Description
Carl Eickhorn, large double-oval squirrel/C.E. and RZM 1941/36/SS TM as shown on page 89 of Collecting The Edged Weapons Of The Third Reich, Volume IV. This dagger, originally veteran acquired by well-known collector, Dr. Robert Procacini was purchased by Mr. Thomas T. Wittmann and subsequently sold to a North Carolina collector from whom JRB&M recently obtained the dagger. Mr. Wittmann’s 1995 Certificate of Authenticity is included with the dagger. Nickel-silver hilt fittings show light age patina with hand enhanced accent grooves as found on Eickhorn examples, with underside of lower crossguard stamped with the number “4” as shown in the above reference. Black ebony grip shows light surface wear with some chipping to the upper and lower obverse edges adjacent to crossguards, but no hairline cracks. Grip is complete with silver eagle and SS insert properly inset with no damage to the enamel in the insert. Mirror polished blade grades Exc++ showing light runner marks, a few specks of gray shadowing and several very tiny nicks to cutting edges. Deeply etched motto retains 100% of the light gray background frosting. Faint evidence on the reverse blade and the early Eickhorn double-oval TM indicate that this blade was originally produced with a full Röhm inscription. The Eickhorn firm apparently removed the inscription, re-grained the reverse, added the RZM mark and used the blade to complete this dagger. Eickhorn or the original owner of the dagger chose to add a tan felt buffer pad which is definitely a period addition. Dent-free steel scabbard retains approximately 99% of the original black enamel showing only a few tiny nicks to paint and two small areas of crazing, but no scrapes or lifting to paint. Dent-free nickel-silver scabbard fittings show faint surface wear/age patina with no damage to lower ball. Center scabbard band with virtually 100% of the factory background finish is held by a single scabbard screw as normally seen on painted scabbards. All scabbard screws appear to be unturned. Nickel silver Type II chain shows light age patina with virtually 100% of factory darkening remaining on the obverse links, and with the reverse chain SS proof marked and complete with undamaged connectors. Top of cloverleaf is not cut out as is proper for the Type II chain hanger. Tied to the grip is an original-to-the piece, Exc+ 42cm aluminum portepee as authorized for wear by the Waffen SS (See pages 243-244 of Collecting The Edged Weapons of The Third Reich Volume III). Chained hanger is complete with an Exc+ black leather belt loop. Extremely nice 1936 Chained SS Dagger with unique Eickhorn double TM.(24407)
