SS Honor Dagger by Carl Eickhorn

German WWII > Edged Weapons > SS Daggers > SS Honor Daggers

Purchased by us from the veteran’s nephew. The veteran who brought it home from the war was Captain Richard John Carvelli of the US Army Reserves. He was stationed in Berlin, Germany, during World War II. Here is: Richard John Carvelli’s obituary. This is the first time this piece has been offered to the collecting community. When we acquired this dagger, it was in very rough condition and required some professional restoration work. The blade was cleaned, the scabbard was releathered and the original grip was completely destroyed to the point of no return and needed to be replaced.

SS Ehrendolch für Führer Modell 1936 by Carl Eickhorn of Solingen. This was personally awarded/gifted to high-ranking SS officers by the Reichsführer-SS Heinrich Himmler in recognition of special achievement. It is estimated that no more than fifty SS honor daggers were made. The blade is constructed out of a hand-forged “maiden-hair” pattern Damascus steel. The obverse depicts a raised SS motto, which reads: “Meine Ehre Heißt Treue” and is flanked by a three-leaf sprig and acorn, which are gold gilded. The reverse displays the double oval “Carl Eickhorn Solingen” maker mark, which is also raised and gilded. It displays wonderful running water style patterns with nice contrasting colors. Approximately half of the original gilding remains. The condition rates Exc+. It has been professionally cleaned. There is some pitting remaining, along with some wee nicks to the edges and a slightly dulled tip. The blade shoulders perfectly fit the lower crossguard. The tang is correctly stamped “DAMAST” and numbered “385”. The steel scabbard shell is perfectly straight and is covered in replacement leather that matches the original color and fine tumble grain pattern. The leather runs up to the upper and lower scabbard fittings. The scalloped scabbard fittings feature a burnished line-paneled pattern to both sides. The top mount features some bumps and scratches to both sides. The lower edge of the top mount has some bruises. These scabbard fittings are retained by early silvered screws, that show minor evidence of being turned. The round lower ball is slightly pushed to the reverse yet is perfectly round. The cast nickel-silver hand enhanced burnished crossguards depict the high-relief oak leaf and acorn pattern. The crossguards and scabbard mounts match perfectly in color and patina. The crossguards are internally numbered “270”. The “correct” replacement grip is constructed out of black hardwood. It has the common pressure mark throughout along with a toned line/scuff to the obverse upper ridge which extends to the left of the roundel. The nicely detailed “high-neck” eagle has a poor fit with verdigris surrounding it. The SS roundel retains beautiful enamel and has a perfect fit. The top tang nut snugly secures the hilt in place. The SS Honor dagger is one of the rarest and most beautiful of all NSDAP edged weapons. German craftsmanship at its best!