S27152 SS JUNIOR NCO'S SWORD PORTEPEE. (SS Unterführer Säbel Portepee) 

BACKGROUND: Edged weapon portepees were originally introduced in the Prussian army in 1808, and continued to be worn with the Dress uniform, as a tradition and identifying item through-out WWI, the Weimar Republic and on into the Third Reich, with minor modifications. Originally designed as a functional item to secure the blade sidearm to the holders wrist the portepee evolved into a purely decorative accessory. Originally, (circa 1933-34), SS-VT, SS-Verfugüngstruppe, (SS-Special Purpose Troops), personnel holding Officer’s ranks utilized one of the various patterned army officers swords but with a nickel/silver plated finish as opposed to the gilt finish used on the army versions. When worn these army pattern swords were equipped with the army Officers style portepee with a black leather strap and slide and a silver/aluminum crown and ball. In 1936 a series of four distinctive swords and sword portepees/troddels were introduced exclusively for wear by SS, Police and Fire Police Officer’s, Officer Candidates, Senior NCO’s and enlisted personnel. This first pattern example portepee was authorized for wear by Senior NCO’s and Officers with the ranks of SS-Rottenführer up to and including the SS-Scharführer inclusively. 

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: This second and final pattern SS Junior NCO's sword portepee consists of the main components of, strap, slide, stem, crown, and ball. The roughly, 12 1/2" long, 3/4" wide, dual laid, matte silver/aluminum strap has a repeating waffle pattern and two vertical, parallel, interwoven, black stripes near each outside edge. The bottom edge of the strap has an alternating, woven, black and silver/aluminum "V" shaped pattern slide and stem. The crown and ball are both constructed of dual, twisted silver/aluminum braiding alternating with a single black twisted cotton braid, mounted on an internal wooden ball. The crown braiding is horizontally laid while the ball braiding is vertically laid. The bottom edge of the ball has a recessed circular dot with an inset piece of the silver/aluminum strap. The portepee is in overall excellent, unissued condition with minor age toning.

GRADE ****1/2                             PRICE $468.00