S13052 SS SWORD STORAGE BAG. (SS-Säbel Lagerung Beutel) 

BACKGROUND: The Sword/Sabre is an age old military tradition, that evolved from a functional weapon into an item of uniform dress ornamentation by the start of WWI. This strong tradition continues in many army’s to this day as a symbol of strength and power. After Hitler’s rise to power in 1933 and the reintroduction of conscription in early 1935 a wide variety of new sword and sabre designs were introduced to outfit the rapidly growing Wehrmacht. Originally, (circa 1934-36), personnel of the SS-Verfugüngstruppe, (SS-Special Purpose Troops), the military arm of the SS, utilized an altered army Officer/NCO’s sword with the army style gold finished components modified to a silver finished. In mid-1936 distinctive swords were designed and produced exclusively for wear by SS-VT, Police and Fire Officer’s and NCO personnel with minor variations depending on branch of service and rank. There were four patterns of the SS swords all with minor variations. The variations were determined by the rank/position of the wearer and consisted of the Officer’s sword, the Senior NCO’s sword, the SS-Officer Senior Candidates sword and the SS-Officer Junior Candidates sword. On issue the swords came accompanied with assorted accouterments including a storage bag. Of Note: Bestowal of the SS swords was discontinued by regulations on June 26^TH 1942, and further wearing of the swords was prohibited in August 1943, except for ceremonial occasions.  

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 40" long, grey felt construction SS sword storage bag with a roughly, 2" wide body that flares out to roughly, 7 3/4" wide at the opened, top edge to accommodate the hilt of the sword. The bag has an ornate, multi-scalloped tipped top edge. The bag also has eight small, horizontally aligned, cut-out holes with an inserted, twisted, dual strand closure cord. The bottom edge of the bag has a dual-ply simulated leather reinforcement panel machine stitched in place. The bag shows light to moderate age and usage toning and has about a dozen small rips and tears. The bag has no visible markings. Scarce SS sword storage bag. Of Note: A photographic example of this type of SS sword storage bag can be seen in J. R. Angolia’s book, Swords of Germany 1900/1945, on page 238.

GRADE ***                 PRICE $148.00