SS Dagger, Model 1933. (Early type). [Jacobs & Co].

The official edged weapon of the Schutzstaffel, established in 1933, became the first dagger officially adopted by this organization. The blade design traces back to 16th-century Swiss daggers known as Holbein daggers, and in appearance largely resembles the SA dagger, which was introduced at virtually the same time. The blade bore the motto “Meine Ehre heißt Treue” (“My Honor is Loyalty”), which became one of the principal symbols of the SS. In the early years of the organization, the dagger was regarded not merely as a uniform element and symbol of SS membership, but also as a personal edged weapon that its owner could employ if necessary.

The firm Jacobs & Co., Solingen-Gräfrath ranks among the rarest manufacturers of early SS daggers of the 1933 pattern and is encountered considerably less frequently than most major producers. Of particular interest are early-type examples bearing the Jacobs & Co. maker’s mark, preserved in their original configuration prior to 1936, and without an issue depot stamp on the crossguard. Due to the high value and scarcity of such daggers, the markings and blades of this manufacturer are also subject to forgery today; therefore, the authenticity of all stampings and the correspondence of every detail to this specific maker require especially thorough verification.