This original Henckels SS dagger is an impressive transitional Model 1933 service dagger produced by J. A. Henckels Zwillingswerk of Solingen. Its unusually attractive blade carries both the famous Henckels “Twins” trademark and the SS contract marking RZM 15/38 SS. Therefore, it represents the desirable transitional period between early maker-marked production and later fully RZM-controlled manufacture.
€ 4.250
1 in stock
This original Henckels SS dagger is an impressive transitional Model 1933 service dagger produced by J. A. Henckels Zwillingswerk of Solingen. Its unusually attractive blade carries both the famous Henckels “Twins” trademark and the SS contract marking RZM 15/38 SS. Therefore, it represents the desirable transitional period between early maker-marked production and later fully RZM-controlled manufacture.
The dagger remains complete with its black wooden grip, original inset insignia, nickel-plated fittings and black-painted steel scabbard. Most importantly, the blade retains strong cross-graining and a dark, clearly defined SS motto. Consequently, this is a highly collectable example of one of the best-known ceremonial sidearms associated with the SS organisation.
Collectors use the term “transitional” for daggers that combine a traditional manufacturer’s trademark with an RZM production or contract code. On this Henckels SS dagger, the reverse ricasso displays three distinct markings:
The number identifies J. A. Henckels as the manufacturer and indicates a 1938 production contract. Specialist references also record 15/38 SS and 15/39 SS as Henckels SS-dagger contract markings.
Although frequently called a Waffen-SS dagger in commercial descriptions, the Model 1933 was an organisational SS service dagger. It was not exclusive to the Waffen-SS. The Imperial War Museums catalogues comparable examples as SS service daggers and records the characteristic black wooden grip, inset eagle, SS emblem and bright metal fittings.
The blade forms the visual centrepiece of this dagger. It retains a well-defined central ridge, sharp point and extensive original transverse polishing marks. Furthermore, the blade shows only moderate runner marks and light signs of careful handling.
The obverse carries the etched SS motto:
“Meine Ehre heißt Treue”
“My Honour Is Loyalty”
The lettering remains dark and sharply defined. In addition, the etching shows good internal detail and an even period appearance. The blade has not suffered from heavy sharpening, major corrosion or aggressive modern polishing.
On the reverse, the Henckels trademark and RZM markings remain exceptionally clear. Their positioning close to the lower crossguard agrees with documented RZM 15/38 SS Henckels dagger examples. Comparable daggers also display the same combination of the Twins trademark, RZM emblem and contract number.
The shaped black wooden grip has the characteristic narrow-waisted profile of the Model 1933 SS service dagger. Its deep black finish creates a strong contrast with the silver-coloured fittings and inset insignia.
A metal national eagle occupies the centre of the grip. The eagle retains clear feather, wreath and wing detail. Moreover, it sits neatly within the wood and shows age consistent with the surrounding components.
The upper grip contains the circular SS runic emblem. Its black enamel field and silver-coloured runes remain clearly visible. Both insignia appear correctly positioned and naturally fitted. Meanwhile, the visible grip surfaces remain generally sound, with expected handling marks and minor age-related wear.
Collectors may also compare this example with the original SS Model 1933 dagger grip already listed within the Nordmenn collection.
The upper and lower crossguards use the plated construction normally associated with transitional and later-production SS daggers. Unlike many early daggers, which commonly used solid nickel components, later examples increasingly employed plated alloy fittings and painted scabbards.
The guards show honest age toning, surface wear and localised loss of plating. However, their profile remains strong, and the fittings sit closely against the wooden grip. The exposed tang nut also remains present at the pommel.
This wear gives the dagger an appealing, undisturbed appearance. It also matches the ageing visible on the scabbard mounts. Therefore, the dagger presents as a coherent period assembly rather than a newly assembled collection of unrelated components.
The Henckels SS dagger retains its original black-painted steel scabbard. The body remains generally straight and preserves a high proportion of its black finish. Light scratches, rubbing and handling marks are visible, although these remain consistent with genuine service use and long-term storage.
The scabbard carries nickel-plated upper and lower mounts. Both show noticeable age spotting and plating wear. Nevertheless, the lower ball remains intact, while the upper fitting retains its original carrying ring.
A comparable scabbard held by the Imperial War Museums is described as a black metal body with bright metal locket, chape and suspension fitting.
No leather suspension strap accompanies the dagger. However, an appropriate original RZM-marked short hanger could be added separately without altering the dagger itself. Related edged weapons and accessories can be viewed in the Nordmenn weapons collection.
The overall condition is very good, with the blade rating higher than the exterior fittings.
Blade: Very good to excellent. Strong cross-grain, dark motto, clear markings and only moderate runner wear.
Grip: Very good. Attractive black finish with correctly inset eagle and SS runic emblem. Minor surface wear remains visible.
Crossguards: Good to very good. Correct form with age toning, oxidation and partial plating loss.
Scabbard: Good to very good. Straight body with substantial black paint remaining. The mounts show scratches, spotting and plating wear.
Completeness: Dagger and scabbard complete. The suspension ring remains present, but no leather hanger accompanies the piece.
The visible age is honest and evenly distributed. In particular, the blade has avoided the heavy corrosion, sharpening and post-war refinishing that affect many surviving SS daggers.
J. A. Henckels ranks among Solingen’s oldest and most respected edged-weapon manufacturers. The company traces its famous Twin trademark to 1731. During the Third Reich period, it used RZM code M7/10 and several SS-specific contract markings, including 15/38 SS.
Henckels produced comparatively limited numbers of SS daggers when measured against the largest contractors. As a result, clearly marked transitional examples attract strong interest from advanced collectors.
The double-marked blade makes this dagger particularly desirable. It preserves the company’s traditional identity while also recording the growing influence of RZM-controlled manufacture.
This Henckels SS dagger combines several qualities that collectors actively seek:
Therefore, it would form an important addition to an advanced collection of SS edged weapons, RZM-controlled equipment or Solingen-produced ceremonial daggers.
For further study, see Nordmenn’s German dagger reference books, which include specialist publications on the service daggers of the SS.
Based on the supplied photographs, the construction, blade markings, motto, grip profile, insignia, plated fittings and painted scabbard all conform to documented characteristics of a J. A. Henckels RZM 15/38 SS transitional dagger.
The dagger appears period original and substantially complete. Nevertheless, any final commercial guarantee should remain subject to direct examination of the scabbard screws, throat, grip fit and internal components. The dagger should not be dismantled merely for inspection, especially when the existing fittings appear undisturbed.
A damaged Henckels 15/38 SS example with missing grip insignia, grip cracks and a dented scabbard sold through Ratisbon’s for €1,120 in July 2024. Another archived dealer example was previously advertised at US$1,899, although that older price does not accurately represent the strongest present specialist-retail market.
The present dagger is materially better than the damaged Ratisbon’s example because it retains both grip insignia, a strong blade and a substantially intact scabbard.
Estimated specialist auction value: €2,400–€2,900
Estimated collector-to-collector value: €2,800–€3,300
Estimated specialist retail value: €3,250–€3,950
A price near €3,950 may be achievable after confirming that the grip has no hidden cracks and that all four scabbard screws remain original and undisturbed. Conversely, replaced insignia, turned screws or concealed damage would lower the valuation.
Object: SS service dagger with scabbard
Model: Model 1933
Production type: Transitional RZM production
Date: 1938
Manufacturer: J. A. Henckels Zwillingswerk
Place of manufacture: Solingen, Germany
Contract marking: RZM 15/38 SS
Blade inscription: “Meine Ehre heißt Treue”
Grip: Black wood with eagle and SS runic emblem
Fittings: Nickel-plated metal
Scabbard: Black-painted steel with plated mounts
Condition: Very good overall; stronger blade condition
