Original German WWII SS Police Officer's Degen Dress Sword and Scabbard by Peter Daniel Krebs with SS-Kulturzeichen Markings

Original Item: Only One Available. Under provisions of the decree of 17 June 1936 Reichsführer-SS, Heinrich Himmler assumed full power over the entire German police organization and as such many members of the police held dual membership in the Police and SS. This sword is an example of this dual membership policy.

This is a genuine vintage World War II German SS Police Officer's Degen (Épée) Dress Sword, made by the well-known Solingen-based firm of Peter Daniel Krebs. It is still in very good condition, looking to have seen moderate use at formal events. The nickel-plated steel fittings and the "D" guard are still present, with a lovely lightly oxidized patina. We cannot see any wear through to the base material, making this a really great example.

The "D" guard does not show any cracks or other damage, and still retains the original shape well. It terminates in the usual teardrop quillon, and there is actually an SS-Kulturzeichen proof marking on the top, which is two overlapping ᛋ Siegrune (Sig/Victory Rune) symbols inside an uneven octagon. The hilt has the correct officer's pommel cap, though it is not serrated like most we see. The ferrule is decorated with six standing oak leaves separated by acorns, still retaining the plating well, with some areas showing a lovely lightly oxidized patina. The ebony grip is in very good condition, with the officer's aluminum grip binding fully retained, showing moderate overall wear. There are some chips on the reverse as well as denting to the binding, which looks to be from blows with an edged weapon. The inset Police Civic eagle insignia is also in fine condition, and is bronze alloy, which was originally plated nickel, however that has mostly worn away and oxidized, leaving a lovely patina. The hilt is still firmly attached to the blade, with no wobble we can detect.

The 29 1/4” blade is in very good condition, still bright and retaining the original matte finish well. We can see some wear from past oxidation and cleaning, but this is really a great example, with just a few dents to the edge and no signs of sharpening. The tip is fully intact, though the leather blade buffer is unfortunately missing.

The reverse ricasso is maker marked with a "Crayfish" or "Fresh Water Lobster" mark inside a shield, surrounded by PET. DAN. KREBS and SOLINGEN, the maker mark of Peter Daniel Krebs, Waffenfabrikation (Arms Manufacture). This was a relatively well-known maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany, which produced many fine edged weapons. Per J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS, this company began trading in 1860, though it did not register until 1899. Krebs is the German word for "Crayfish", and was originally registered as a trademark by August Krebs. The company was run by his relatives and descendants, and survived post war until 1954, when the company was dissolved.

The scabbard is in very good condition, with the steel body still straight and showing just one minor dent on the rear about 3 inches above the drag, which does not interfere with sheathing. It retains the black enamel finish at about 90%, with crazing and checking to due to age, showing that it was definitely not repainted. There are some areas of finish loss, which has allowed the steel to oxidize. The upper mount is in the "Wotan's Knot" configuration, which is also nickel plated, and is marked on the top with another SS-Kulturzeichen proof marking. It is in very good condition, showing some minor oxidation and wear. It still has both retaining screws still present inside of the "knot" on both sides. The drag fitting is in great shape as well, with a nice matured look, and both retaining screws present. The hanger ring is intact, as is the rectangular slot for "hitching up" the sword, though there is definitely some lost paint and oxidation.

These SS police swords are quite rare and desirable, and we have only had a handful previously. This is definitely a great example, made by a hard to find Solingen maker, ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 29 1/4"
Blade Style: Single Edge w/ Fuller
Overall length: 34 1/2“
Guard dimensions: 5" width x 4 3/4” length
Scabbard length: 34 3/4”