UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons SS Dagger Forum Unmarked SS Dagger

I'm looking at a SS dagger with no maker's mark. I'm new to this so, is that a thing? Were there any unmarked SS dagger blades? This is coming from a reputable dealer.
Thanks,
Bob

Bob,

Yes, the model 1936 SS daggers with chains had blades with no maker's mark - reason unknown.

That is what you posted, but the entire chain assembly is missing. Chances of finding a correct chain are close to zero.

Complicating this piece is that the lower guard has a SA 'gau' mark stamped on it. This happens now and then but no one knows why. Re-used SA guard ?

In addition there are some big chunks of the grip missing, the scabbard ball is crushed, and there is corrosion on the scabbard.

This is one to skip. There are much better ones out there.

Dave

Thanks for the input Dave. I noticed the lower guard and figured this is a parts dagger. What really had me baffled is the lack of a mark/maker. I'm learning a lot from this forum. I appreciate you responding!
Bob

And, unfortunately, I went about this in the usual "beginner fasion" and bought first then ask questions second. I have not received it yet but have already sent a certified check and then discovered what a value this forum can be. Looks like my first one is going to be a "lesson learned"...the hard way. I'll practice patience and do better next time!

Curious though, if it's not worth much, would I really be hurting the value by restoring? I have extensive experience in woodworking and gun stock making so I'm pretty handy with wood. This is well within my skill set. About the most I would do is inlay some patches to replace the missing pieces in the handle. OR, should I leave it as is?

What are the opinions on restoring items that are probably not of much value as a collectable?

Thanks in advance for input!

Bob

In your place, I would ask for a refund.

To restore it, you'd need a real chain or a very good repro and good luck on that. It is almost impossible to find a real one and all the good repros are being sold as real ones

The grip could be rebuilt but would still be a rebuilt grip and identifiable as such. The scabbard fitting might be rebuilt but refinishing the scabbard surface is very difficult to do.

In the end, you'd spend more without increasing the value.


Dave

You did not say how much you paid for this. The fact is that it is a collectable as it sits. Relic condition but real. If the price was right, keep it as display for your friends.

M36's

Jim,
Thanks for the encouraging words. This will be my first SS. I went into this with eyes wide open, I knew the condition and am OK with it for the price (around $2000). Nice examples of chained SS daggers I have seen are going for 3 to 5 times that (asking price anyway). For the condition I may have paid a bit too much but it is the cheapest one I have seen out there. I just was a little worried about the lack of a maker's mark but I am now seeing that that is appropriate for the M36 daggers. It will never sit in a museum, but I think I'm going to like it for what it is.

Bob

Great !

What is next ? going to stick with SS / SA or branch out ?

I'm pretty single minded, myself

Wow, nice. Yes you are definitely single minded...but that's a good thing! Nice collection you have there. I have a few SA, one Army, two Luftwaffe, one DRK hewer and too many swords mostly Japanese. I need to learn to focus.