1936 Chained SS Dagger w/Belt Loop. Robert Klaas kissing cranes TM. This dagger, recently obtained in Germany, is a clear confirmation of the following quote from page 28 of Collecting the Edged Weapons of the Third Reich, Volume V, 2nd edition which states, "Initially some officers must have elected to retain their old daggers and simply purchased the new scabbard. This would explain the many original period examples found with early marked daggers, as complete issue examples were usually void of any blade or crossguard markings." Nickel-silver hilt fittings show light yellow age patina as found on early examples, with reverse lower crossguard distribution center marked, "I". Black ebony grip shows light surface wear with some faint chipping to the lower obverse adjacent to crossguard, but no hairline cracks. Grip is complete with silver eagle and SS insert properly inset. Mirror polished blade grades EX++ showing light runner marks and a few specks of gray shadowing on upper obverse, but no pitting or nicks to cutting edges. Deeply etched motto shows minor wear to the medium gray background frosting. Dent-free steel scabbard retains approximately 90% of the black enamel showing light surface wear primarily to the lower edge. Nickel-silver scabbard fittings show light surface wear with several minor surface depressions to fittings and to lower ball. Center scabbard band is held by a single scabbard screw as normally seen on painted scabbards. Nickel silver Type II chain shows light age patina with portions of factory darkening remaining on the obverse links, and with the reverse chain SS proof marked. Top of cloverleaf is not cut out as is proper for the Type II chain hanger. Dagger is complete with black leather belt loop. Nice early SS Dagger matched with a 1936 scabbard. EX+/EX++ (24175) $8,750.