SMGP-1723 1933 SS Dagger with added 1938 Chained Scabbard By Robert Klaas*SOLD

In 1938 the chained scabbard was introduced. Most who qualified for the chained dagger ordered a complete dagger from the factory. There where however NCO’s who owned 1936 daggers who later qualified for the chained dagger who would have had to purchase a scabbard separately. Of corse they could have bought a whole new dagger, but at an added expense. It would have been much cheaper to just buy the scabbard. We know from period industry papers that 1938 scabbards and parts were in high demand, for replacements and for 1936-1938 upgrades. A from the factory 1938 chained SS dagger would have no maker mark, that’s how we know this early dagger was mated to a later scabbard. Not to mention the early style nickel fittings and stamped roman numeral I on the lower guard. The advanced SS collector will poo poo these pieces because there is no way to tell when the scabbard was added to the piece. So for that reason, they sell for less then an unmarked chained SS.

On to this particular dagger, we have all early style fittings on the grip with a early nickel grip eagle. There is a slight gap between the wreath and wood but I don’t think its an indication of any funny business. The lower shoulder does show some stained wood filler as well as the area around the runes. This area above the runes is common to have chipping since there just isn’t a lot of wood there. The grip is very nice otherwise and might be a candidate for a more professional restoration. The grip to guard fitment is also very nice, insuring that this is the original grip.

The blade on this dagger is very nice. It’s shows no major oxidation, with only some minor evidence of light superficial oxidation that was cleaned up at some point. The Robert Klaas logo is crisp and you can see most of the original cross graining very easily. The blade has a light edge to it with no dings or chips.

The scabbard is a nice anodized variety with plated steel fittings. The shell has a small dent on each side an minor oxidation. The center fitting tells us the production was later based on the slightly rolled edges. There is some oxidation to the fittings and the dome head screws. There is evidence that the screws were turned at some point, but the oxidation leads us to believe this was in period for repair purposes. The chain is the type 2 variety and is steel with a heavy nickel plating which I prefer over the chrome.

So, all in all this isn’t a flawless dagger, but it is authentic and priced very reasonably.