SS M33 Dagger by Eickhorn, RZM-941/39-SS “The Rat”
Price: Sold
Description: A choice uncleaned late Eickhorn SS Service Dagger with an RZM marked black leather nickel-plated hanger and beautifully preserved ebony wood grip with correct aluminum eagle below the ubiquitous enameled SS Rune button. The plated hardware throughout reflects fine naturally patinated surfaces. The blade is excellent with most of its cross-grain showing and the SS Motto retains most of its etched graying with a few scratches near its ricasso near the cross guard; The original scabbard black lacquer paint is magnificent, being close to 100%! This dagger is etched with the Carl Eickhorn code ‘RZM 941/39 SS’ positioned directly over Eichhorns last ’solitary squirrel’ logo. This final logo form is frequently called “fake” by inexperienced collectors, however it is correct and actually quite rare. The simple late squirrel logo that Eickhorn lastly used is often referred to as the ‘Rat’ by experienced collectors today. An excellent late period RZM-SS M33 Service Dagger with mint scabbard, its original RZM marked hanger PLUS ‘Rat logo’ blade makes this piece a real winner!
BACKGROUND: The SS M33 service dagger was introduced on December 1933 for wear by all full SS members, regardless of rank. The dagger was intended as an ornamental item and the design was produced by Professor Woenne of the Solingen School of Commerce who had based it on the traditional 16TH century, Swiss “Holbein”, “Baselard” or “Basilard”, hunting dagger with the original design being attributed to the Hans Holbein the Younger, (Circa 1497-1543). The “Holbein” style dagger was also utilized by SA personnel with a different coloration and insignia. The SS M33 daggers were bestowed annually to newly accepted SS members at 10:00pm on the anniversary of the unsuccessful Beer Hall Putsch, (November 9TH), in front of the Feldherrnhalle, (Hall of General’s/Hero’s), in Munich. Originally the daggers featured an anodized scabbard and utilized nice quality, solid, nickel/silver fittings until roughly late 1936, early 1937 when the scabbards began to have a painted finish and cheaper, nickel/silver plated fittings replaced the earlier solid, nickel/silver fittings in 1938. Regulations dictated that the daggers were to be worn on the left side of the waist belt suspended by a specific, dagger hanger. Further production of the SS M33 Service Dagger was discontinued in September 1940 and late 1943 for the Chained M36 Service Dagger, both intended to be re-established at the successful conclusion of the war.
