I have started a new thread as the other one has pages of poor quality pictures.

Firstly, posting anything outside the norm on this forum can be quite disapointing as people can end up very disapointed by the views of some of the users. I really dont mind what you think about this so feel free to post it.

I strongly believe that the major benefit we all get from using forums like this is that we can compare pieces, learn from experience and talk about those little things that are a bit unusal.

I went to buy a few SAs today and ended up looking at this again for an hour or so. I have quite a few SS daggers maybe around ten or so, early, late, a few chained etc etc. Anyhows I really fell in love with this as it is absolutely so right but is wrong. I know its not textbook but everything about it is right so I have taken a whole load of pictures and will post them here so everyone can have an opinion on this unusual piece.

I think the debate will do us all good, I will not take offence as I just love it anyhows and will not be parting with it!.

Good fittings all typical with early Herder

Same great lower fitting grip to crossguard

You cant really see on this picture but there is the typical ware that you see with chained daggers on the top scabbard mount when they keep getting hit by the chains. It is very typical of period ware and is on both sides.

Steel centre mount, completely genuine but clearly not meant to be attached to a 33 Herder. Well fitted with period screws etc in exacctly the right position.

Lower scabbard fitting same as the top one a N/S Herder one. The fittings and the early annodised scabbard are the correct scabbard for this 33 Herder.

Picture of the steel chain, all would be considered as correct in every way if not attached to this 33 Herder.

DRGM visable from the top of the clover leaf

Excellent detail to all the links

Now this is where it starts getting interesting. Original upper Herder scabbard fitting. Completely matches all the other fittings on the Dagger and the Scabbard. You can see all the small dents better in this picture, typical from wear when the chain hits the fitting. Perfectly attached fitting to connect the steel chain.

Chain again

fitting onto NS top scabbard fitting from revers

Centre ramp reverse

Upper scabbard fitting reverse, look how well the steel chain has been attached to the original N/S cross guard

more 1

more 2

Side view

Top side

Now the blade, absolutely stunning.. Believe it or not it looks better in the flesh. The cross grain is awsome you can just sit looking at it for ages.

blade 2

blade 3

blade 4

last

So I am pleased that I bought it today, but like I said earlier it is very unusual because it is all right but wrong.

It is not a parts dagger in the traditional way. The 33 sits original and complete in every way except for the centre ramp and chain being attached.

Its not an early 33 dagger in a 36 scabbard so we know that is not the case.

That would lead me to then think "field upgrade" "factory upgrade" or someones rendition of frankenstein!.

For a split second I thought remove the chain assembly and have a fabulous 33 Herder. Now the problem is I do think its period. I dont know how or why but it is not trying to be something its not if you know what I mean.

So thoughts and opinions now welcome...