Evaluating Scabbard Finishes

[Stahlhelm]

Hello again everyone,

I'll get straight to the question: What are the guidelines for determining whether the scabbard of an SS Dagger has the original anodized or painted finish?

I know that many reputable dealers will go ahead and divulge a postwar reanodized or repainted scabbard up front, but I also know that some won't. I'd really like to keep the reanodized and repainted scabbards out of my collection, so I'd like a few pointers about what to look for in making that distinction.

Since I know that anodized scabbards (not sure about painted ones) had a laquer coating, I do look for some remains of that, especially around the areas where the fittings meet against the finished area of the scabbard. In this area, the fittings form a raised area that prevents the laquer directly against it from being worn off, no matter what (or in most cases, anyway). However, I'm only assuming that's one logically good way to check.

If a scabbard finish happens to be an original in mint condition, or if it's just a really, really good repaint or anodizing job, I realize that could be tricky. I can imagine the latter case could be quite a nightmare, indeed. However, on some of the best looking professional redoes, I've known people to somehow tell the difference. So, there must be trick to knowing this.

Again I'm looking for pointers about assessing the authenticity of original finishes on the scabbards of SS Daggers. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance to anyone who may respond,

Chris

[Skipper Greenwade]

You've already hit on one good tip (i.e., looking for traces of lacquer near the fittings - keep in mind that the same principle can apply to wear on a painted scabbard)

Original scabbard paint was a professionally applied lacquer and, as such, is subject to crazing/cracking (commonly referred to as "spidering"). I love to see that on a painted scabbard.

As strange as it may sound (and as strange as you may look doing it!) sometimes smelling of a scabbard can tell you a lot. New paint continues to smell like - well, new paint - for quite some time after it has been applied and cold bluing (often used to replicate anodizing) has a definite, tell-tale smell as well.

Lastly, does the overall scabbard finish match the wear (or lack thereof) exhibited by the rest of the piece? A scabbard with mint paint should be accompanied by a dagger with a grip and fittings in nice shape as well.

Hope that help,
Skip

[Stahlhelm]

Thanks Skip! As usual, you are a great help! That confirms what I was thinking about the laquer remains, as well as adding some good ideas I hadn't considered. Maybe I can even train my poodle to be a scabbard sniffer, but that might even look worse than me doing it. Just kidding...

Thanks again,

Chris