S26952 POLIZEI SWORD HANGER. (Polizei Degen Gehänge) 

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. When issued the swords were accompanied by a hanger designed to suspend the sword from the wearers belt.  

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The hanger consists of a roughly, 6 5/8" tall, pebbled simulated police green leather construction "teardrop" shaped strap with a woven, bright, vertically ribbed, silver/aluminum brocade facing machine stitched to the obverse. The hanger is roughly, 2" wide near the bottom edge tapering inwards to 7/8" wide near the top edge. The top edge of the hanger strap is folded over to the reverse forming a loop and has dual stud eyelets and a corresponding natural aluminum stud. Inserted into the top loop is a nickel/silver plated steel, open rectangular attachment ring. The obverse center of the hanger strap has an additional small strap with a single snap closure creating a loop which secures a nickel/silver plated steel friction clip. The hanger is in overall very good condition with minimal surface spotting to the metal fittings and light chafe wear to the reverse.