An exceptionally rare early SS-Verfügungstruppe lion head sword corresponding to the special WKC Model 1016 variant produced for officers of the SS-Verfügungstruppe during the formative mid-1930s period.
The elaborate nickel-silver coloured hilt incorporates a finely detailed lion-head pommel with distinctive green glass eyes, black grip with multiple strands of silver wire, a national eagle and swastika on the langet, and extensive oak-leaf and floral decoration.
Most importantly, the sword retains an early silver-and-black SS-Verfügungstruppe officer’s portepee with embroidered SS runes. The original black steel scabbard also remains present.
An essentially identical WKC Model 1016 SS-VT lion-head sword is documented by Lakesidetrader and appears in Thomas T. Wittmann’s reference work on SS edged weapons.
€ 6.500
1 in stock
This imposing SS-Verfügungstruppe lion head sword represents an exceptionally scarce form of officer’s sabre from the early development of the armed SS formations.
Before the introduction of the distinctive SS Führerdegen, officers of the SS-Verfügungstruppe could acquire specially adapted officer swords.
These weapons retained the traditional German lion-head officer-sabre form. However, their silver-coloured fittings and SS-related details distinguished them from the familiar gilt Heer officer versions.
The present example displays virtually all of the characteristics associated with the rare WKC SS-Verfügungstruppe Model 1016 variation.
One of the most important documented comparisons comes from Lakesidetrader.
Their archive records an:
“SS-Verfügungstruppe Löwenkopf Off.-Säbel mit Hoheits-Abzeichen”
and identifies it as a WKC Model 1016 variant.
That archived sword displays the same fundamental characteristics as the present example:
Lakesidetrader further records that this exact pattern appears on page 310 of Thomas T. Wittmann’s Exploring the Dress Daggers and Swords of the German SS. WKC also advertised a dedicated line of SS swords in its period sales catalogue.
Lakesidetrader – Early SS Officer Lion Head Sword by WKC
This is currently the most important published construction comparison for the present sword.
The supplied photographs do not show the area beneath the obverse langet.
On the documented Lakesidetrader WKC example, the manufacturer’s knight’s-head WKC trademark is stamped beneath that langet.
Therefore, the hilt and overall configuration strongly correspond with the WKC Model 1016 SS-Verfügungstruppe variant.
For absolute catalogue confirmation, the langet should be carefully lifted only enough to photograph the hidden maker mark if it can be done without stressing the hilt.
No disassembly is recommended.
The lion-head pommel is one of the most distinctive features.
Deep sculpting defines the mane, brow, nose and open mouth.
Most importantly, the eyes contain green glass stones.
Lakesidetrader specifically describes the green eyes on its documented WKC SS-VT Model 1016 example as “green SS eyes.”
The present sword retains the same striking green eye treatment.
Strong natural patina has developed within the deeper areas of the lion’s mane. Meanwhile, raised surfaces display smooth wear consistent with handling and age.
Decoration continues from the lion’s head along the backstrap.
Raised foliage, scrollwork and oak-leaf style ornament cover the silver-coloured fitting.
A recessed central cartouche appears within the decorative design.
Rather than displaying modern machine-cut decoration, the surface shows the softer definition, patination and hand-finished character expected on a quality pre-war Solingen sword.
This elaborate treatment demonstrates that the sword belonged to WKC’s premium officer line rather than ordinary enlisted production.
The grip is formed from black composition material.
Deep moulding provides an attractive ribbed structure.
Multiple strands of silver-coloured wire follow the grip grooves.
This arrangement matches the construction described on the documented WKC SS-VT example, where Lakesidetrader records a black Bakelite grip wrapped with triple nickel-silver wire.
The grip on the present sword remains particularly attractive.
No major losses are visible in the supplied photographs.
The front langet carries a raised national eagle above a wreath-enclosed swastika.
This feature is important because it differentiates the SS-VT variation from an ordinary commercial WKC lion-head Army sword.
The national emblem sits within a deeply modelled shield.
Oak and floral decoration surround the central motif.
Age-related darkening remains within the recesses. As a result, the relief remains particularly clear.
Perhaps the most important surviving accessory is the original-style SS-Verfügungstruppe officer’s portepee.
Silver-grey material forms the principal body.
Black stripes run longitudinally through the woven fabric.
Most significantly, the lower strap displays:
The tassel incorporates alternating silver and black elements.
Lakesidetrader’s documented WKC Model 1016 sword likewise retains what it describes as an early SS-VT portepee.
This accessory considerably increases both the rarity and display value of the present sword.
Original SS sword portepees are valuable collectables in their own right.
The SS-Verfügungstruppe, normally abbreviated SS-VT, developed during the mid-1930s as the armed, full-time component of the SS.
Its formations ultimately became an important foundation of the wartime Waffen-SS.
Before a standard SS sword had been fully established, SS-VT officers used specially produced or modified officer sabres.
Helmut Weitze documents another extremely rare early SS-Verfügungstruppe Löwenkopfsäbel, presented to the later SS-Standartenführer Fritz Klingenberg on his promotion to SS-Untersturmführer in April 1935.
Although the Klingenberg sword was manufactured by Alcoso rather than WKC, it provides excellent independent evidence for the use of special silver-finished lion-head officer sabres within the early SS-Verfügungstruppe.
Helmut Weitze – Fritz Klingenberg SS-Verfügungstruppe Lion Head Sword
Ordinary Heer officer lion-head swords were produced in substantial numbers.
Many used gilt brass or gold-coloured hilts.
By comparison, the SS-Verfügungstruppe lion head sword used silver-coloured fittings in keeping with SS uniform traditions.
Additional SS-related characteristics can include:
An ordinary WKC Model 1016 Army sword therefore should not be valued or described in the same category as the scarce SS-Verfügungstruppe variation.
This sword also predates the familiar SS Führerdegen pattern.
The later SS Führerdegen has a fundamentally different appearance.
Typical features include:
The present sword instead belongs to the transitional period when traditional German lion-head sabres were adapted for early SS-VT officer use.
That makes it especially important to collectors of the formative SS-Verfügungstruppe period.
The long blade remains bright and highly reflective.
Its profile follows the traditional curved officer-sabre form.
A long fuller reduces weight while maintaining the elegant proportions of the sword.
From the supplied photographs, the blade retains strong polish with relatively limited age spotting.
The cutting edge and point should remain untouched.
No modern sharpening or polishing is recommended.
The sword retains its original black-painted steel scabbard.
Age and wear are clearly visible.
Areas of original black finish remain, while other sections display oxidation and finish loss.
This condition is consistent with prolonged storage and genuine period use.
Importantly, the scabbard appears to retain its original suspension ring and throat assembly.
The untouched appearance complements the patina of the sword itself.
The photographs provide several significant positive features.
These include:
The Lakesidetrader archive is particularly important because its documented example is visually and structurally extremely close to this sword.
The remaining authentication check is straightforward.
If that hidden mark is present and consistent, the identification becomes considerably stronger.
Overall condition is very good for an exceptionally rare early SS-VT officer sword.
The hilt retains excellent definition.
Green glass eyes remain present.
Likewise, the black grip appears sound and the silver wire remains substantially complete.
The portepee survives in particularly attractive condition, although modest age staining can be seen.
Meanwhile, the blade presents strongly.
The scabbard shows noticeably greater wear, including finish loss and surface corrosion.
That wear should remain untouched.
Aggressive restoration would reduce both historical integrity and collector value.
This should not be valued as a normal German officer lion-head sword.
Lakesidetrader describes its documented WKC Model 1016 SS-Verfügungstruppe example as:
The same dealer notes that WKC maintained a special line of SS swords in its sales catalogue.
Furthermore, the early SS-Verfügungstruppe period lasted only a relatively short time before the standard SS Führerdegen appeared.
Surviving examples therefore occupy a particularly specialised area of advanced SS edged-weapon collecting.
The presence of the correct-style early SS-VT portepee substantially increases the significance of this example.
An ordinary WKC Model 1016 Heer lion-head sword can sell for only a fraction of the value of the SS variation.
The present example combines the rare SS-VT hilt configuration with green eyes, national emblem, original scabbard and early SS portepee.
Because the scabbard shows substantial age and finish loss, I would place it below a near-mint example.
A realistic current specialist range is approximately:
If the hidden WKC trademark is confirmed and the portepee proves unquestionably period-original on physical examination, €7,500 is a strong catalogue price.
Named officer provenance would increase the value significantly.
Item: Early SS officer sword Correct designation: SS-Verfügungstruppe Löwenkopf Offizierssäbel English description: SS-Verfügungstruppe Lion Head Officer Sword Pattern: WKC Model 1016 SS-VT variant Manufacturer: WKC, Solingen pattern Full maker: Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie. Maker mark: Expected beneath obverse langet; confirmation recommended Period: Circa 1934–1936 Organisation: SS-Verfügungstruppe Hilt: Silver-coloured / nickel-silver style Pommel: Sculpted lion head Eyes: Green glass Grip: Black composition Grip wire: Multiple silver-coloured strands Langet: National eagle and swastika Blade: Long bright officer-sabre blade Scabbard: Black-painted steel Portepee: Early silver-and-black SS-VT officer type with embroidered SS runes Condition: Very good, naturally age worn Rarity: Extremely rare Short ID: SS-VT-WKC-1016 Recommended price: €7,500
Link the phrase “original SS militaria” to the Nordmenn SS collection.
Use this link from the phrase “rare early SS officer insignia”.
Original SS Hauptamtschef Officer Cuff Title – Nordmenn Militaria
Use this link from the phrase “SS-Verfügungstruppe officer material”.
SS-1 Standarte Deutschland Officer Collar Tabs – Nordmenn Militaria
Lakesidetrader – Rare Early SS Officer Lion Head Sword by WKC
This archived example identifies the pattern specifically as the WKC Model 1016 SS-Verfügungstruppe variant and documents the green eyes, black grip, nickel-silver wire and early SS-VT portepee.
Helmut Weitze – SS-Verfügungstruppe Lion Head Sword of Fritz Klingenberg
This documented 1935 sword confirms that special silver-finished lion-head sabres were used by officers of the early SS-Verfügungstruppe.
It is an early SS-Verfügungstruppe lion head officer sword corresponding closely with the special WKC Model 1016 SS variation.
No.
The silver hilt, SS-associated green-eye variation, national emblem and SS-VT portepee distinguish it from the usual gilt Heer Model 1016.
The documented comparison was manufactured by Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie. – WKC of Solingen.
On the known example, the WKC knight’s-head trademark sits beneath the obverse langet.
The documented WKC SS-Verfügungstruppe version also uses green glass eyes. Lakesidetrader specifically describes them as the model’s green SS eyes.
Yes.
The silver-and-black knot with embroidered SS runes is an early SS-Verfügungstruppe officer type and adds considerably to the rarity and value.
No.
The familiar SS Führerdegen is a later and completely different sword design.
The most appropriate period is the mid-1930s, before the later standard SS Führerdegen became established.
The recommended specialist retail price is €7,500, subject to confirmation of the concealed WKC maker mark.
Extremely Rare Early SS-Verfügungstruppe Lion Head Officer Sword – WKC Model 1016 SS-VT Pattern – Silver-Coloured Hilt – Green Glass Lion Eyes – Black Wire-Wound Grip – National Eagle and Swastika Langet – Early SS-Verfügungstruppe Officer Portepee with SS Runes – Original Black Steel Scabbard – Circa 1934–1936
