When the Tom's wrote their edged weapon references, SS chain daggers were labeled into but 2 different categories. They were either Type I's, or Type II's. But over the course of time the collecting community came to realize that these 2 chain variations, didn't fit all of the configurations of M36's know in collections.

In 2010, author / collector Ralf Siegert wrote a reference which for the first time defined 4 distinct categories into which SS Chain daggers fell. And also broke those groups down into characteristics which defined them, and a general time line in which they were manufactured.

They are as follows:

TYPE A- Nickel constructed chain, with a septum in the nose of skull link.

TYPE B1- Nickel constructed chain, void of the nose septum

TYPE B2 Steel constructed chain, void of the nose septum

TYPE C Steel plated constructed chain, unique link characteristics and considerably different from the other 3 listed above.

All of these chains and their unique characteristics are broken down and easy to understand and observe close up, in Ralf reference. I think we also have them listed in the blog section of our website.

Here are some examples in the Meda Militaria collection:

TYPE A, nickel construction with the septum in the nose of the skull link.

Another TYPE A, belonged to an SS General

TYPE B1. Nickel construction

TYPE B2. Steel chain construction.

Another B2. Steel chain, plated fittings

And a 3rd example of a B2. Steel constructed chain

TYPE C. Plated steel chain

And finally, another TYPE C as in above.

If you're going to talk SS Chain Daggers.....................you've got to know your ABC's :))

JR

oh my god, that is spectacular lineup .
It's a very good reference ,thanks to share with us

Ivan,

The example which you have listed in the classifieds is a TYPE B2. The characteristics of it show a dagger that was manufactured during the end of edged weapon production, 40-41ish time frame. It has the following components for an M36 made during that time period:

Steel TYPE B chain
Machine stamped SS proof mark
Plated fittings, both scabbard and dagger
Aluminum grip eagle
Copper SS runes

Dear colleagues! Here is my M36. From the above it is a type C?
Thank you in advance to everyone who responds.
Regards!
______________
Sergey

.....

....

Sergey Very Nice chained SS

Dam JR this is a very nice M36:)

Thanks, Bob!
Regards,
______________
Sergey.

On the back of the blade an enigmatic signature. «Dein Rudi» - Your Rudy.
Regards,
______________
Sergei.

Indeed a Type C, Sir. You nailed it. Thank you for contributing to the topic.

Thank you so much for the lesson!
Kind regards!
______________
Sergey.

I know Dave has a 36 with some "unique" characteristics. Perhaps we can get him to post it as well. It's a very special early SS chain

Extremely interested!
Kind regards!
______________
Sergey.

Its in the bank lock box, JR.

I never photographed it and have not had it out for some time. What is "unique" about it? Maybe I can go did it out.

Regards,
Dave

I have been collecting for over 47 years. Guess Iam from the old school, a Chainedd SS dagger was just that, no designations, no abc. They did not even call it a M 36. Man how things have changed. I have three chained SS daggers in my collection, could not tell you if they are type A, type B, or type C. It is still to me a chained SS dagger.
thanks,
Bob

That would spoil the surprise Dave. Post it up, it's a great dagger. Ive seen it.

As noted above, its in the bank. Its in TW's SS book as well.

Now what Catagory does this fall in LMAO, Could they be one more type chain

JR What magnificent Chained SS Dagger were they all yours:) All of them are in the great condition. This is a great post on the chained SS Daggers. A good lesson Post.

Sorry about this post guys. Sort of in bad taste. I tried to take it off right after I put it on but the forun had went down. Im Bad , The devil made me do it

My addition here.

My type A.

2nd addition here. As promised.

My type B1.

2 very impressive early M36's. Thank you for the contribution.

Great thread guys, lovely M36s shown !

some close up pix of the differences in the skulls would be very helpful as well



Regards Mac 66

Two Great looking Chained SS Daggers Kris, They are both Magnificent

These initial production TYPE C's, at times came with some of the scabbard components comprised of nickel. In other words, they can be found with the lower chape, top fitting, or even just the throat, made of nickel. This style of M36 fell in the time frame of when the last of the nickel was going away, and the introduction of plated components started making their way into the scene. In all likelihood, 1937ish

These early TYPE C chain assemblies are usually found with thick struck links, and heavy quality beautiful plating. Here is another example.

2

While there is quite a bit more to understanding the different chain variations than by just showing the skull link of each type, it's somewhat difficult to totally explain all of the characteristics in this single thread.

In Ralf's SS edged weapon reference, he certainly does and excellent job in breaking down the criteria to distinguish the differences and characteristics of each variation. We also have a shortened version of that in the blog section of our site.

I've shown the TYPE C already. Here are the other 3.

TYPE A, all nickel construction, nose septum in the skull link

TYPE B1, all nickel construction, no septum

TYPE B2, steel construction. These can be found in a dark burnished background as shown. Or a lighter version which is also seen.

TYPE B2, steel, with a lighter burnishing to the background of the links.

Ralf S. did the book, but the only author of the certain chapter is (co-) author Mr. Sven Georgi and the certain classification (A, B1, B2, C) is exclusive from Mr. Sven Georgi.

Regards,

Here is one of my "A" daggers. The other one is better in condition and has the extremely rare (obviously very early) device etching. Sorry, have no pics of the other one.

Here my B2.
Regards,

Excellent examples Sir, and thank you for your contribution. Additionally, appreciate you adding to the classification information devised by Mr. Georgi.

Still waiting for the moderator Dave, to post his up. Let the chant go up....DAVE......DAVE...........DAVE! :))

Wotan Beautiful Daggers both of them, Maybe someday I will own one. But Till then I am getting a good learning Lesson Thanks To JR and all the rest of you guys with the Beautiful Chained SS daggers.

Wotan, thank you for your comment regarding my work in R. Siegerts Book about Mod.-36 SS Chains.
Hope it will help fellow collectors to classify her Daggers and Chains.

Regards
Sven Georgi

It's tough to find a B2 in nice condition. Because they were made later in the 3rd Reich period, when quality metals available to edged weapon manufactures were all but gone.

This is a pretty decent one that came in today.

Yes it is JR Very Nice:)

Sell the dog, Red. Put this one in your stash! :))

Another nice piece JR. You're going hard lately. Thanks for showing.

I don't know if the thread still exists somewhere. But to add to the discussion, when the first production series of the chained SS daggers was introduced here on GDC as a topic prior to TW's book as the "Type X" (having the nasal septum) it had some images that illustrated them fairly well IMO. With the one on the left the one I started that chain link discussion with, and the one to the right a contribution by the late Vic Diehl who used a technique of his own invention to photograph it. Written up in TW's book as the personalized SS Dr. Metz's dagger, it received recognition for that aspect, but not for its having the nasal septum type of chain link. Best Regards, Fred

Type A Chain link

Type B1