner of this Degen.

Further research revealed a Solingen citizen named "Hermann Remmert," whom we believe owned this Degen. Remmert was serving as a police "Criminal Assistant" which was an NCO Police rank and it definitely was not discouraged for police officers deemed suitable to also be accepted as members of the SS. Since Remmert was a Solingen citizen it would have not been difficult to have Alcoso produce this special SS pommel cap for his Degen, nor would it have been hard to find a professional engraver to etch his name on the sword blade. It was also permissible for NCO's to wear the SS portepee with their Degen as this portepee was for officers and men and did not discriminate between the two as to the knot.

So, hopefully we are correct in identifying the owner of this Degen. It is a fascinating original piece and a worthwhile addition to an advanced SS/Police collection.

Excellent Plus. $3,995.00

SSPOL #53678C SILVERED LIONHEAD SWORD with GREEN EYES - Emil Voos

It is quite rare to see a silvered lionhead sword fitted with green faceted glass eyes, and in our collecting community, we believe these pieces were worn by early SS members. It is also interesting to note that this hilt appears to be made of nickel with a silver-plated surface, as there are no signs of the usual brass showing through in the worn spots. The lionhead (probably more a panther head) features good hand-work on its jowls, whiskers, brow and under its eyes. There is only a short mane that flares somewhat under its ears. The faceted green eyes are deeply set within the eye cavity, but radiate effectively when light passes over them. The backstrap features oak leaves and acorns; however, the details appear excellently enhanced. The oak leaf motif extends into the grip tabs which are finished off with acorns. The "P" guard also has outstanding renderings of the oak leaves and acorns. They are set off nicely with the black patina that has accumulated in the backgrounds. The cross guard presents a seldom-seen open-winged style eagle clutching a wreathed swastika. There is extensive handwork on this bird's head, wing feathering, breast feathering, talons, and wreath. The cross guard finishes in an attractive curl. The reverse cross guard features an impressive raised figure for the use of a monogram. The ferrule also has oak leafing, but pebbling is added to enhance the look. The grip has excellent celluloid covering and is in perfect condition. The grip is tightly wrapped with toned triple-brass wire, with the center wire twisted. A great-looking, untouched hilt here.

The scabbard remains in straight condition. The original paint is still quite good, showing only minor signs of age toward the ending area. It is also interesting that the carrying ring is larger than what we normally see.

The blade is a beauty in full mint condition. It has highest quality nickel-plating, as this maker is known for. The blade measures 32 1/2 inches. The maker name, "Emil Voos, Solingen" is stamped beneath the obverse ricasso - tough to see, but it is there. The original leather blade washer is in place.

As we know, the SS Degen was not introduced until 1936. However, before this time, many SS officers wanted to wear a sword with their splendid black and silver appointed uniforms. This example must have looked quite impressive during the early times when the Nazis were rising to full power. An outstanding rarely seen sword!

Excellent Plus. $4,495.00

SSPOL #53680C EARLY SS LIONHEAD SWORD - Unmarked (Emil Voos)

This early sword has very sturdy construction in its brass base. It is possible it was lightly silvered when new, but today the sword remains heavily patinated in the recesses and appears to be a brass base. The lionhead pommel is a full-maned beast with the mane flowing slightly down the back strap. The mane appears as it was extensively hand-worked. Some of this work remains, but most of it has worn away over time. The cat is a long-jawed variety with its growling positioned, open mouth displaying its eye teeth wrapped about the butt of the "P" guard. The cat's whiskers and the area below the eyes reveal hand-enhancing. There are faceted red glass eyes setting off the look. The back strap has floral designs that extend into the grip tabs. There is also a small raised oval area for use of a monogram. The "P" guard is also very substantial having a center-placed Wehrmacht-style eagle with half-open wings clutching a swastika.The reverse crossguard is highly decorated with raised designs and also a substantial langet that features a raised seal to which an SS enamel runes button is affixed. The button remains in fine condition.

The scabbard is straight throughout and has excellent original paint showing only very minor age in some areas, but for the most part, the paint remains bright with few wearing signs.

The blade measures 33 1/2 inches. It has fine nickel plating and remains in bright mint condition. Although unmarked, the blade was produced by the Emil Voos firm. The original blade washer is in place.

This is a fine early sword, likely worn early in the period by an SS officer.

Excellent. $3,995.00

SSPOL #53056 POLICE OFFICER DEGEN - Carl Eickhorn

This Police Officer Degen remains in very good condition and has all of the bells and whistles we all like to see. The pommel remains in choice, unopened condition, still having all of the nickel-plating throughout the center area. The "D" guard remains in perfect condition, still having 100% of the nickel-plating. It flows through the cross guard area and has a teardrop quillon ending with the partial decorative hole on each side which we see only on officer models. The ferrule features the six standing oak leaves separated by acorns. Each leaf has been hand-enhanced on the veins, and small pebbles have been punched into the surface, adding to the look of the depiction. The factory darkening remains in the backgrounds. The ebony grip is a beauty remaining in perfect condition with its cover plate on the reverse that conceals the area where the wires attached. The nickel grip wire is completely tight throughout. In the center of the grip's obverse is a recessed copper Police Officer eagle insignia. The detail is still excellent on the bird's head, beast and wing feathering, talons, wreath and swastika. The bird is superimposed over an overlapping oak leaf wreath. Attached to the hilt is the original-to-the-piece Police portepee. The black leather remains in excellent conditon and is decorated with triple-stitching ruinning the length of the black leather strapping. The center stitching is done in a red color thread. The lower hilt is stamped with the "SS Kulturzeichen" proof marking. A very fine hilt here.

The scabbard is straight throughout. The original black paint is all present, showing only modest signs of usage. The lower scabbard shell has a nickel mount decorated with engraved lines. Two domehead side screws retain the mount. The upper scabbard mount is in the "Wotan Knot" configuration, having about 95% of the black paint within the spaces of the knot. The mount is retained by a domehead screw on the lower portion of each side of the mount. The throat is also stamped with the "SS Kulturzeichen" proof.

The blade has the normally-seen matte finish. It measures 33 1/2 inches in length and remains in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is lightly stamped with the 1935-1941 Eickhorn trademark. The original white leather washer is in place.

An extremely nice example here and in outstanding collectible condition.

Mint Minus. $1,995.00

SSPOL #53040 POLICE OFFICE DEGEN - F.W. Höller

This Police Officer Degen is in quite nice condition. The pommel with its serrated edges remains in good condition with some minor wear to the plating on the edges of the raised center portion. The nickel-plating to the rest of the hilt is excellent throughout with no rust spots or issues. The "D" guard travels through the cross guard section and ends in a teardrop quillon having the partial drilling on both sides of the teardrop, as is usually the case on officer models. There is a matching cover plate on the reverse of the grip that conceals the attachment areas of the nickel grip wire. The nickel wire remains tight and in perfect condition. The ebony grip is also in perfect condition with no chips or hits. In the center obverse area there is a countersunk Police insignia being of copper. The insignia portrays an open-winged Police eagle which is superimposed over a wreath of oak leaves. The insignia shows little surface wear. The ferrule is a fine example featuring the standing oak leaves with acorns separating them. There is some hand-enhancing to the veins of the leaves. A fine hilt here.

The scabbard is completely straight throughout. The original black paint is also in fine condition being at 100% and only showing a few modest wearing signs. The lower portion is fitted with a line-decorated nickel mount which remains in fine condition. It is retained by two headless side screws. The upper scabbard mount is the Wotan knot type having excellent pebbling in between the knots, but no blackening. Höller did not blacken this area. The mount is retained with dome head screws in the bottom loop of each side of the mounts. Höller did not SS mark their Degen, so there are no markings here. An excellent scabbard.

The matte-finished blade is as good as you will see, still being in mint condition. The blade measures 31 inches in length. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the dual ovals. They contain the firm's name and location, "F.W. Höller / Solingen". There is a fine brown washer in place.

A very collectible example here.

Excellent Plus. $1,895.00

SSPOL #52689C PRESENTED EARLY SILVER SS SWORD - Carl Eickhorn

This most interesting early SS silver-plated sword has never been cleaned. The silvered finish to the hilt has a desirable dark patina throughout. The sword's model type appears to be the Eickhorn Model Nr. 1312, produced with the crossed swords cavalry motif on the langet. The hilt's pommel features a panther head design and the animal is depicted without the glass eyes. The pantherhard, however, shows much hand-enhancing to the areas around the jaw, whiskers and mane. The backstrap has very finely done oak leaves and acorns which run into the grip tabs. There is also much enhancement to these oak leaves. The "P" guard also has oak leaves and acorn designs, also reflecting enhancement. The ferrule features sprigs of oak leaves looking different than the later types used, and also having some very thin pebbling around them. The reverse langet has a shield with the opening left for a monogram. The obverse langet, as indicated above, has crossed swords which are surrounded by oak leaves. The grip is celluloid over carved wood. It remains in perfect condition and is wrapped with triple- twisted brass wire with the center example being a slightly larger girth. A great early hilt here.

The scabbard is straight throughout, and although it has most of its original paint, the surfaces are crazed from age.

The blade is a very long 34 1/2 inches. It appears to be a polished-style blade, rather than nickel-plated as we see on later swords. The blade has just a slight grayness to it, but overall it is in good condition. The obverse of the blade is plain. The reverse of blade is engraved in capital letters, "IN TREUE KAMERADSCHAFT DIE FÜHRER d. STURMBANN II / 1 WEINACHTEN 1934". The ricasso is stamped with the very early squirrel within an oval with the letters "C.E." beneath. The original blade buffer is gone to time.

The dedication is properly translated, "In loyal comeradship from the officers of the 2nd Sturmbann of SS Standarte 1 Christmas 1934". The dedication does not say that it was given to the leader of this SS Standarte, but rather from the officers. This Sturmbann was based in Munich. Since the sword was presented by the officers, we can assume the sword was given to the leader of this 1. SS Standarte, who as of Christmas 1934 was SS-Sturmbannführer Heinrich Gerner, but was due to be transferred as of Jan 1 1935. Gerner held the SS # 7271 and NSDAP # 571813. He was the recipient of the Totenkopf Ring as well as the Ehrendegen. As of January 1,1935 Gerner went on to be Führer of 8 Standarte "Niederschlesien" until 9.1. 1939. He then joined 70 Standarte "Glogau" until 1944. Most likely the sword was presented to Gerner.

It is also possible that the sword was given to 1. Standarte leader as of Dec 1934, SS-Sturmbannführer Julian Scherner who also served as Leader at this time. Scherner, SS #5 and NSDAP # 53 was recipient of the Totenkopf Ring, Ehrendegen, Golden Party Badge, Blood Order #349 and Coburg Badge. He participated in the Munich Putsch in 1923 and was later known as the infamous SS and Police Leader of Krakau supervising the liquidation of the Krakau Ghetto. Scherner was involved in corruption in Poland and was tried by an SS court. He was demoted and transferred to "Brigade Dirlewanger" as punishment, which was formed of mostly convicted criminals.

So, it is up to the next owner to sort out the correct owner of this sword. Either way, it is an intriguing weapon as we see very few items like this, and this sword would make an outstanding addition to an advanced SS collection.

Excellent. $4,500.00

SSPOL #52467C SS NCO DEGEN - F.W. Höller

We don't see many SS NCO's produced by Höller, but this one is a fine original example. The hilt is nickel plated and does show a little age to the plating, but most of it is on the inner areas and does not show from face-on. The pommel cap is the flat NCO variety, and at the upper area it has the raised set of SS runes with good darkening in their backgrounds. The "D" guard has good plating to the outside areas, and a little freckling on the inner area, but not bad. The "D" guard passes down throughout the cross guard area and has the teardrop quillon end. The ferrule is a fine example having the standing oak leaves running around it, and there is good-looking darkened pebbling between the leaves. The ebony grip is a fine example being in perfect condition. There is a little hand-hold wear to the original lacquer finish at the center area of the grip ribs. A good hilt here.

The scabbard is straight throughout and has excellent original paint, showing only minor wearing signs and rating at about 98%. The scabbard end has the built-in lower chap which we see on the NCO models. The upper fitting has a good Wotan knot configuration, and does have some of the original blackening over the pebbled areas. The mount is retained with dome head screws on each of the lower frontal loops of the mount. The Höller firm did not SS stamp their throat or the lower hilt.

The blade is a 33 1/2 inch long example. It has a little minor age smudge in the surfaces here and there, but still grades at excellent. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the double ovals, which contain the firm's name and location, "F.W. Höller / Solingen". Inside is the familiar thermometer logo. The original leather blade buffer is in place and in good condition.

A good original Degen here.

Excellent. $2,800.00

SSPOL #49764 Police Officer Degen by Paul Weyersberg

This Police Officer Degen is in excellent overall condition. The officer pommel retains all of its original plating and has good serrated edges running around the surface. The "D" guard with the built-in upper ferrule, cross guard and lower quillon with teardrop, retains all of its original bright plating and shows no age. The lower ferrule is a real beauty with its six upward pointing oak leaves with acorns. The veins are all expertly enhanced and the acorn caps have been nicely hand-checkered. The areas between the oak leaves has also been hand-pebbled. The ebony grip is in perfect condition, retaining all of its original blackened surfaces. The grip is tightly wrapped with nickel wire. Inset into the grip's obverse surface is a aluminum style Police officer insignia. It features a well-defined, open-winged eagle clutching a wreathed swastika resting over an oak leaf wreath. Some of the original darkened backgrounding remains in the insignia.

The scabbard is straight as an arrow. It has very fine original black paint, showing only modest wear. The paint retains its original bright finish. The lower mount is a nickel-plated example featuring the standard line decoration. It remains in perfect condition and is retained with two headless side screws. The upper mount is also a fine example featuring the Wotan knot configuration. The areas between the knot have been pebbled, but they do not look to have ever had any blackening - apparently Weyersberg did not do this enhancing. This fine mount is retained by two headless screws being positioned at the mount's lower loop on each side.

The 33 inch long blade is done in the matte finish and it remains in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the double ovals containing the firm's name and location, "Paul Weyersberg & Co. / Solingen". Inside are two wheat shafts in a wreath with a downward-pointing sword in the center. The black leather washer is in place. Weyersberg Degen are not normally SS marked on the upper mount or scabbard throat.

A good collectible example here in nice condition.

Excellent Plus. $1,895.00

SSPOL #48120 Early SS Lion Head Silver Sword with Portepee

This lion head sword is WKC Model #1016. It has a very fine silvered finish which is 100 percent throughout the hilt. The sword does not look to have ever been cleaned and has a fine patina. The lion is fitted with faceted red glass eyes and there is a blank oval on the backstrap, presumably for a monogram.

The carved wood grip is covered in excellent black celluloid. It is wrapped with a skein of three brass wires, the center strand being a heavier gauge. This wire is somewhat loose but is still in place.

Wrapped about the hilt is what appears to be the original SS portepee. This portepee remains in fine condition throughout, showing only mild and minor traces of age.

The scabbard is a good, straight example and has excellent original black paint. This paint is in acceptable condition and remains mostly bright.

The 34 inch long blade has a high quality nickel plated finish and remains in mint condition. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the knight head trademark of the WKC firm and the original blade buffer is still in place.

A nice, untouched early piece here.

Excellent. $5,495.00

SSPOL #47625C Police NCO Degen by Hermann Rath

This NCO police degn is in superlative condition with full nickel plating throughout and remaining nice and bright. The pommel cap is the flatter style on the top typical of NCO types. The D guard is in perfect condition swooping through the crossguard area and ending in a teardrop quillon. The lower ferrule is in very fine condition featuring the 6 standing oak leaves separated by acorns. There is fine pebbling in the areas separating the acorns as well as hand enhancing to the veins. The ebony grip is the type without wire and it remains in perfect condition. It has a flush set NCO aluminum police eage. The eagle features an open winged bird clutching a swastika superimposed over a wreath of oak leaves. A very fine hilt here. The scabbard is also a beauty. It is straight throughout having outstanding original paint. The obverse side is nearly full mint while the reverse only has some extremely mild carrying signs. The upper scabbard mount features the Wotan’s knot with good pebbling in the centers. There is little black in the pebbling. The obverse portion of the mount is retained by a screw while the reverse has no screw but appears that it never did. All there is there is a small set drill spot which was never penetrated. The lower chape of course has no mount having a built in chape. The blade is a very fine mint conditioned 33 inch long example. It has the usual matte finish. It is marked on the reverse “Herm. Rath Solingen”. The black leather washer is in place. An extremely nice NCO degen here.

Excellent Plus Plus. $1,395.00

SSPOL #47626C Police NCO Degen by Puma

This degen has excellent nickel hilt plating which is still in a fine bright condition throughout. The pommel is the flatter type used for NCOs. The D guard stretches around through the crossguard and ends in a teardrop quillon. The lower ferrule is an excellent example featuring the 6 standing oak leaves. Each of the oak leaves has been hand enhanced in the center with two veins and also has all of the leaves pebbled. The area where there were casting flaws has handmade acorns to cover this work. A very interesting to study ferrule here. The scabbard is straight throughout having original black paint. The paint shows some age crazing on both sides but the paint is still all there. The upper scabbard mount features the Wotan knot with pebbling in between and also some of the darkening still in place. This mount is retained by two round head side screws. At the lower there is no mount as the chape is built in to the scabbard. The blade is a fine example still being in mint condition and measuring 31 and a half inches. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the diamond featuring the cat head inside and beneath “Puma”. Beneath the diamond is “Solingen”. The original black blade buffer is in place. A fine NCO example here.

Excellent. $1,195.00

SSPOL #45944C Early Silvered SS Leopard Head Sword by F. W. Höller

This Holler sword is their model number 22 and a picture of this model can be seen on page 93 of the ancient Angolia sword book.

The hilt still has 98 percent of its silvered finish. There is some slight wear on the higher surfaces of the cat and the eagle langet. The cat is a panther head showing extra detailing to the cat’s whiskers where there is pebbling by hand and also hand enhancing to the brow and mane which runs partially down the backstrap. The mane also has some hand pebbling done. The remainder of the backstrap has raised oak leaves and acorns and it appeared as though the caps of acorns also have been hand enhanced. The grip tabs also have oak leaves and they are retained with screws as is a norm for Holler on this model sword.

The P guard has excellent raised out oak leaves and acorns and at the bottom of the guard there is additional hand enhancing with pebbling. The ferrule features oak leaves and acorns running its circumference. The reverse langet has a plain raised shield.

The crossguard quillon ends in a curlicue. The obverse langet features an open winged eagle with fine detail to its wings breast feathering talons and wreath. On either side of the talons are raised diamond shapes typical of this producer.

The grip is a hard carved wood base covered with black celluloid. The celluloid remains in perfect condition and is tightly wrapped with triple bras wire the center being twisted.

The scabbard is straight throughout. The paint is outstanding but I have a feeling that it is an old repaint. There are a couple of chips here and there in the paint but overall the paint is still at 98%.

The fine blade is a 31 and half inch length. It has outstanding nickel plated surfaces that are still newlike throughout. This mint blade is marked with Höller double ovals which feature the firm’s name within the ovals "F. W. Höller Solingen" and inside is the familiar thermometer logo. The original brown leather blade washer is in place.

This type of sword would have been ordered early in the period by an SS officer since there were no official degens until 1936 and even after that many SS officers did not qualify for a degen. A fine original example here.

Excellent Plus. $3,495.00

SSPOL #45642C Early Silvered SS Lion Head Sword by PD Lüneschloss

This lion head sword is most attractive having excellent silver plated surfaces. The lion head is the conventional style cat with long jaw. The whiskers have been hand enhanced as has the brow and the mane which flows downward. The mane also has a lot of nice pebbling to help bring it out. This early sword is the type that has the tang covered with a plug at the top which has been hand engraved to match the flow of the mane. The cat is equipped with two small faceted red eyes. The backstrap continues down in a interesting floral pattern featuring leaves and in the center a flower design.

The P guard is also interesting in that it features three different patterns. Coming out the the lion's mouth is a pattern of laurel leaves which is raised out and then there is in the center a floral design which encloses a raised heart shaped shield. Within the shield is delicately engraved the year “1933”. The P guard continues downward to a floral design which becomes raised dots as it goes into the crossguard. The obverse of the crossguard has a stubby winged style eagle which is unique to the Lüneschloss firm. The eagle is extremely well executed with lots of hand work clutching a large wreath with engraved swastika. Very nice work here! The quillon ends with a roaring lion lead.

The reverse langet is also most interesting in that it has laurel leaves around a raised oval panel. Within the oval panel is a set of engraved SS runes. The runes are very well done with shade lines in between the S letter formation. The ferrule is a standard type with overlapping oak leaves.

The grip is a carved wood base covered with black celluloid remaining in perfect condition. The celluloid is tightly wrapped with triple brass wire the center being twisted. An extremely fine early hilt here.

The scabbard is straight throughout but studying its painted finish it appears to be an old repaint. The paint still remains at about 99 percent and looks fine.

The blade is expertly nickel plated and remains in full complete mint condition being mirror bright. This blade is marked on the reverse with the fire helmet having a sword running through the center. This was the early marking used by the PD Lüneschloss firm.

The original brown leather blade buffer is in place.

An extremely nice original early SS sword here being one of the first issued well prior to the 1936 year when the official degen was introduced.

Excellent Plus. $5,495.00

SSPOL #43276C SS Panther Head Sword with "Das Reich" Etch - F. W. Höller

This Panther Head Sword is the aluminum version, having a gilded finish. It is the F. W. Höller Model #22.

The gilding throughout the hilt shows wear on the high areas and is probably about 80% intact. The panther head is fitted with faceted red glass eyes and retains fine detailing throughout the muzzle, brow, and mane. The backstrap is decorated with raised oak leaves raised oak leaves and acorns, with the tabs extending into the grip.

The "P" guard has fairly good gilding and features additional oak leaves and acorns. The same is true of the ferrule.

The obverse langet features a Höller style open winged eagle, looking to the viewer's left. The bird retains good detailing throughout. The quillon ends in a teardrop swirl. The reverse langet is quite curious, made with a raised shield that is part of the casting. The shield has a set of raised SS runes, which were gilded against a factory darkened background. It shows some wear but is all there and is quite a sight to see. This is the first time I've seen this treatment on an early SS sword.

The carved wooden grip is covered in black celluloid. This celluloid remains in decent condition, although it is slightly worn through. It tightly wrapped with a skein of three brass wires with a twisted center strand.

Wrapped about the hilt in the standard tie is the original SS portepee. This portepee is completely set in place and does not appear to have ever been removed from the sword. It shows no fraying, only normal age toning that we would expect to see. The stem has a set of bullion SS runes on both sides, and the bullion ball stuffing matches the strapping.

The scabbard is straight throughout and retains the original paint. It shows some age and has a few signs of wear; overall this paint is about 85% intact.

The blade is nickel plated and measures 32 inches long. It has a fine, factory etch that is extremely rare and is indeed the first of the type I've ever seen. It is etch with the SS regiment "Das Reich", which is flanked by oak leaf springs. On the left of the etch is a shield bearing a set of intertwined runes, while the right has a set of SS runes and a circle. The original backgrounds are starting to fade but overall it is not too bad. The blade shows some age in the surfaces but I have made no attempt to clean it up. The reverse ricasso is marked with the early Höller Thermometer trademark, with 16 digits on either side of the mercury as opposed to the 11 digits used later in the period. The original black washer is in place.

An extremely rare, original SS sword here.

Excellent. $7,500.00

SSPOL #40294C SS NCO's Degen - Peter Dan Krebs

This SS NCO's Degen is in untouched condition. The nickel plated parts are in excellent condition and show little age.

The pommel cap is the flatter NCO type. On the top is a fine set of raised SS runes which retain complete background darkening. There is no sign that this cap has ever been removed.

The "D" flows nicely through the crossguard area and ends in a teardrop quillon. The lower ferrule is decorated with six standing oak leaves separated by acorns. Both the leaves and the acorns have feine details and are nicely hand-enhanced.

The ebony grip is a very fine, high quality example, remaining in perfect condition. Some of the original lacquer remains in the recesses.

Wrapped about the hilt of the sword is a SS NCO's troddel. This troddel has the same strapping as an officer's model, with a textured center and two sets of dual black stripes that run the length. The stem and slide are of aluminum bullion with a "V" weave that is accented by black thread. The black is a black and bullion with an insert that matches the strapping. This knot shows little wear. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. The original paint shows some wear but remains at least 90% intact. The finish retains a bit of shine as well. The lowe chape is the style that is built into the shell, somethig we see on NCO swords. The upper scabbard mount is in the "Wotan's Knot" configuration. It looks as though much of the darkening has worn from this knot, although it may not have been there in the first place. There is also some age on this mount but it could be cleaned up with a little effort. It is retained by a pair of dome head screws, one in each of the lower loops. Unusually this scabbard is not stamped with the SS-Kulturzeichen marking, although this is not unheard of.

The blade is a very fine example in mint condition. It has a standard matte finish and measures 33 inches long. There is a white leather blade washer in place, a hallmark of Krebs pieces.

A good example here, in untouched condition.

Excellent. $3,195.00

SSPOL #39849 SS NCO’s Degen – Alcoso

It is fairly unusual to see an SS NCO’s Degen by Alcoso; apparently this piece was a custom order. The degen has the usual silvered Alcoso mounts, namely the ferrule and the upper scabbard fitting. This degen comes from a collector I’ve know for some thirty years. He purchased it from a veteran many, many years ago and is now ready to pass it on.

The pommel is most unusual. Most NCO pommels with be the type with raised SS runes in the top. This degen has a standard flat pommel on which the SS runes have been professionally engraved. The engraving is superb, with double scribing and fine shading lines. A very striking, original enhancement here.

The “D” guard has good nickel plating and a fine curvature which runs through the center area and ends in a teardrop quillon. The ferrule is the silver type, with outstanding detail to the standing oak leaves and acorns. The mold lines on the ferrule have been concealed by means of hand engraved oak leaves and acorns.

Since this is an Alcoso piece there are no SS proof marks on the hilt or scabbard throat.

The grip of the degen is of fine ebony and is in perfect condition. A little of the lacquer is worn here and there and some of the raw wood is visible, but this is normal wear for an SS Degen.

The scabbard is a fine, long example, being straight throughout. It has good, original paint that shows minor traces of age and attic crazing. In the main, however, the paint is still quite good and is somewhere between 90 and 95% intact. The lower drag is the built-in style, as we see on NCO models. The upper mount is in the standard “Wotan’s Knot” configuration, with no darkening in the loops of the knot. It doesn’t look like it every had any. The two screws which retain the mount are in place on the lower loops and are the large size we associate with Alcoso.

The blade of this degen is an extremely long and a real monster. It measures 35 ½ inches long, a full half inch longer than the largest production model. It has a very fine, matte finish and shows virtually no age. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the last trademark used by Alcoso; a set of scale with the initials “ACS” intertwined, along with the name and location of the firm. There is a fine black leather blade washer in place.

An outstanding and interesting SS NCO’s Degen here, one that would make for a fine addition to any sword collection and of particular interest to the avid “type” collector.

Excellent Plus. $2,495.00