History

Between 1933 and 1935, no official SS swords were available. SS Officers and NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) were allowed to wear privately purchased swords during parades and other military events. Since these swords were unofficial and no standardisation had been achieved yet, sword manufacturers offered a multitude of different designs which, additionally, could be personalised upon request.
The swords’ length will vary, as it depended on the owner’s height.

It is unknown when the NCO sword was introduced, but possibly in 1936, and maybe later than that. This sword is known as the SS-Unterführerdegen (lower leader sword). The award criteria are unknown, and no award certificate has yet been found.

The grip parts are made from nickel-plated steel like the later Officer swords, never solid nickel, like the early Officer swords. The NCO sword is very similar in design to the Officer sword, except no nickel wire can be found in the turning grooves between the 13 sections of the wooden handle. It also doesn’t feature an SS runes button on the grip. The pommel cap is different as well, being lower and featuring engraved SS runes.
The scabbard is similar to that of the Officer sword, as it is also made of steel painted black, and has the same silver metal weave pattern portion at the top.