The first official edged weapon of the Schutzstaffel, introduced in 1933 and designed after 16th-century Swiss daggers known as Holbein daggers. In appearance, it closely resembled the SA dagger, which was adopted at nearly the same time. The blade bears the motto “Meine Ehre heißt Treue” (“My Honour is Loyalty”), which became one of the principal symbols of the SS. In the early years of the organization, the dagger was regarded not only as a uniform accessory and symbol of SS membership, but also as a personal edged weapon that its owner could use if necessary.

The early variant of the SS dagger Model 1933, produced before 1936, features nickel silver fittings on the grip and scabbard, high manufacturing quality, and careful fitting of components. Scabbards typically had an anodized finish, although original painted variants are also encountered. Blades most commonly bear a maker’s mark with the manufacturer’s name; early RZM marks are occasionally found. From 1936 onward, the construction was gradually simplified: zinc, aluminum, steel scabbard fittings, and painted scabbards came into use. Transitional marks appeared, featuring both the manufacturer’s logo and RZM code, later replaced by RZM markings alone. Early daggers were produced in smaller quantities and typically saw longer periods of wear; consequently, examples in mint or near-mint condition are extremely rare. Minor grip chips and signs of use are considered normal for these pieces. Particular attention should be paid to restorations and later-period components; if such interventions are present, they are specifically noted in the item description.

Gottlieb Hammesfahr, Solingen-Foche, is a renowned Solingen firm with a history dating back to the 19th century. The company was engaged in edged weapon production for many years, and during the Third Reich period became one of the manufacturers of early SS daggers Model 1933. Early Hammesfahr examples feature the maker’s mark on the blade, nickel silver fittings, and typically anodized scabbards.

The “III” mark on the lower crossguard refers to the SS distribution and inspection center in Berlin. Like the I and II markings, it is a characteristic feature of the early period of SS dagger production and distribution.