UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons German Sword & Miniatures Forum SS NCO sword question

Gentlemen,

I have to ask for your help regarding an SS NCO's sword. I am presently putting a couple of SS mannequins together and am looking for a nice NCO sword to add to the display. I have come across a few of these swords for sale on the internet sites but this one has me baffled. Has anyone ever seen a runes pommel cap with the SS runes shaped in this fashion?

Cheers,

I don't recall having seen one of that particular design, but they do vary in design. There is no "standard" cap of this design. I don't see any "danger" signals about it. It should be oval-shaped and magnetic. There are reproductions of this cap in non-magnetic, zinc-based metal. That it appears to show age and slight damage is a positive sign. Some of these caps were engraved, but most were cast, as this one appears to be.

Grumpy,

Than you, sir. I appreciate your comments on this sword. Thanks also to Andy who sent me a private email.

Cheers,

I can't remember seeing one with runes that look that bad but, I believe it's ok.

Hi Darryl

I would wait for a better example. The runes should be more wider.It looks ok but I would wait for a nicer example.For your display.

Joe Semen

They lack that German quality.

I aggree looks retro Polish. From what I see of the guard it has seen some hard use anyhow and there may be better out there.

One of the nicest SS NCO swords I have had a chance to see in person is offered by Paul Hogle. It is hard to find one as clean and unabused and totally free of rust, dents and gouges.

Darryl,

Do some more checking on those runes. I know very little about SS swords, I have not seen fat runes configured like that before.

Below is the top of an SS NCO sword I photographed a few years ago. I have seen a couple more at shows like that that are skinny.

Dave

Here is a policer officer's sword with an SS top

and here is a police NCO-SS top

Dave: The example you posted is the exception but not the rule. I have handled (cleaned/restored) many SS NCO swords. The majority have a round central recess with the runes inside. Because the space between the runes in that recess is rather small some of the casting flash gets hung up in that space. This required hand removal of this excess material and hand enhancements of the runes. In the example originally posted this enhancing process was apparently not performed by an expert.

I would find the example Darryl posted perhaps a little more convincing if it was not for the fact that a Dremel tool/rotary cutter seems to have been used to (partially) create the �SS� Sigrunen. With some very deep areas cut into the pommel cap by a rotary cutter (red arrows). There is sometime else going on inside as well - but the image is not clear enough to form a good opinion. Other than it was done by an amateur who tried to cover up his sloppiness with paint. Said efforts most probably being postwar. FP

Looking at this enlarged photo, I would agree. Although the ones I have seen required cleanup and enhancement after the casting process, this one is a far departure from anything I ever encountered. I don't think it would have passed quality control.

Gentlemen,

Many thanks for your wise input. I will pass on the sword that I asked you about. Mr. Vogel, I have also looked at Paul's sword on his site and agree that it is a very nice example. My only reason for not going after it is due to the repainted scabbard. I guess I am a stickler for originality and would prefer one with original paint.

I am not in a big rush to get one of these swords so I will wait for the right one to appear.

Cheers,

Darryl: I only mentioned it because you indicated wanting a 'nice sword' in your initial posting and the fact that I'm familiar with that sword. I also want to mention that I'm not expecting any kickbacks from Paul for referring to his website.
I certainly wish you good luck in your search.

mvogel,

Thank you very much...I truly appreciate your help and input. I check Paul's site every week or so and we see each other at the local shows up here in the Toronto area. Perhaps I will ask him to bring it with him to the next show in September so I can see it in the flesh.

Cheers,