This is an example of a unique Damascus blade "Heinrich Himmler" presentation letter opener, that is accompanied with an authenticating letter. This item is accompanied by a signed and notarized letter of authentication dated March 1998, from LTC (ret) Thomas M. Johnson, certainly the most noted authority and author on several books of collecting WWII Edged weapons. In this letter he states that this is certainly an original 1933-1945 handmade letter opener produced by the Master Swordsmith Paul Mueller in Solingen Germany. Certainly, Solingen, Germany was the center for any edged weapons made during WWI and WWII. LTC Johnson notes that this letter opener has a number of positive features; 1)the blade is Turkish Damascus, easily distinguished by the four panels of Damascus steel. This was the common medium of steel work perfected by Paul Mueller and his apprentice Robert Kurten. 2) The "H. Himmler" gold signature facsimile on the blade and round "SS" rune button on the ebony handle, both show considerable wear contributing to the authentication of this letter opener as being original. 3) The entire letter opener is characteristic of the work as produced by Master Swordsmith Paul Mueller during the 1930s. The Damascus blade shows the four panel on each side, with the clear "H. Himmler" signature on one side of the blade with "ECHT DAMAST/P. MUELLER" on the other side. Due to the uniqueness of this item, this was quite possibly in the hands of H. Himmler at some point in its history.

Fine with light wear and some age cracking on the handle from use. The blade has the clear and readable signature and makers name. A unique SS letter opener.