Early SS Dagger by Böker

German WWII > Edged Weapons > SS Daggers > Early SS Daggers

Certainly, the darling of the collecting community and the most requested maker. Böker made the best SS dagger of the period. Their philosophy was based solely on the principle that: “The best is just good enough.” Advanced collectors know this and they snap them up faster than I can find them! A Model 1933 Schutzstaffel Dienstdolch by Heinrich Böker & Co. of Solingen. The blade on this one is in excellent condition. The acid etched “Meine Ehre Heißt Treue” motto (featuring the Textbook Böker characteristics) and chestnut tree “Böker Solingen” maker mark are both dark and beautifully executed. The crossgrain is gorgeous and runs the full length of the blade. The tip and fit are both perfect. The blade rates Exc++. It shows spots of pitting, and there are four nail catches/nicks (thee to the bottom one to the top) along with the typical age graying and scratches throughout. The sheet metal based black anodized scabbard is in excellent condition. The body has a wee pressure mark to the obverse side and the black anodizing has faded leaving a lighter copper base color in the right light. Both solid nickel scabbard fittings look excellent. They have some fine scratches throughout. The ball remains perfectly round as some bruises and all four screws remain intact. The scabbard to crossguard fit is perfect. The crossguards are solid nickel silver. The reverse of the lower crossguard is marked “I” (Munich). The crossguards to grip fits are perfect. The dyed hardwood grip is in excellent shape. It has the typical bumps and bruises throughout. No cracks or chips. This piece has wear on the scabbard and grip, evidence of where a vertical hanger was at some point. The solid nickel eagle has a perfect fit and retains beautiful detail. The SS runes retain 99% enamel and also has a perfect fit. A great example!