No, I was actually agreeing with you, but could have done a better job with my wording. The purpose of the SS schools was to graduate officers, the same as the German Army schools. With the Army officer candidates starting at the bottom (of course there were certain exceptions) and working their way up. Having different interim ranks as NCO�s as they progressed. As well as an interim status when they graduated until they made it through a probationary period. And if they washed out, there were given permanent status usually as higher grade NCO�s depending on how far they were along in the process. Said NCO�s then being permitted to wear government issue swords.

Or, in the case of the SS instead of the Army. The NCO swords to the appropriate NCO ranks including candidates. And in the case of officers who were not personally awarded swords by HH, the so-called candidate sword (as private purchases). With some also possibly allocated for temporary use by those who were in an interim status prior to an award, and general parade/ceremonial use. FP