SS Dagger Questions

[Kert]

Hey guys! Years ago my grandfather gave me this dagger. I had forgotten about it until recently, and decided to start doing some research on it. I had no idea what I was getting into. So I just thought I would post some pictures of the dagger and get some input from the community. Again, my grandfather gave this to me, but would never really elaborate on how he acquired it, so I don't believe it is a fake, but I guess the possibility is still there. Although I have no interest in selling it, I would still like to know about what it might be worth. It also has a serial number on it, the number reads 17314. Is there any way to find out who this belonged to? (Assuming that it is not fake) What kind of shape is it in as far as these daggers go? Thanks in advance for everyone's input!

[Orcutt]

Not in the best of shape but you have a early SS dagger with what appears to be the serial number to the person who own it. Your next step is to get a hold of a serial number list to find out who he was. Try the WAF or germandaggers.com their are people their that will help you with the list.

[Crash]

Is there anything else etched on the maker marked "Eickhorn" side of the blade?

[Kert]

Is there anything else etched on the maker marked "Eickhorn" side of the blade?

No, the blade is smooth after the "Eickhorn" insignia

[Crash]

Okay Ill check on another forum on the number and get back with you,,with that number on the side of the blade on crossguard and the lower marked Eickhorn I thought you might have a sleeper presentation but oh well. Does the crossgraining remain the same on the back side or does the spine of the blade look like something was ground/polished off.

[Kert]

I took some pictures of the back, doesn't appear to be ground down, but I am no expert.





BTW, what does the number "2" on the hilt signify?

[Orcutt]

A lot of early SS daggers had Rohm's signature etched on the opposite side of the SS motto. Hitler ordered that all such daggers including SA daggers have his name ground off. Your pictures are not clear enough to determine if your dagger is a ground Rohm. Good bet it probably is.

[JB]

It looks like a ground Rohm to me. See how the Eickhorn mark appears to have been damaged in the grinding process.

[Crash]

Yep Ground Rohm not professionally removed, those are amazing when the factory did them. The SS number is not in any of the publications. Unfortunately the dagger is a total restoration job and blade condition makes that pretty much impractical unless you are doing it yourself to keep it as an heirloom.

[Kert]

Yep Ground Rohm not professionally removed, those are amazing when the factory did them. The SS number is not in any of the publications. Unfortunately the dagger is a total restoration job and blade condition makes that pretty much impractical unless you are doing it yourself to keep it as an heirloom.

How much would a resto affect the value of the dagger itself? How much would a full resto job cost?

[Crash]

Finding a new grip with eagle and runes would be nearly impossible, so the grip would remain as is,a light cleaning of the scabbard with Flitz or light abrasive polish might bring it back,, the scabbard probably would have been anodized black but a painted black later SS/NSKK scabbard would look okay and cost $250.00 plus or minus should you decide to replace scabbard. Blade cannot be restored much past just cleaning and stopping the active rust. So I think with $250 invested you would have a dagger that would bring perhaps $600-800.00 or to keep as heirloom. Most of the daggers were not stamped with numbers on the throat of the scabbard so I would not transfer it from one scabbard to the replacement. The end result would be a much better looking dagger if not technically correct dagger. These values are optimistic as Ive seen good daggers sitting on tables at $1200.00 lately. Economy. aThomas Wittman the author does an excellent job of repairing and patching grips as well,,depends on how much you want to invest. Hopefully what you have will clean up with some work so you can keep it as is and stop the erosion process.

[Kert]

Thanks for the info Crash. As I said before, I have no intentions of selling it, and from what you have told me, it almost seems to be a lost cause to try to restore it. For the time being, I think I will just concentrate on preserving it. What is the best kind of environment to keep it in? I live in the southern United States on the coast, so it is very hot and humid here. Also, can anyone recommend a good cleaner for the blade?

[Crash]

Flitz to clean,,,Renwax to preserve, may bring back finish to scabbard as well, dont clean the fittings on the dagger or the scabbard, just the painted anodized area,,,gently