Type I Chained SS

German WWII > Edged Weapons > SS Daggers > Type I Chained SS Dagger

Well I love getting this stuff from the Vet's family. This one arrived with some bad chips out of the grip. It was bad enough that I decided the right thing to do was to have the grip professionally restored. A great job was done here. Blade is a nice unmarked example, (textbook). It has nice crossgrain with some evidence of old fingerprints. The motto is well executed with a grey frosting. It rates Exc+/Exc++. Blade to crossguard fit is excellent. Original crossguards are the solid nickel type and are nicely patinaed. The reverse of the lower crossguard is Gau stamped “He”. An attribute not fully understood as we do have much to learn in the hobby yet but these district stamped guards are often seen. Many veteran purchased examples are known including those purchased by me. Witty speaks to this in his SS reference pg 121. He summarizes, "Whatever the true reason for this anomaly, these Gua marked example are absolutely correct and unaltered". Grip is nicely fit example that, now that it's been restored, is chip and crack-free. Aluminum eagle has no oxidizing and is properly inlaid. The runes retain 98% of enamel. Dent free scabbard is painted with some crazing and paint loss from normal period ues. The ball has some wear and wee hits to the very bottom, it retains its correct shape. The chain is a plated Type I. These plated chains maintain excellent definition and every detail is there. The link holes are the squared off type as you would expect and all the connectors show their original solder. The correct link is deeply SS stamped to the reverse. The skulls and the runes show fine detail right down to the teeth. The spring clip functions fine. The plating is 99% The center fitting is secured by two screws. Scabbard fits perfectly with a pleasing snap.