German SS Ground Rohm Dagger -
The Schutzstaffel(Protective Echelon), abbreviated SS- or (Runic) was a major Nazi
organization under Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party. The SS grew from a small paramilitary unit
to a powerful force that served as the Führer's "Praetorian Guard," the Nazi Party's
"Shield Squadron" and a force that, fielding almost a million men (both on the front lines and
as political police), managed to exert as much political influence in the Third Reich as the
Wehrmacht, Germany's regular armed forces.
An SS dagger meant to be worn by all ranks of the SS was introduced in 1933. This dagger was very similar to the SA
style. The construction of the SS dagger consisted of black ebony handles with an SS symbol insert located just below
the pommel. In addition, a small eagle holding a swastika is placed on the center of the handle. The fittings are
manufactured from plated zinc metal. The dagger was usually a special purchase item.
Initially, production of the dagger was not under RZM control. It was not until 1934 that the RZM started overseeing
production of the dagger.
The SS dagger is one of the most desirable daggers to obtain by a collector. It is also a difficult one to find.
There are many replicas flooding the market so the buyer must be very careful when purchasing one.
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Over the years Rohm's political views started to divert too far apart from Hitler's views. As a
result, Hitler charged Rohm with treason and ordered his execution (The night of the Long Knives).
After this action took place it was ordered that all Rohm daggers be eliminated from circulation.
This was achieved in one of two ways; The dagger could be destroyed or the special inscription
could be taken off via grinder. The photo above shows how the inscription was removed off
the blade.
Having had to pay for the dagger, many members decided to go the grinder route instead of having
to pay for another dagger. Daggers who still bear the entire Rohm dedication are hard to find.
Common manufacturers of the Rohm dagger include:
Eickhorn
EP&S
F. Dick
Henckels
Wusthof
Herder
Aesculap
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This is an identification guide for the SS daggers employed during the Third Reich. Detailed
photos and descriptions explain the different aspects of the dagger.
This information is brought to you courtesy of
MilitaryItems.com,
We have a large offering of military antiques and collectibles. We specialize in the WWII era
but our inventory encompasses other periods and countries.
Check out our on-line store, with over 3,000 quality items available for sale. You can also
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The handguard of the dagger has a number 2 stamped on the lowe section near the
throat of the blade. The front is stamped with III. These are correct markings
for the period.
The manufacturer markings are also applied to the base of the blade. It consists
of two vertical ovals, one inside the other, with the figure of a squirrel placed
in the innermost oval. The name Carl Eickhorn is crolled in the upper portion
while the name of the town Solingen is placed at the bottom.
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The basic design of the dagger was shared with the SA and NSKK organizations. It consisted
of a black painted wooden handle. Smooth construction. One side has an eagle with
spread wings and clutching a wreath with a swastika in the center. Above the eagle is
a circle with the SS runned in the center. The letters are silver in color.
The scabbard is painted black to match the handle. It comes with two fittings. One
in the throat area and one in the tip. The throat fitting has a ring attched to one
side. This is where the leather dagger hanger is secured.
The blade has the inscription "Meime Ethre Heibt Treue" on one side. The other side
read "In Herzlicher Freundschaft Ernst Rohm" but the wording was removed by the grinder.
There is a version of the SS dagger that uses a metal chain for a hanger. This model is known
as the chained SS dagger.
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This edge weapon is currently being
reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be
able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The
collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing
of edge weapons. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity
of the item.
If you have an interest is seeing other edge weapons of the Third Reich, you can do so by going to our
WWII German Edge Weapons identification guide. Where
we cover blades from the Heer (Army), Navy (Kriegsmarine), Air Force (Luftwaffe) and other organizations.
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