Technical Emergency Corps [Technische Nothilfe (TENO or TN)]

The Technical Emergency Corps (TENO) was formed on September 30, 1919, to assist the German population during times of crisis and disaster resulting from natural catastrophes.

It functioned under the pre-Nazi Weimar Republic as a society of technical volunteers who were called to duty in the event of a public disaster. The Corps provided essential services during emergencies with its personnel being highly trained in fire fighting, decontamination, etc. TENO men were distributed throughout the cities, industrial centres, and major traffic hubs for the repair and maintenance of public utilities.

The Nazis realised the potential value of the TENO and reorganised the Corps in 1939 as one of the main party formations under the auspices of the German Police. The commander of the TENO prior to World War II was SS Gruppenfuehrer Schmelcher.

Subsequently, he was placed in charge of technical affairs of the SS and was succeeded by SS Gruppenfuehrer Weinreich. The services of the Corps were required extensively after the outbreak of the war in army rear areas and occupied territories, thus freeing army engineers and personnel for other tasks.

Dagger Information - Teno Officer

This dagger was worn by officer ranks of the Technische Nothilfe (TENO or TN) KammeradschaftFurher and above. The grip was orange in colour and made from a single plastic moulded unit. The grip had 6 double, horizontal relief’s that simulated grip wire.

The pommel was circular with a "Cog" at the centre to indicate the technical nature of the organisation. The pommel screwed onto the blade tang to secure the grip, cross guard and blade. A spread winged eagle holding a swastika in its talons was cast onto the cross guard. At the centre of the swastika was another Cog. The pommel and cross guard was made from silver plated aluminium.

Two different double strap hangers could be used with the TENO Officer dagger:

1)… One for parades – fabric silver stripped front with velvet back

2)… One for Daily Use – black or brown leather straps.

The buckles on the hanger straps were round and based upon the Cog design seen on the cross guard and pommel.

A 23 cm steel thread Portapee was tied onto the dagger to complete the presentation.

A steel pebble dashed scabbard with two ribbed suspension rings was used to carry the dagger. The tip of the scabbard was finished with a delicate design.

The stiletto steel blade was 27 cm in length with no engraved motto. As well as having the makers mark (Eickhorn) on the riccaso, the officer’s dagger was serial numbered and had organisational identification marks. Daggers were issued via the unit stores.