Double Marked SS Dagger by Helbig RZM 1163/38 SS

A Model 1933 SS enlisted service dagger by F&A Helbig, with the blade marked with both its manufacturer logo and its RZM contract designation of “1163/38 SS”. The ebony wood grip is in fine condition, without chips or cracks. The enamel SS runes button is pretty much straight up and down and, like the grip itself, is without chips or cracks. The grip eagle is aluminum and, while it shows some degree of wear, it retains very nice detail. The pommel nut has lost its plating and shows some surface rust. The upper and lower crossguards have minor flecks of plating loss but are still quite bright overall. The blade is rather dirty from age and would benefit from a careful cleaning to bring up what appears to be visible crossgrain beneath the grime and light surface rust. The blade has some gray areas and smudges as well as the typical runner marks. The Helbig firm was known for the light etch of both its manufacturer logos as well as its blade mottos, but the manufacturer marks on this dagger are quite visible and, while the SS motto is light, it is still apparent. The black finish of the scabbard is very nice, exhibiting the expected scratches from carrying wear, but largely intact. The leather hanger and belt loops remain with the dagger, and the leather hanger is marked with the contract designation of “SS 68/38 RZM”.