SS Silver Dove Head Sword with Dedicated Triple Etched Blade – Alcoso

German WWII > Edged Weapons > Swords > SS Swords

This SS Silver Dove Head Sword has a fine silvered finish which is completely patinated. The sword does not appear to have been cleaned since the war. The silvering shows a little bit of thinning around the pommel top area and also along the edges of the “P” guard. Overall though the silvering is about 90% intact. This sword depicts a series of oak leaves being throughout the hilt. There is a large sprig at the pommel which is separated by a border below. The back strap has very fine oak leaves and acorns which extend onto the grip tabs. The leaves have all been hand enhanced. The same is true of the “P” guard which has more oak leaves with hand enhanced veins. It is interesting to note that this “P” guard is retained to the crossguard via a factory screw at the outside bottom end. It does not appear as though the guard was broken but on the other hand, was made this way. The crossguard depicts a typical Alcoso open-winged eagle. The bird looks to the viewer’s right and has excellent hand done detail to his eye, beak and breast feathering. The wings are of a standard length and there are raised oak leaves which go around the depiction. There is a wreath within the eagle’s claws having a vaulted mobile swastika in the center. Above the crossguard is a matching silvered ferrule depicting budding oak leaves and acorns. The reverse crossguard langet has a raised oval for purposes of initials and it has a smooth top. The oval is decorated with oak leaves which run completely around the depiction. The grip is a carved wood base covered with black celluloid which is in perfect condition. It is wrapped with triple twisted brass wire, the center being slightly larger for contrast.

The scabbard is completely straight throughout and has very good original black paint. This paint shows a bit of spidering here and there and some carrying time but overall it is at least 90-95% and still has good luster to its finish. The blade is a fine triple etched example having outstanding nickel-plated finish. Other than a few in and out marks at the end area of the blade it remains in mint condition. The etch pattern consists of all floral designs with crossed swords on the reverse and on the obverse there is a dedication panel placed between the floraling. The two line dedication is raised out with beautiful frosted background. The presentation reads, “Für Führer, Volk und Vaterland / v. Deiner Else 20.10.35.”. This dedication reads, “For Führer, People and Fatherland from your Else on 20 October 1935”. This sword more than likely was a gift from the SS officer’s wife or girlfriend. This early date would have been prior to the introduction of the official degen and the design and look of the sword conform with this early time. The spine is raised etched with laurel leafing. This is a very fine interesting sword. I don’t think that there is enough information here to do any research but still, it is an interesting and very beautiful blade. This sword would go great to accompany an advanced SS collection. The addition of an SS portepee would make a great touch also for this sword as we know for certain that these portepees were first introduced in 1935. A fine example here of a very rarely seen early SS sword.