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Welcome to the Special Offering Section of Wittmann Militaria. While we consider all of the items we offer for sale to be treasures, from time to time we do come across relics that can only be described as outstanding. It is in this section that we present to you those pieces deemed to be of exceptional quality, rarity, or historic significance.
SPO #30082 CAPTURED FLAG FROM REMAGEN BRIDGE TOWN OF DÜREN-NORD
This choice NSDAP Town Standarte was captured during the crossing of the Remagen Bridge on March 7th, 1945. As many historians in our hobby already know, the Ludendorff Railroad Bridge aka Remagen was slated to be blown up, so that the Allies could not cross the Rhine River and get further into Germany. The Germans had placed charges throughout the bridge, but to their misfortune, the charges did not go off and the Allies were able to cross the bridge. Many attempts were made to blow up the bridge with stuka bombers and other aircraft, but to no avail. In fact, the German Army Commander in charge of blowing up the bridge was personally ordered by Hitler to be shot. He was! This fantastic flag comes to me by the son of the sergeant that brought it back. This sergeant was connected with the 750th Tank Battalion, also known as the Timberwolves. Accompanying the flag is a brochure that is done in cartoon style with captions depicting the entire tour of the 750th Timberwolves, beginning with their landing in France on September 7th, 1944, throughout the Battle of the Bulge, and finally VE Day on May 9th, 1945. This historic flag was taken from the city on the other side of the Remagen Bridge, called Düren. Apparently, it was the northern part of Düren and the word “Nord” adjoins the city’s name on the black patch sewn to the canton area of the flag on both sides. This black patch is of velvet, having a white border cord, and the words of the city are done in white weave. There is a numeral “V” underneath. The flag measures 41 inches by 58 inches and is double sided with a 2¾ inch silver bullion fringe running around three edges. On the hoist edge there are 5 round metal rings that are lined with red velvet. These rings would have held the standarte on a flagpole. The rings are production marked 'WMF' by the manufacturer. There is possibly more hallmarks on the inner rings, but they are felt lined and it is impossible to tell. In the center of the flag there is a very large field with separately sewn black swastika. The same motif appears on both sides. There are two tiny holes in the flag, and it still retains its rich color throughout. The white field shows some slight age staining, but nothing that is any kind of deduct from the flag’s condition. The names signed on the flag of the capturing soldiers number 31. They are all printed in black ink and some are signed. Some of the names on the flag are Louis H. Kuykendall, Reinochanson, William H. Carrell, Alan F. Johnson, Erzele, Centry, Yancy L. Allison, and Frank Cassella, just to name a few. It should be a fairly easy job to research these guys. We did find some of the names associated with the 750th Tank Battalion, so we know that the story is correct. This is really an outstanding opportunity to research a historic flag. The Remagen Bridge was a great turning point in World War II, and the soldiers that participated in this heroic event are true American heroes and worthy of research and possible honor they could receive in history. I hope that the next person who owns this flag will consider doing all of this, as there is no more worthwhile project. This is an outstanding artifact and one of the best items I have been able to offer in many years. In truth, the item really ought to be in a museum someday.
SPO #30323 RAD REGIMENTAL STANDARDE
This RAD Regimental Standarte is a most impressive flag. It is double sided and measures 46 inches by 50 inches. The flag is an outstanding bright red color, and it has a silver bullion fringe that runs around three sides and measures 1¼ inches. The hoist side has had the nails which held it to the pole carefully removed, and there are no tears or problems. There is also a line of tress that runs about 5 inches down from the edge, that would have come right after the rounded part of the pole. This tress kind of sets the stage for the banner. The center area is a white cotton round field, but it has a beautiful brocade-style, very high off the surface white weave, forming a wreath. The wreath is of wheat sheafs, typical of the RAD nomenclature. In the center part of the white field there is separately sewn a black spade outlined in white, and on either side of the spade are flanking black wheat sheafs, but all hand done. The workmanship throughout this area is phenomenal. The round wreath is basically superimposed over a separately sewn black swastika. The swastika legs are all bordered in a gray tress to give them almost a relief. The workmanship is just absolutely superb throughout both sides of this RAD standarte. There are a couple of small holes here and there, but nothing that is serious. The flag is actually two separate pieces of material, both with separate work, and then sewn back-to-back. This standarte is very similar to the examples that are shown in the A.S. Walker Book, “Flags and Banners of the 3rd Reich”. This is an outstanding opportunity to own a highlight for your collection. There is no better looking banner than a 3rd Reich, hand done standarte.
SPO #30089 PRESENTED ANCHOR PLAQUE AND NAVAL SWORDS OF Q-SHIP CAPTAIN KC & OAK LEAVES WINNER KONTERADMIRAA BERNHARD ROGGE
This This very interesting and historical grouping consisting of a special handmade plaque and the swords of Q-ship Captain Rogge came into a coin and Militaria ship recently in Rochester New York. First off, Vizeadmiar Bernhard Rogge was the captain of the most famous of the Q-ships, The Atlantis. The ship was a raider that sailed throughout the North Atlantic in the form of a merchant vessel. Once the ship was in sight of enemy merchant ships it unmasked its guns and preceded to sink the enemy. During Rogge’s time as captain of the Atlantis he sunk 145,000 shipping tons. He sailed over 100,000 miles at sea in 622 days. Finally the Atlantis was intercepted and sunk but not before Rogge finally received the Oak Leaves on December 31, 1941. Rogge was born in 1889 and served in the imperial navy earning the Iron Cross 1st and 2nd. He continued in the navy after the Great War and in 1926 was the recipient of the Lifesaving medal. His greatest days were to come though with the Kriegsmarine when he captained the infamous Q-ship Atlantis. Obviously much research can be done concerning this outstanding naval officer. He rejoined the German navy after the war retiring in 1962. The grouping consists of a plaque that I believe was probably made in the machine shop of the Atlantis. It consists of a wooden base that was staged in two pieces. In the center area there is a replica of an anchor produced from stainless steel. This anchor measures about 11 ½-inches in height and the distance between the two plows is about 8 ½-inches. The machine work is very well done and is complete with a loop at the top of the shaft and a chain which connects to one of the anchor plow tips. Screwed into the wood base is a brass plaque. The plaque is engraved with the following six line presentment, “Dem Kommandanten des H.K. / Atlantis / Herrn Konteradmiral a.D. / Bernhard Rogge / von der Marinekameradschalt / Goss – Dorsten – Hilfskreuzer Atlantis”. This translates, “To the Commandeer of the Heavy Cruiser Atlantis Vizeadmiral Retired Bernhard Rogge from the Navy Comrades of the Large Raider and Heavy Cruiser Atlantis”. The wood base measures 7-inches by 8-inches and the plaque is about 5-inches by 2 ½-inches. Accompanying this plaque are the swords which were carried by Rogge during his tenure of the first World War and the second World War. Unfortunately although the swords look pretty nice in their scabbards and they are complete with the hanging leather thong straps with snaps as well as the original silver bullion dress knots the problem is Rogge when he surrendered the swords broke the blades in half. The Third Reich piece still has the end of the blade within the scabbard and the imperial piece is missing the broken end. The imperial sword is a real beauty having a traditional lion head design with red and green faceted glass eyes. It is of all brass construction and still has about 80% of the original gilded finish. The backstrap presents oak leaves and acorns while the D-guard has a similar presentment. The reverse has a blade locking hinge and the obverse features a flip up clamshell on a hinge. The clamshell depicts an oval design presenting the imperial crown over a fouled anchor. On either side of the oval are oak leaves and acorns. The grip of this piece is solid ivory and it is in chip free condition. The ivory is quite beautiful and is tightly wrapped with twisted brass wire. Still in the naval tie is the beautiful silver bullion portepee. It has never been touched and reflects an outstanding gold patination. This knot has the “V” designs in the slide and stem and the lower ball is of silver bullion yarn-like thread. The insert is the cat’s anus type. The beautiful scabbard is of black leather showing some minor kinks which occurred in the bottom portion because this portion of the blade is gone and of course there is nothing to support the leather. The mounts though are really beautiful being a peened style and then having oak leaf and acorn bands inserted over the peened surfaces. There are also stylized eyelets. The chape is also peened. These mounts are held in place by double nail lock devices instead of staples. The thronged leather hanging straps are also with the rings and they reflect fine oak leaf detail to the brass snaps. A really great looking outside here. The remaining blade is about 12-inches in length and features fine nautical scenes depicting a crown over an anchor and Prussian eagle. The reverse images are also nautical scenes with crossed flags, crossed cannon, etc. This sword is very similar to the example I show in my Navy Book on page 446. In fact, the hilt is the same however the scabbard differs in that it has the carrying bands atop the mounts. The Kriegsmarine sword is a typical Eickhorn example. It is the same as the sword shown on page 486 of my book to include the knot that is attached. This lion head sword is of all brass construction. The detail to the lion head is outstanding throughout his mane, brow, snout and mouth area. This model number sword did not have glass eyes. The backstrap features mane hair which runs down the length and the D-guard has traditional naval design with random pebbling. The reverse has the blade lock hinged feature and the obverse has a clamshell device which depicts a fouled anchor in the center and the edges have flanking floral designs that almost depict ocean waves. The grip is a beautiful white celluloid-over-wood being in perfect condition. It is wrapped with triple twisted brass wire. As cited above the original silver bullion portepee is still in the navy tie and in perfect condition wrapped about the lower hilt. This knot has the “V” designs in the stem and slide and the lower insert is the cat’s anus type. The scabbard is a black leather and it is in good condition showing only minor age. The naval mounts are matching gilded brass in good condition. Like the imperial sword the original carrying leather thongs are still with this sword complete with matching gilded snaps. Unfortunately the blade of this example was also broken by Herr Rogge but the bottom portion of the blade still remains in the lower part of the scabbard. We though we would take it out but then later left it in place as it is more respectful to the original owner’s wishes. The blade is a plain type. It is stamped on the reverse ricasso with the 1935-41 squirrel design. This is an outstanding grouping which could really make for an excellent naval display in someone’s collecting room. There is also much research that could be done on Vizeadmiral Rogge. He was apparently an extremely popular captain and well though of by not only his crew but also by the Kriegsmarine higher-ups. It would be fun to try to collect the medals that Rogge won and also display them with this grouping. I’m sure that one of the professional researchers could put together a very large dossier on this man. A worthwhile historical grouping here.
SPO #30104C KRIEGSMARINE ADMIRAL’S EIGHT DAY CLOCK WITH CHIMES
This porthole clock is larger than most that you see having a dial face of about 7 ½-inches and an overall width of about 9-inches. The outer rim is equipped with holes for mounting to the wall of an office or ship. The crystal opens so that the clock can be wound. Unfortunately the crystal is broken but looks to be a replacement as there are signs of glue on the inner area so it would be no sin to replace the broken crystal again. The face of the clock is brass having conventional Arabic style numerals which are black in color. It looks to me as over the years these numerals have been touched up with black paint. There are adjustments in the face for the loudness of the chimes as well as faster or forward motion. There is a second indicator at the upper portion of the clock face which is round and the numerals ten through sixty appear in the circle. Below this there is the stamping with black painted background, “Marinestation der Ostsee”. To the left of this and slightly below is an open-winged political eagle with swastika over the capital letter, “M”. This letter of course stands for Marine. The title above would indicate that the clock was positioned at the Kiel Harbor. Below this though between the center and the six o’clock number is a very interesting feature. Stamped into the face of the clock is the flag of an admiral. The flag is colored with a white outside and a black Maltese cross with the legs running from the center to the twelve o’clock, three o’clock, six o’clock and nine o’clock position. The admiral flag indicates that this clock was postioned in the office of the head of the marine station at Kiel. The head of Kiel During the time this clock would have been there was GeneralAdmiral Albrecht. Albrecht ran Kiel during the 1930s up until 1939. When Albrecht retired on 31 December 1939 GrandAdmiral Raeder presented him with one of the beautiful and rare navy honor daggers. These were the daggers with the diamonds in the pommel. This dagger currently resides in a collection today. At any rate, this clock represents quite a period of history. Imagine the planning that went on in front of this piece. This Albrecht’s time was when many of Germany’s pocket battle ships were developed and built. The clock shows some age and has a couple of dings here and there. Also, the brass screws which retain the face in place may also be replacements. The clock could use a good going over and certainly a tune-up by a qualified clock mechanic. The clock however does run very well but the chimes seem to only go up to four so there must be something out of adjustment. This entire clock is completely presented in brass and would certainly look good positioned on the wall of a deserving collector. A great way to enhance your naval collection or if you happen to be the owner of a naval honor dirk this clock would certainly adequately enhance the display.
SPO #30027 2ND MODEL NAVAL DIRK WITH DAMASCUS BLADE - WKC
This naval dirk has a hammered scabbard and on the outside it appears to be a normal example. The dagger is equipped with quality brass fittings. The pommel is a typical WKC type and it looks identical to the example I show on page 272 of my naval book. This pommel does not appear to have any gilding left but the brass surfaces have an appealing patination being darker in the inner wing area and also behind the swastika area. The bird retains all of its detail with its typical WKC staring eye and beak with good checkering to the breast feathering. The leafing around the wreath is still all there and the swastika remains crisp. The crossguard is also a fine example having exact matching patination. It features good conditioned acanthus leaves which decorate the quillon arms and the quillon ends have good fluting with flat buttons. The grip of this example has turned an off-white color. This is a standard wood base type with celluloid coating. The grip is very tightly wrapped with twisted matching brass wire. There are years of residue built up between the sections and trapped beneath the wire. Decorating the hilt is the dagger’s original aluminum portepee. This portepee is still in the naval tie and does not appear to have been ever apart. There is some fraying where the aluminum cord comes out of the knot but it is nothing threatening. The slide and stem are in the standard “V” weave designs and the lower ball is of bullion aluminum thread. The insert is a gray cat’s anus type. The scabbard is a pebbled example. It is straight throughout and displays excellent workmanship to the hammer. The bands are a fine high off the surface type featuring overlapping oak leaves and the hammering design continues into the eyelet surfaces. The throat is retained by two flathead flush mount screws. The beautiful Damascus blade is the prime feature of this dagger however. This dagger and blade are shown in color in my naval reference book on pages 385 and 386. The blade has very prominent designs and remains in mint condition. It features a mix of bird’s eye and maiden hair. It is amazing to me how these long ago masters where able to forge these designs but this blade when it is turned in the light looks as though it is alive. Very beautiful indeed. The blade is a standard shape having dual fullers and still retains its needlelike tip. The blade is marked on the reverse with the WKC knighthead. The obverse has the original distributor’s name in three lines, “DEUTSCHER / OFFIZIER VEREIN / BERLIN”. The original brown leather washer is in place. This is an opportunity to acquire a naval Damascus with marked blade which is featured in a respected reference book. An excellent investment here and a dagger that you will enjoy owning over the years. One never tires of looking at beautiful original Damascus hand forged steel.
SPO #30028C KRIEGSMARINE NAVAL OFFICER’S SWORD - WKC
This naval officer’s sword was top of the line for the WKC firm. It is a really beautiful lion head hilt having fantastic detail throughout the cat’s head. The cat is fitted with faceted red and green glass eyes mimicking the international nautical system of red and green buoys. The cat has lots of handwork noticeable especially at the lower jaw, the whiskers and the fine mane hair which flows backward to about the halfway point. The rest of the back strap has a center plain portion decorated with a floral border for possible engraving of initials. Below this is more floral designs and the grip tabs are also nicely decorated to match. The open areas have been random hand pebbled. The D-guard is also a beauty having very fine raised out oak leaves and acorns which run the length and grow in dimension as the fitting flows downward. The plain areas of this D-guard are also random pebbled. The clamshell at the lower crossguard area is the folding type so that the sword could be easily stored in a small closet aboard ship. The clamshell is also quite beautiful having an oval border design in the center depicting a fouled anchor raised out. Around the oval border are more oak leaves also with hand treatment and random pebbling on the plain areas. The reverse clamshell folds down to provide a locking mechanism with the male stud positioned on the upper scabbard throat area. The springs in both of these moveable fittings are in perfect condition. The beautiful off-white grip of this example at first appears to be ivory. I have tapped on it with harder instruments and I do believe that it is a fine celluloid over wood base. It is in absolute perfect condition and is triple wrapped with twisted gilded brass wire, the center being slightly larger for contrast. The gilded finish appears to be mostly all there. This piece has been kept clean over the years and looks at its best. The hilt is also decorated with an original naval sword portepee. This portepee is the quality silver bullion type and it is tied in the naval knot, looped around the upper D-guard and then knotted about the lower grip and ferrule area. The lower portion of this portepee has a stem and slide with “V” weave designs and the lower yarn-like silver bullion ball has a cat’s anus style stuffing. This knot shows no wear and is in choice condition. The knot is also nicely patinated. The scabbard is produced from a black leather shell. This leather is decorated with twin accent lines which run the length of the edges. The reverse is sewn and is in perfect condition. This scabbard leather is a beautiful jet black and is in pristine new-like condition. The scabbard mounts are matching gilded brass having outstanding traditional naval designs. These mounts are retained by large size staples in the reverse and all staples are present. The lower chape shows no signs of carrying or drag damage. The upper and center scabbard mounts are equipped with eyelets having dual serrated center areas. The large hanging rings match the sword. But as beautiful as the outside of this naval sword is it pales in comparison to the outstanding blade. This blade measures 31-inches in length. It is in stone mint condition having a triple etch design. The obverse panel has a beautiful frosted background and at the start depicts a fouled anchor which has a Wehrmacht style eagle clutching a mobile swastika extended over the shaft of the anchor. This depiction is surrounded by oak leaves. Next comes a battleship running at full blast through a sea of waves. The details to the ship are so clear that the cannon, the ensign, the portholes and even the mast on top of the smoke stacks are visible. Just to the rear of the battleship is a biplane in the air complete with pontoons. Bringing up the rear of this etch is another ship which is most likely a mine sweeper or small cruiser. It too has great detail with the ensign flying at the stern. The reverse blade starts out its beautiful etch with the seaman’s memorial first put up after the great war in 1919. Following the memorial there is another large cruiser with guns and ensign very visible followed with a pontooned dual winged airplane and lastly there is a U-boat traveling on the waved surface. All of the antennae are visible as well as the conning tower and portholes in the bow area. There are clouds in the sky above and the frosted panel ends with oak leaves and acorns. An overall magnificent war scene here. The spine of the blade is engraved with oak leaves which run about half the length. As stated above, this blade is in new-like mint condition. If you have been looking for an outstanding naval sword which most likely could never be upgraded this example should fill your need. It is easily the best conditioned Third Reich period naval sword that I have sold. The WKC firm offered two basic etches, the first being the style with steaming war ships at both blade ricassos. The second style which is this example is much, much rarer and is really dramatic. I talk about this second etch on page 491 of my Naval Book but unfortunately I was not able to acquire an example to show. Alcoso also borrowed this etch from WKC and there is an Alcoso sword which appears on page 496 which also shows the same etch design. If you are looking for the best this sword should give you many years of pleasure.
SPO #27865C HOLBEIN STYLE SWISS DAGGER
This Holbein style Swiss dagger appears to have been made probably in the 1930s. It consists of caste parts which are finely nickel-plated. It does not seem to come apart. The pommel is in an interesting shape having a staged door knob look top and below is a larger rounded shape part which depicts figures on all four of its quadrants. The figures appear to be female in nature and are not too clear. The crossguard consists of quillon ends which gently swoop upward to a tip and in the center there is the face of a goddess. Next to the face on both sides is a raised floral design. The edges of the crossguard are smooth. The grip appears to be part of the crossguard casting and simulates a wrapped rope effect. The pommel seems to be separate from the grip and crossguard and most likely is peened together within the doorknob shape top. The scabbard is an outwardly oval shape on both sides. The metal is pierced at the center areas revealing a red leather base below. The leather has some age to it but is still intact. Above the leather in the oval design is a scene of knights fighting with spears and swords on horseback. The scene seems to be the same on both sides. Bordering the fighting scene at the top is an outward oval raised floral scene having another head at the center area. The edges of the scabbard are smooth and it is possible to see where both of these are seamed together with the counterpart. The lower chape depicts another fairly well detailed head with designs throwing around the figure and a round tip at the bottom. This chape is also part of the scabbard shell casting. The blade of this example is very similar to an SA type having a center ridge with double edges. The blade appears to be of good quality and does have a German look to it. This blade is a polished type and it is still bright. There are some old finger print smudges here and there on the surfaces but overall the blade is in near mint condition. The throat of this example is equipped with two red leather buffers. These buffers appear to possibly have been originally split so that the one was attached to the blade shoulders and the other to the throat itself. The way it is now though they are both fused together from time. This Holbein dagger is not a well defined example but it does have a certain amount of quality to it. It is possible that it could have been a tourist item made in the 1930s and possibly sold in Switzerland or some other European outlet. It is of interest to the Third Reich political dagger collector at the basic Holbein design was used for the format of the political dagger of the 1930s. An interesting example here to display with your collection.
SPO #28785C PRESENTED SAXON IVORY GRIPPED FIRE AX
This Fire Ax has much patination throughout its surfaces but it is easy to see that the parts below will clean up in a fairly good state. This fire axe must have been absolutely magnificent when it was originally presented as it is easily the most elaborate piece I have seen and also has the most impressive dedication covering both handle plaques. First of all the ax head itself is in the traditional shape of a large size blade on one end and a curved downward point on the other. There are cut outs in both the blade side as well as the point side in the upper and lower borders. The ax head is heavily etched having a floral motif on both sides of the head and in the center there is a motif consisting of an old fashioned fire helmet positioned over a pair of axes. This depiction is the same on both sides. The etches have good backgrounds and the nickel still seems to be mostly there. Unfortunately there is some rust that has formed on both sides, most of it concentrated in the center area. A good cleaning however would make for a fine result. The nickel-plated head is retained by a plate at the top which is secured with a gilded brass screw. There are escutcheon plates on the sides of the handle just below the head. These plates are also dramatically etched having a similar floral motif with nice backgrounds. It is very unusual to see etched escutcheon plates as apparently there was no limit to the spending on this piece. At the left escutcheon plate there is a smooth gilded eyelet with matching hanging ring. Attached to this ring there is a portion of the old suspension hanger. On the opposite side the hanging ring and eyelet are missing from the escutcheon plate. The handle below is of hardwood painted black and is flared in the center in the traditional fire ax shape. At the lower portion there are two very beautiful gilded brass mounts. These mounts have a raised serrated area which gives the appearance of removal if desired, and in the center are between the two raise parts the surfaces have been deeply raised checkered. At the bottom mount there is a further doorknob shaped fitting which acts as a chape. In between there is a lovely piece of heavily toned ivory which is fluted throughout. This ivory is a golden color and has much graining in its appearance. The ivory is in perfect condition. The plaques on both sides of the handle are covered with outstanding professional engraving. Although the engraving is difficult to read I will do my best to tell you exactly what it says. The obverse plaque is engraved, “D.Frein. Feuerwehr Leubnitz / zur 50 Jahrfeicr, gewidmet, / 6. / 7. 1878 26. / 8. 1928.” On the opposite plaque it is engraved, “M.G.V. Arion, Hausbesitzerverein, / Turnoverein Germania, Eisenbahnerverein, / Konzertinakluk, Landmirtschaft. Verein, / Sächs Militärverein / Radfahrerverein Edelweims.” I believe that all of this means that this elegant fire ax was presented to the volunteer fire department of the small city of Leubnitz for their 50th anniversary which stretched from 1878 to 1928. The rest of all of these names seem to be possibly the local Saxon hamlets that took up a collection to pay for this beautiful ax. As stated above, the next person that acquires this axe, assuming he has careful and good cleaning skills could make a wonderful artifact from this antique. I know just putting some ammonia on the gold fittings alone would make a tremendous difference but I really don’t want to touch this ax as it would not be fair to the next purchaser who should have all of the fun and confidence doing the right job on this axe will bring. A terrific artifact here!
SPO #29493C TeNo OFFICER – Carl Eickhorn
This TeNo officer has recently come from the collection of a good friend of mine who unfortunately passed on from a heart attack. He was only 47 and this particular piece was his pride and joy so I’m sure that the next person who owns this piece will be glad that its past owner not only cherished it but kept it in the condition that the dagger deserves. This piece is nearly completely flake free. The nickel plating to the pommel and crossguard is about the best you will see and still be genuine. This pommel has the double rings on both sides and in the center there is a gear wheel which was the logo of the TeNo organization. This plating throughout the pommel is probably 99%. The original factory darkening is also in the recesses of the rings as well as applied to portions of the gear wheel. The crossguard has the exact same look and is also virtually flake free. The guard has the curved quillons at the end. In the center it depicts the great looking TeNo eagle which is a bird with open wings. The eagle clutches a swastika in his talons which in turn has a gear wheel superimposed over the center area with the initials, “TN” in the center of the gear wheel. These initials are formed by a hammer at the top and the capital letter, “N” in the center area. It is also interesting to note that the clutched swastika has legs which are double lined with serrations in the center. This subtlety is not noticed with the naked eye but it gives depth to the great look. The bird has complete detail to his eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering and even the talons show handwork. A fine TeNo depiction here. The grip though is what really sets this piece off. Most TeNo grips are an egg yolk yellow, not that there is anything wrong with that. This example though has somehow been exposed to enough light over the years to give its grip a very dark orange color, almost red like. It is quite beautiful and a pleasure to view. The reverse of the grip is lighter and at the center area does have the egg yolk yellow color that apparently it has toned down from. This grip presents the seven horizontal ribs and is in complete perfect condition. You will not see a more pleasing hilt. The scabbard of this example is straight as an arrow. These scabbards are longer than most other daggers to compensate for the large blades used in these pieces. This scabbard has crisp pebbled panels throughout both sides. The original factory darkening shows some wear on the surfaces but it is still all there in the backgrounds and also in the places where the hand does not tend to touch such as the lower chape area as well as the upper throat area. The black is also clinging nicely around the areas protected by the scabbard bands. Overall I would grade the blackening of this example at about 85-90%. The bands have the two line decorating and the lower chape has a leaf style edging which is completely unique to these TeNo pieces. All of the darkening is still in place on the obverse and reverse lower leaf. The scabbard throat is the thicker variety we see used by this firm and it is retained by a flatter head single screw in the reverse center. This screw also has all of the factory blackening around its circumference. The throat itself is deeply stamped with the serial number, “2641”. Looking at the obverse blade ricasso the matching number is dark etched in this spot. The blade itself is as nice as you will see. It is completely mirror bright and has a needlelike tip. Easily all of the crossgraining remains on this blade. This blade is in mint condition. It is buffered by a pebbled black leather washer which appears to be pressed in place against the lower crossguard. If you are looking for a nice TeNo officer dagger which has some signs of the period this example should be the one. As I had stated above, my friend that owned this dagger despite the fact that he was a “biker” was probably one of the nicest and gentlest people I have ever known. It will be interesting to see who will receive this important piece of his legacy. I know that it will go to a good home that will appreciate the dagger as much as he did.
Near Mint. $8,995.00SPO #27217C EARLY ARMY OFFICER WITH HANGERS IN POST-WAR CASE – Anton Wingen, Jr.
This Army officer is of earliest production and is equipped with the desirable brass based fittings having silver plated surfaces. The cross guard is identical to the one that I show on Page 50 in my Army book. This early cross guard is attributable to the E. Pack firm. The example shown on Pages 53 and 54 by E. Pack is also equipped with the same fittings as this dagger. The pommel is a fine early brass example reflecting 14 well-defined leaves positioned around its circumference. Each and every one of these leaves reflects hand-enhancing and, on the casting flaws, there is extra work done to cover this defect. The pommel shows little to no wear, having fine, crisp rim and nice black patinated upper smooth area. The cross guard is in the same condition on the reverse area as the top. The eagle shows a little bit of wear to the surfaces and the beginnings of the brass color are starting to show. Nevertheless, the eagle still has good detail to his head, open wing feathering, wreath and raised swastika. The breast feathered area shows some surface wear to the checkering. The ferrule is the same as the book piece and this nicely matches all of the other fittings. This dagger is equipped with a choice “slant” grip. This beautiful grip is a very dark orange color and is most impressive. An almost exact grip can be seen on the early Anton Wingen example I show on Page 69 of my Army book. The scabbard of this piece is also a Pack made one and is identical to Page 69. The scabbard shell is nice and straight throughout, having good silvering, but showing just a little bit of age in the lower panels of both sides. Nevertheless, the silvering is still about 98% throughout. The carrying bands are the style that have a distinctive borderline on each side. The pebble patterns are excellent and the throat is retained by two dome head screws, exactly like the book piece on Page 69. The blade of this piece is a very early type, having the tapered tang style which I show on Page 16. These tapered tangs are always on the “slant” style grips and frequently appear on only the earliest of Army daggers. This blade is a quality example, still having mirror finish throughout and reflecting 100% of its original grain. The tip is still needlelike and this blade easily grades in full mint condition. The reverse is etched with the little knight trademark. Above the trademark is the firm’s name “Anton Wingen, Jr.” and below is the location of the factory “Solingen”. This blade has been protected by an in-place large size leather washer. Coming with the dagger is a nice set of Army hanging straps. These straps have silvered pot metal hardware having the push-up style deluxe lower snaps. The brocade shows some minor usage and the velvet on the reverse also shows minor usage. Overall, though, these hangers grade at excellent plus. The box that contains this dagger is a post-war made example having black leatherette covered surfaces. The inside is recessed to accept the dagger and is a fine red velvet color. The dagger looks very nice displayed in this box. The box shows little to no wear, probably produced in the 1980s. A great looking combination here and a rarely seen trademark on an initial production dagger.
SPO #29025C EARLY SS HONOR DAGGER WITH PLAIN BLADE – Carl Eickhorn
This early SS Honor Dagger is equipped with the standard silvered honor crossguards. These crossguards display a mix of oak leaves and acorns, the lower having three acorns in the center with three oak leaves going outward and the upper example having a single acorn in the center, also with three leaves going outward. For those not familiar with this design, an almost identical example can be seen on Page 283 of my SS book. No honor crossguards, however, are completely the same, as they were all hand finished after they came out of the cast mold. This example has nice details to these crossguards with hand enhancing obvious to the leaves. There is also factory blackening in the backgrounds. As is usually the case, the acorns do not show a lot of detail to the caps as, apparently, this was normally worn off during the finishing process. The accent grooves are hand done, as is normally the case with these honor guards. The tang nut is a fine example, which also nicely matches the finish of the guards. These guards, inside, have matching numbers. The number is “528.” Normally these numbers are uniformly small and if you are not familiar with their size, you can see similar stampings on the crossguards I show on Page 269. The grip of this example is a fine piece of ebony wood. It shows no repairs and has good medium contour construction. The grip perfectly fits the crossguards. Looking at the grip surfaces, there are some signs of wear here and there along with the tiniest of hairliners that can be seen, typical in any kind of wood some seven decades old. None of the cracks, however, are really visible and they certainly are not threatening in any way. The runes button is in good condition, being straight in its positioning. It has perfect enameling with no visible hits. The grip eagle has a silver finish and is the style with “high neck.” The details to the bird’s eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, legs, wreath and raised swastika are all there. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. It is covered with outstanding black leather. This finely grained leather is completely original, showing a moderate amount of carrying time, but there are no cuts, nips or problems with this leather. As is the case with Honor scabbards, the leather exactly meets the upper and lower mount. It does not go under the fittings. This leather also has a seam at the bottom, but frankly, it is very difficult if not impossible, to discern. The scabbard shell is equipped with the panel scribed mounts we see on early Honor daggers. These panels are extremely crisp and the borders have had factory darkening, matching that of the crossguards. The darkening appears to be at least 98% in the grooves. These mounts have a matching silvered finish and they show a slight patination. The lower ball is in fine condition, showing no problems. The mounts are retained by silvered screws, which are all in place and unbuggered. The silvered ring has an early short hanger attached. This short hanger has black leather and is complete with the small restraining strap. The hanger is equipped with early nickel hardware, being the unmarked solid type. The clip is the “long snout” variety. This scabbard looks nearly identical to the example shown in color on Page 273 of my SS book to include the short hanger. The blade of this Honor dagger is not a Damascus type. We know that plain blades were available though, as they are shown in the Eickhorn catalog with plain blade options and also there are other known Honor daggers with plain blades. A good example of this is the well known Honor dagger worn by Hitler’s SA Adjutant, Bruckner, which also has a plain blade. The obverse of this blade is mirror bright and still has nearly 100% of its original crossgraining. It is easily in mint condition and is factory etched with the SS Motto, “Meine Ehre heisst Treue.” The motto is deep, crisp and has 100% of its original darkening. The reverse of the blade also has all of its graining and is mirror mint. Close examination, though, will reveal a slight wave in the factory center line as well as a subtle difference in the grain between the reverse and obverse of the blade This, of course, would indicate that this blade once had a R?hm inscription. When Röhm was unmasked as a traitor, this blade was returned to the factory where it was redone in the best way possible to no longer reveal any existence of this once present, inscription. As further proof of this, the small double oval trademark was used on this piece – a logo that we normally only see with Röhm inscribed daggers. This trademark consists of the two ovals containing the firm’s name and location, “Carl Eickhorn, Solingen,” and in the center is a squirrel having a smooth tail. The blade shoulders perfectly fit the lower crossguard. There is the tiniest amount of clearance around the box-shaped tang hole, but I have seen this on other Honor daggers in the past. This outstanding SS Honor dagger has been owned by a number of well known collectors and dealers. Originally, it was in the collection of the famed British collector, Barry Brown, owner of the Sepp Dietrich Honor Sword. From Mr. Brown, the dagger moved to Thomas M. Johnson who later sold it to well known New York based collector, Sterling (Chip) Gambino. Since Mr. Gambino has begun to slow down in his collecting and looking at retirement, he sold the dagger to the current owner who is a well known Canadian collector. I am proud to offer this SS Honor dagger to the next owner. I wish that it had a Damascus blade, as this would add tremendous value to the piece, but it does not. This piece is what it is. This same piece appears in my SS book on Page 283 as well as Page 292 left. This is your opportunity to acquire an SS Honor dagger at half price. The dagger comes complete with a postwar storage case, which also includes a fine leather belt loop and D-ring. If you have been looking for an SS Honor dagger and want to culminate the coups-de-gras of an SS collection, opportunity is knocking. A great-looking artifact here and probably only one of two or three dozen that were ever made.
SPO #28563 2ND MODEL NAVAL WITH HAMMERED SCABBARD AND ARTIFICIAL DAMASCUS BLADE & HANGERS
This 2nd Model Naval Dagger is equipped with a hammered scabbard when looking at the outside of the piece, it has an appearance of complete normality showing typical period wear. The hilt fittings are made of top quality brass and they do have some gilt still remaining in the recesses. For the most part, though, these fitting have patinated to the normal color hue we see on old brass. Looking in my Naval book I see that these fitting are the same as I show as used by the Puma firm. You can see these same fittings on pages 286 and 287 of my Naval Book. The pommel is an outstanding example having excellent detail to the bird’s head, beak, breast feathering, half-closed wreath and mobile swastika. There is more gilt remaining on the swastika than the wreath so it tends to glow slightly from its resting place within. The crossguard is an outstanding example having good fouled anchors in the center block. These anchors are the type that has a small dot in the center of the plow. The crossguard arms have nicely done acanthus leaves. The crossguard quillons are nicely line decorated and have fairly large nipples which jut outward on the ends identical to the book example. The grip is an off-white celluloid over a wood base. It has a pleasing color tone to its surfaces and this celluloid remains in perfect condition. The grip is tightly wrapped in twisted brass wire. There is some old dirt and residue trapped within the rib spaces by the wire. Decorating this fine hilt is the original-to-the-piece aluminum bullion portepee. This portepee is in good condition being the style with fatter cord. There is a little bit of fray where the knot comes out of the naval tie but other than this the bullion weave is in perfect condition. The slide and stem have a “V” weave design and the yarn-like bullion covered ball is in good condition having a cat’s anus style insert typical of naval portepees. It always amazes me how these portepees with fat cord could be tied so well, but the proof is in the pudding as this one is absolutely outstanding. The hammered scabbard is straight as an arrow and has good deep blows to each hit giving a quality appearance throughout. There is only minimal gilt remaining on this scabbard being just a little bit in the deep recesses. The bands are identical to the ones shown on page 287. These bands feature good detail to the overlapping oak leaves and acorn mix. The eyelets are the triple serrated type and the surfaces show some normal wear. The throat is slightly overlapped and is retained by two flush-mount headless side brass screws also being the same as the scabbard on page 287. All of this description though is only a lead up to the best part. When the dagger is removed from the scabbard it reveals a beautiful “band” pattern artificial Damascus. The pattern is in totally perfect condition and looks as good now as the day it was forged some 70 years ago. The reverse of the blade features the dual fuller construction but there are no other embellishments other than the cut-out spot for the lock recess. The obverse is in the same choice mint condition except at the center area positioned over the double fuller is a great looking gilded image. This image is in relief and depicts an anchor with shaft long enough to accommodate the positioning of a Wehrmacht style eagle. This eagle is closed-winged looking to the left and clutching a mobile swastika in his talons. The feathering is beautiful throughout the depiction and even the rope detail can be easily seen along the shaft of the anchor. The two plows are perfectly depicted with pointed ends and the connecting ring at the top is very visible. It is just amazing the detail that can be done with acid etching. As we would hope, all of the original gilded finish remains across this beautiful blade. I show a blade in my Naval Book that is identical to this example. This blade is shown on page 392. The difference between the two pieces is that on the book piece the naval anchor and Wehrmacht eagle appear on the reverse as on this piece the same depiction is on the obverse. The reverse of the book piece has the owner’s original name, whereas, unfortunately, this example does not. Obviously, though, looking at the two blades and comparing them shows that the identical etcher made both of them. This beautiful mint blade is protected by an in-place leather washer. This is your opportunity to acquire something really outstanding for your naval collection. This dagger was purchased by me directly from the son of the World War II veteran that brought it back. The dagger comes with a letter signed by the veteran’s son attributing to the fact that the naval dagger was brought home by his father, has always been in the accompanying case, and has never been taken apart. To add to the package the dagger also comes with its original hanging straps. These naval straps are the Kriegsmarine type having gilded aluminum hardware. The black moiré material has the standard lined surface and the reverse is covered in high pile blue black velvet. The long strap has been shortened slightly by the original owner. The stitches for this shortening were run through the surface of the straps but never-the-less was a good job. The buckles and snaps of this dagger are in 100% condition still having all of the original gild. The small strap has the chain and hook regain assembly. In fact, studying these two sets of straps I see that the short strap has also been shortened by the original owner. Obviously this office did not want the dagger to hang too low. The top snaps on both straps have most of the gilt whereas the bottom snaps show wear at the places where the rings connected. This dagger and accompanying hangers are complete with the original wooden box which was made to house them by the original returning veteran. The box is made of thin wood which appears to have been cut from an old painting palette as it has various shade of old paint on the inner areas as well as the lid. Additionally, the box has some old tape residue where tape was wrapped around it to keep it closed. The original finish nail holes are also still in the box. This outstanding dagger comes with the veteran’s original letter and additionally is 100% guaranteed to be of pre-1945 construction. An outstanding piece here which is virtually one-of-a-kind.
SPO #28562C DELUXE 50TH ANNIVERSARY DEDICATED FORESTRY CUTLASS – Alcoso
This beautiful forestry cutlass is of the highest quality that could be produced at the time. It is a Third Reich presented piece having a date of 1934. The gilded brass hilt is really quite lovely to examine as it has outstanding relief to the motif throughout. The “D”-guard is fashioned with hooves at both ends. But in the areas of in between there are overlapping oak leaves which are positioned on both sides of the “D”-ring traveling from the top of the upper hoof throughout the crossguard and to the bottom quillon of the lower hoof. At the central area of the guard there is a crossed ribbon depiction. These oak leaves are still extremely crisp and have outstanding hand enhancement throughout. The ferrule of this piece has fine lined ribbing and the central example has a vertical fluted decoration running completely around the ferrule providing a fine contrast with the smooth ribbed areas. At the lower is a beautiful clamshell device which at the right side has an upward pointing quillon with a curve and at the left side the quillon goes up much higher and sweeps to the left with a curved end. This clamshell has the effect of scales cut into its surfaces but I believe it really is some sort of a floral design – quite beautiful indeed! The grip plates of this piece are of genuine ivory. They have toned to a golden color, the reverse being darker than the obverse. In addition to the beautiful color there is a fine graining in the surfaces which tends to swirl about the in place decorative acorns. On both sides there are matching gilded acorns with two leaves at the top and a fairly long stem. Like the rest of the piece these acorns also seem to have extra handwork, particularly at the caps and the veining of the leaves. These grip plates and acorns are as nice as you will ever see. Absolute top, top craftsmanship and finest of materials here! The scabbard shell is of black leather. This leather is still in first rate condition showing little age and having the usual twin line decoration on both sides. The reverse is sewn up the center area in the usual manner. The scabbard mounts are of a fine gilded brass exactly matching the hilt. These mounts have scalloped edges where they meet the leather. The upper mount is plain having an acorn / lug which is very detailed and hand-enhanced. The lower mount is plain on the reverse and on the obverse has an extremely decorative panel. The panel depicts hunting implements consisting of a game bag with shot gun, horn and Hirschfanger. There are also oak leaves which surround the depiction. At the top area of the scabbard mount there is a small panel featuring oak leaf sprigs. These mounts are in perfect condition and are held in place with a staple in the usual manner. It is possible to see that there is a number beneath the staple. As beautiful as the outside of this cutlass is, the best part though is the blade. The blade is in mint condition and is of a 13-inch length. This blade is of absolute highest quality and is triple etched. On the obverse there is a panel in the center. The panel depicts the purpose and date of the piece in three raised lines, “Zum 50 jährigen Dienstjubiläum / 1. IV. / 1884-1934”. This dedication translates to, “Given for 50 years of outstanding service, April 1 1884-1934”. There is a darker background to highlight these letters in relief. They are done in the old Gothic type script and are very impressive. Flanking the center panel is a small scene of a deer and a dove under two trees. At the ricasso area and at the end there is a floral scene which encompasses two game birds in the grass. The reverse of the blade has a very similar motif and the panel in the center has the name of the presenter of this cutlass. It is in relief, “Graf Schulenburg- / Wolfsburg”. The presenting man’s name was Count Schulenburg-Wolfsburg”. Flanking the center panel at the ricasso area is a dog attacking a wild boar under a tree and at the end there is a howling wolf beneath a couple of trees in a forest. The spine features oak leaves running the length. This blade is in full mint condition and on the reverse has the stamped logo of the Alcoso firm, “ACS”, interspersed within a set of scales. The original off-red felt buffer is in place. Accompanying the cutlass is a fine green dress portepee. This portepee has green textured strapping with stem and slide featuring green “V” weave with bullion background. The round style ball has a cap with green and gold yarn-like material with a gold lower ball. The stuffing in the ball is green. Getting to the elite of this cutlass and its importance as a collectible is the fact that the original presenter and the recipient have been researched by professional Rob McDivitt. In looking through the information uncovered by Mr. McDivitt it seems that Count Guenther Reichsgraf von der Schulenburg-Wolfsburg was the owner of a large estate in which it was necessary to have a forester to keep track of the health of the vegetation as well as the animals within. Schulenburg was in the imperial cavalry and was a war hero during the Great War and stayed attached to the cavalry all his life having died in 1985. The cutlass was presented to the forester Robert Schomburg by Schulenburg for 50 years of faithful service. The presentation in April of 1934 is accompanied by a photo of this event. In the photograph the forester, Schomburg, is pictured with his wife and family along with the owner of the estate and his staff making the presentation. Additionally, there is a photograph of Count Schulenburg on his horse. He appears to be in his seventies in this photograph. It is interesting to note that when the forester Schomburg died the armor cutlass was turned over to his son. Unfortunately, the estate was taken over by allied troops and the cutlass subsequently disappeared explaining its surfacing in the United States some 60 years later. There is still research that can be done on this elegant cutlass as well as with the aristocratic family as Schulenburg’s son still is alive and lives on the estate. This is a grand opportunity to own a very beautiful and important historical German forestry cutlass. This piece could easily be the highlight of a hunting forestry collection. This is a true art form with great prospects for additional research.
SPO #28436C EAGLE FINIAL FOR SS REITER / NSKK / NSFK STANDARTES
This Eagle Top Finial is easily one of the most beautiful and rarest of all 3rd Reich artifacts. The standartes, which were carried by the SS Reiter/NSKK and NSFK, were different than the normal Deutschland Erwache standartes in that they were carried horizontally rather than draped downward. Because of this horizontal carrying method, it was necessary to secure the rod for the upper part of the standarte through a cylindrical opening on the finial itself. Therefore, this finial not only has the cylinder equipped for the standard pole top mount, but there is also a smaller cylinder fitting which comes out of the reverse area for accommodating the top pole of the colorful silk standarte. This cylindrical main piece has a cone-shaped top. Stamped into the edge area of the cone is the maker name, location, and date, “Gahr Münchn/1935”. Otto Gahr was the jewelry firm based in Munich that was favored by Hitler, and this firm produced all of the Deutschland Erwache pole top finials. Above the cylinder hardware is a most beautiful silvered wreath of overlapping oak leaves with open mobile swastika. The wreath has lots of detail, and the swastika is also most impressive with its open look. The wreath, as well as the swastika, still have some of the original silver frosting clinging here and there. At the top, clutching the oak leaf wreath, is a most impressive eagle with wings at about the top of the flight motion. These wings are beautifully feathered, both at the upper and lower areas. The bird has an impressive tail, also with fine feathering. His head, breast, leg, and talon areas are also extremely well detailed. This entire bird is gilded throughout, as is the cylindrical lower fitting. The gilding throughout this piece appears to be easily near 100%. This eagle finial matches exactly with the color photos shown on page 458 and 459 of the excellent book, “Deutschland Erwache”, by Ulric of England. I do not know how many of these pole top finials exist, but this is the first opportunity I have had to handle one. I must say this is a very impressive 3rd Reich artifact, especially when you realize its importance. I don’t know how many of these finials could have survived the war, but this one certainly did so in regal fashion. A very, very, beautiful item here, and if you have one of these ultra-rare SS Reiter/NSKK or NSFK standartes, this would certainly make a great addition to complete your retirement package! An outstanding original artifact here.
SPO #27920 MODEL 1933 SS DAGGER WITH FULL RÖHM INSCRIPTION - Carl Eickhorn
This has to be one of the best conditioned full SS Röhm daggers in existence. It is certainly the finest example I have ever had to offer, and it is perfect for those out there who demand the finest and can afford to pay for it. This dagger is a classic example throughout. The cross guards and tang nut are the early nickel variety. The tang nut appears to have no wrench marks on it, but it is loose so that the admirer can view the tang and interior of the parts if desired. The cross guards have good, smooth surfaces, nice crisp edges and have the typical hand done deep accent grooves we normally see with this maker’s product. The lower reverse cross guard is roman numeral stamped with the district marking “I”. The cross guards are internally marked “H.E” which indicates that they were made in-house by the Eickhorn firm. The grip is a very fine ebony wood. The obverse is still crisp, having medium contour ridge construction. Other than the most minor of flaking just where the lower hedge meets the cross guard, the grip is perfect. The reverse grip has a couple of minor hits, most likely caused by the short hanger and there is also a tiny flake just where the grip meets the reverse top guard and also at the lower cross guard. These flakes, though, are nothing and are attributable to the hardness of this ebony wood. They are by no means chips, and are almost natural occurrences that we often accept as part of collecting. This fine grip nicely fits the cross guards, being perfect on both right sides and having just the tiniest of gaps on both left sides - again, a normal occurrence, especially with Eickhorn pieces. The runes button is in perfect condition, having choice enamel surfaces. The SS runes and the double circle are beautifully silvered. The grip eagle is the “high-necked” version and it has full detail throughout its beak, eye, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and raised swastika. The condition of this grip eagle is a testament to the true condition of this fine dagger. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This shell has absolutely 100% of the original anodized surfaces. It is extremely beautiful, as about 99% of the original factory protective lacquer is also still there. It is a rare sight indeed to see a scabbard in this condition. The scabbard mounts are the typical solid nickel type. They are in perfect condition to include the never-dropped lower ball. These mounts have a slight gold tone to their metal color and this is consistent with daggers of this vintage. The Himmler daggers also have this same toning. The original nickel screws are all present and are unturned. The dagger is equipped with its original short hanger. This leather retains its suppleness with good black color and is complete with the original small retainer loop. The hardware nicely matches the mild patination throughout the rest of the dagger. The snap clip is the unmarked type with narrow snout ending. An outstanding scabbard here. As nice as the rest of the dagger is though, the blade is even better. This beautiful blade is completely bright throughout. It has all of its original cross graining and the original needlelike tip is like it just came out of the factory. Other than the normal runner marks, this blade is in full mint condition. The SS motto “Meine Ehre heisst Treue” is deeply etched and has 100% of the original factory darkening in the backgrounds. Turning the blade over is a remarkable sight indeed! As a fully intact Röehm inscription is all there, having the matching background darkening and the full crisp lettering. This inscription is slightly titled to the left but when the blade is turned over, the same application applies to the SS motto. These etchings were done at the same time, so the etches should reflect the same angles, the same depth and the same background coloring. In this case, they certainly do! The trademark consists of the early small double ovals. The ovals contain the firm’s name and location “Carl Eickhorn Solingen”. Inside is a seated squirrel having a smooth tail. The blade shoulders fit the lower cross guard nicely. This dagger appears to be in the same condition as the example I show in my SS book on Page 66. A fantastic original example here, being the best of the best and certainly a dagger you can put your hard-earned money into and know that you have made a good investment. A pristine example here and no advanced collection is complete without one of these ultra-rare, very desirable SS daggers.
Mint. $32,995.00SPO #28117 HERMANN GÖRING COLOR PORTRAIT ON PORCELAIN - Rosenthal
This portrait on porcelain of Hermann Göring is a fantastic work of art. It was produced by the famous Rosenthal porcelain company and is in a beautiful color format. The portrait itself measures about 10 inches by 12.5 inches, and in its modern day frame is about 12 inches by 15 inches overall. The portrait depicts Göring from the left side dressed as a Luftwaffe Field Marshall. The detail to Hermann’s blue eyes, hair and facial features is second to none. Hermann was handsome man and Rosenthal has really captured his best side! Hermann is dressed in the great coat of a Luftwaffe Field Marshall, which places the date of the work at about 1938 or 1939. The Luftwaffe great coat, of course, is a gray-blue in color, having the white lapels designated for general officers and Field Marshalls. The collar taps also are most interesting, featuring a beautiful oak leaf wreath with an eagle in flight over the top area of the depiction. Below is a swastika positioned over what appears to be a pair of cross Marshall’s batons. The collar tabs are in white, matching the lapels. The shoulder boards are the heavy braided type, having a set of crossed batons at the top left. There is a hint of Göring’s Blue Max showing at his collar, but since the portrait is in profile it is not really identifiable. On Göring’s left breast there is some sort of a very high Order, which has a star burst style background with a round center. In the background there is sort of a muted drape or some other treatment that enhances the colors and artistic feeling of the personage portrayed. I do not know how many of these portraits were produced by Rosenthal but this is the first one that I have seen portraying Hermann Göring. A wonderful work of art here that would be stupendous gracing the proper collecting room wall. I doubt that Rosenthal would own up to actually making this portrait, but, let’s face it, it indeed was their work and history is history, regardless of the principles involved. A beautiful, investment quality artifact.
Mint. $2,995.00SPO #26976C NATIONAL HUNTING ASSOCIATION CUTLASS - Carl Eickhorn
This beautiful
Hunting cutlass is one of three that were brought into my office
by a Philadelphia couple. They explained to me that the man who
lived next door was going to Florida and gave them the three cutlasses,
as he did not want to take them with him. They brought them in
here to me and I was thrilled to get them. All three were by Carl
Eickhorn and all three have the over-the-shoulder stamped trademark
which is almost never seen on these pieces. Two of them were Forestry
types and the third, which I am offering here, is a National Hunting
Association cutlass. The other two Forestries were sold at a recent
show. This Eickhorn example is in new-like condition. It reflects
fine silvered fittings throughout which still have most of their
brightness as all of the original factory lacquer appears intact.
This is quite a sight to see on one of these cutlasses some 60
years later. The pommel cap is the same as is seen in the Eickhorn
catalogue for Model No. 1692, which this piece represents. The
cap has a center positioned round nut which acts as a tang nut.
There is a factory hole drilled through the center of this nut
which acts as a device to hang a string or rawhide. The cap flares
out with decorative fluting, and at its sides has decorative lines
running around. The matching ferrule has two center raised lines
for decoration. The cross guard is the up and down style and it
features deer’s legs with hooves and the hair of the animal
has been beautifully hand-detailed. It is interesting to note
that a darker patination was applied by the factory at the areas
where the hair is to give an antique look. Below the cross guard
is a clamshell which is beautifully fluted, also having factory
darkening in its depths. The grip is an outstanding piece of genuine
antler. The antler has been chosen specifically for its size,
as there was little cutting necessary to install this grip within
the pommel and ferrule. The grip has fine brown and golden hues
to the raised out grain. It is very beautiful and totally perfect
condition. Pinned at the center of the grip is a National Hunting
Association insignia. This insignia is silvered with dark backgrounds
to match the fittings. It portrays a stag head with large antlers.
Between the antlers is a cross with rays and in the center is
a mobile swastika. On either side of the deer’s head, respectively,
are the initials of the National Hunting Association “DJ”.
The scabbard shell of this piece is a composition material beneath
which is covered with a beautiful grained green leather. This
leather is in totally perfect condition, having the decorative
trim lines on the edges of both sides. This green leather is the
best I have seen. The shell is fitted with silvered mounts. These
mounts have all of their factory applied lacquer, as virtually
no air has penetrated them. A very rare sight indeed! Both mounts
are decorated with scallop edges where they meet the leather and
they are retained with staples in the usual manner. The upper
lug is in the shape of a fine acorn with darkened cap. The blade
of this example is also a beauty. It is still factory fresh, having
choice 100% frosting in the backgrounds of the raised triple etches.
This blade measures 13 inches in length and retains its original
needlelike tip. The scenes of the animals are spectacular, being
in full mint condition. The obverse is the scene with a kneeling
hunter aiming a rifle at a large stag and doe who are jumping
over a log in a forest glen. After this main scene is a small
area which depicts a capercaillie, which was a large game bird
prominent in European hunting. The bird is sitting on an oak branch
and appears to be tweeting. The reverse scene is the popular one
featuring the hunter with cutlass in one hand and rifle in the
other chasing after a ferocious boar who is in the midst of being
attacked by hunting dogs. There are dogs all over the boar and
also dogs flying around in the glen area. After this scene is
a large hummingbird. The top spine is etched with oak leaves which
run nearly the whole length. At the beginning area is the well
known etching of the Eickhorn distributor “W.Michovius Cottbus”.
This distributor must have handled a large number of hunting and
forestry cutlasses for the Carl Eickhorn firm, as we frequently
see their name included on the blade. To date, also as a bonus,
this marking has never been reproduced. The blade would be a total
mint were there not a couple of very minor age marks that appear
on the top spine and a couple on the lower blade edge. They are
nothing though, and this blade still rates in mint condition.
The reverse ricasso is stamped with the rarely seen over-the-shoulder
trademark used by Carl Eickhorn in 1941. It features a squirrel
in more of a “stick” form looking behind him. Beneath
is the firm’s name and location “Eickhorn Solingen”.
The original green felt buffer is perfect and is in place. This
is an opportunity to acquire an outstanding Hunting Association
cutlass which, in my opinion, was most likely taken out of a store
or the Eickhorn factory. It is the best conditioned example I
have seen to date.
SPO #27179C PERSONALIZED ARISTOCRATS ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn
This beautiful
Army dagger is a most exciting piece. It belonged to an aristocrat
who may have been a Knights Cross winner as well as an Army General,
but we will get to this in a minute. The dagger itself is a choice-conditioned
example which rates mint throughout. The fittings on this dagger
are the early 2nd style. The early 2nd style cross guard is slightly
different from what I show in my Army book on Page 25, being a
progression of the 1st style which is shown on Page 24. The cross
guard itself depicts a choice eagle design with breast checkering,
which is slightly finer than Page 25, but, yet not as fine as
Page 24. This is the prime difference between these eagles. The
eagle, though, is in fantastic condition and clutches a wreathed
raised out swastika. Even the talons have been hand-enhanced on
this bird. The pommel is a fine 2nd style type having 12 oak leaves
around the perimeter. The ferrule is the 2nd type, being exactly
like I show on Page 25. The grip of this example is a beautiful
darker orange color and the tones are the same throughout. This
grip is in totally perfect condition. Now we want to get to the
engravings that present themselves on this choice dagger. At the
pommel top, taking up almost the complete surface is the engraved
family crest of this original owner. The crest is in a shield
shape being split into four quadrants. Two of the four quadrants
each depict the same scenes and are positioned opposite each other.
At the ten o’clock and four o’clock quadrant are depicted
what appears to be two powder horns. The backgrounds of these
depictions have been nicely lined for a shaded effect. On the
other two quadrants which would run from two o’clock to eight
o’clock, there is a scene of a prancing stag with a good
set of racks. The backgrounds here have a series of random pebbled
designs to give them relief. It is quite rare to see a family
crest on the top of a pommel. On the reverse of the cross guard
is a beautifully engraved five-point crown. Beneath the crown
are the letters “v.N-W.”. These initials and crown belong
to the aristocratic family of “von Nostitz-Wallwitz”.
Unfortunately, there is no first initial in this personalization,
so it is difficult to determine which of the von Nostitz-Wallwitz
family members owned this dagger. There has been research conducted
which accompanies the dagger. The research shows five members
of the von Nostitz-Wallwitz family who could have owned this piece.
One of them was in the foreign service, so it probably would not
be him. Two other younger members were both First Lieutenants
and it is doubtful that the dagger belonged to either of these
two. The two oldest members of the family “Eckhard von Nostitz-Wallwitz”
and “Gustav Adolf von Nostitz-Wallwitz” were the two
oldest and likely one of these was the owner of the dagger. Eckhard
was a First Lieutenant in 1936 and went on in the war to be associated
with a Panzer regiment. He was killed in Russia in 1943. Gustav
Adolf, on the other hand, was a First Lieutenant in 1930 and became
a Major in 1937. 1937 would most likely be the date that Eickhorn
produced this 2nd style variation cross guard, so there is a good
chance that when Gustav Adolf von Nostitz-Wallwitz achieved this
rank, he purchased the dagger. After this, he became a Lieutenant
Colonel with an artillery regiment in 1940 and in 1941, became
a Panzer commander, winning the German Cross in gold. In 1942,
he was in Russia and was involved with the Stalingrad fiasco.
In 1944, he was with Panzer Artillery Regiment 89. At this time,
he won the Knight’s Cross and was promoted to General Major.
In 1945, he was killed on 31 May. So, there is a better than even
chance here that this personalized dagger belonged to a Wehrmacht
General and Knight’s Cross winner. It would be up to the
next owner to conclusively prove this ownership. This is a very
exciting piece, indeed. Getting to the rest of the description,
the scabbard is a standard 2nd style Eickhorn example, having
good pebbled surfaces. The scabbard shows just hints of frosting
in the protected areas around the carrying bands and the throat
area. The thicker throat is retained by a center placed screw
in the reverse. The blade of this example is as nice as they come.
It has a full mirror mint surface with 100% of the original graining.
The needlelike tip is in place and this dagger blade easily rates
in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the
1935-41 squirrel design. The original small brown leather washer
is in place protecting this fine blade. This is a grand opportunity
to obtain an outstanding dagger. If the original owner was indeed
the Knight’s Cross winner, this dagger could be worth far
more than its advertised price. If he was not, it is still a fantastic
piece which would be the highlight of most collections. It is
very rare to find an Army dagger with this aristocratic family
Wappen along with the crown and family name. Very rare offering
here and guaranteed original dagger.
SPO #20717 DEDICATED TRIPLE ETCHED ARMY LEOPARD HEAD SABER - Unmarked Richard Abr. Herder
This beautiful
saber has the identical hilt as is designated as an honor piece
illustrated in Johnson Volume I, page 146 left. The all brass
hilt consists of a finely detailed leopard head cat with oak leaf
backstrap and "P" guard. The cat is fitted with blood
red faceted eyes. He has fine hand done detail throughout his
whiskers, chin, and the jowl areas. The handwork is beautifully
rendered throughout this brass. The backstrap consists of raised
out oak leaves with a single leaf flowing into the side tabs.
The "D" guard also features raised out oak leaves and
there is handwork evident on the checkering of the acorns accompanying
these leaves. The ferrule is one of the straight-edged-border
types frequently seen on E. Pack pieces. You can see an identical
ferrule on page 113 of the Angolia Book. I like this particular
ferrule and I think other producer's did also, as it is seen on
higher quality examples occasionally. The crossguard consists
of an open-winged, art deco style eagle. The eagle on this piece
looks to the viewer's left. It is highly detailed featuring lots
of hand accenting. It faces opposite from both the Herder pieces
shown in Angolia on page 86, lower and the Johnson piece on page
146. The gilding throughout this brass hilt appears to be approximately
90%. The hilt gilding, however, is nice and even, and is very
pleasing. The grip is composed of black celluloid over wood. It
is in perfect condition and it is wrapped in an unusual attractive
style. It features two plain wires, and in the center, is springy
aluminum wire. Really looks good and is the same as the wrap shown
on Johnson page 146 left. This hilt has a deluxe quality about
it, which tends to hint of the delight to come when the blade
is withdrawn. This blade measures 31 ½-inches in length
and is completely pristine, featuring highest quality nickel-plated
surfaces. The blade features the unique Richard Herder etch pattern
which almost looks like spaghetti to me. It is immediately recognizable,
as it is a series of twisted rounded cording joined together and
raised out. The pattern may be seen on page 46 of Johnson Volume
I, as well as on page 86, of the Angolia Sword Book. The pattern
is also shown on page 43 of Angolia, four down from the top. The
obverse blade features a centered panel between the spaghetti
etch. This panel has beautiful frosted backgrounds being 100%.
Raised out of the panel, is the nickel-plated facsimile signature
of the blade's owner. Other than the first name which appears
to be "Franz", the last name I am unable to decipher.
The signature appears to be done in the popular Sütterlin
script which was used during the time. Perhaps this signature
could be translated by someone more knowledgeable, and thus, a
research project could be instituted on this outstanding example.
The reverse blade is also a fantastic thing. It has the same spaghetti
etch with a panel in the center featuring frosted backgrounds.
This panel depicts a highly stylized, open-winged eagle. The eagle
does not clutch a wreathed swastika but rather the swastika is
positioned where the bird's talons normally would be. This makes
for an outstanding look. You may see this detail on page 43 of
Angolia. This eagle really is exciting when you first pull out
the blade, as most collectors have never seen this style bird
before. This is really a stimulating blade and definitely would
be the highlight of a sword collector's passion. The accompanying
scabbard is nice and straight and has good original black paint.
There is quite a bit of crazing and spidering in the paint surfaces,
but overall, it still looks good, and with a little cleaning up
should easily rate at excellent plus to near mint. A great sword
which deserves to be researched and then displayed on a cradle
with the results! This is your chance to really obtain a fine,
fine piece for your collection. Not cheap, but quality Third Reich
swords of this caliber and importance are rarely offered today.
SPO #15338 18TH CENTURY GERMAN HUNTING CUTLASS WITH IVORY GRIP AND SKINNER
I am sure this
Hunting Cutlass should be in a museum. This cutlass surfaced about
five years ago in central Pennsylvania. I was lucky enough to
acquire it at a MAX show. I have had it for a number of years
now, but it is time to pass it on for others to enjoy. The grip
of this hunting cutlass is absolutely outstanding and representative
of the best carved ivory art of the period. The grip is fashioned
of solid ivory. The grip has raised out carved hunting figures
throughout each of its five surfaces. The obverse surface features
an oak tree on the outer edge. There are two large stags and a
resting doe shown in the clearing next to the tree. In the background
can be seen some small hills and the steeple of a church within
a nearby hamlet. The carved detail to these figures is phenomenal.
The left edge shows a pointing dog in a forest scene tracking
a large sneering boar. The boar looks very displease with the
situation. The manner in which fir trees have been raised out
and carved is a great art study. The reverse grip depicts what
may be a hunting lodge at the left side, and then there are three
deer in the center area, resting next to a stump. The large stag
in the picture has a huge rack and great detail. There is a tree
and fence next to this animal. The other edge depicts a hunter
with his dog stalking a large buck. The backgrounds show hills
and wood depictions. The pommel area, which is separated by a
decoratively lined silver rim, features a resting stag. The stag
is resting on leaves and there are lined designs in the background.
I can not emphasize the great work demonstrated on these carvings.
Despite some 250 years, the ivory does not show a lot of wear.
The lower ferrule matches the silver piece separating the pommel
from the grip. The crossguard has straight quillon ends, but has
a curved design in the center. The guard is engraved with swirl-like
designs. The guard is a black patinated silver. The snake-like
designs have gilding applied to the backgrounds. The gilding either
was never applied, or has been worn from the reverse of the crossguard,
but it does have the same engraved designs. The upper arms of
the crossguard have an engraved name that most likely belonged
to the original owner. The engravings have white backgrounds,
so that they may be read against the patinated blackness. I can
not make out the names, but I can make out the word, “Fürst”.
I know that this word represents an appointed prince in Germany.
For instance, Bismark was ordained a “Fürst”, by
Kaiser Wilhelm the First. The Kaiser, in effect, made a noble
man out of someone who was not born with a title. This would indicate
that this cutlass was owned by a very high ranking personage of
the German aristocracy. There is a small clamshell device which
is located beneath the center block of the obverse crossguard.
This device is round and has sun like rays which go outward from
the round beaded border. In the center is a beveled gold coin.
The coin depicts a Maltese-like cross. In the center of the cross,
is the depiction of Saint Hubertus kneeling before a stag with
a cross between its horns. This sign, of course, has been used
by German hunters for centuries. It is even used on the German
liquor served in bars today known as, “Jagermeister”.
Surrounding the Saint Hubertus depiction is the word, “KRAAR
SOLN”. I could be wrong about what these letters are, but
that’s what it looks like. Above the cross, is a royal crown.
On either side of the crown is the date of this gold coin which
is, “1750”. Below the cross are the initials, “AK”,
which most likely are those of the man that designed the gold
coin. The scabbard of this example measures about 15 ½-inches
overall. It is a black leather shell which probably has wood beneath.
The leather is still in fairly good condition and is sewn up the
rear. This scabbard has mounts at the top and the bottom. The
leather shell is more bulbous at the top as the upper mount is
formed to accept a skinning knife which is still present. This
skinner is approximately 7-inches in length. It has a short blade
which is only about 3-inches in length and is very sharp. It was
meant to do the skinning job not just look good. This blade is
in fairly good condition, still retaining its brightness and having
a false edge at the top. The blade is stamped with the word, ‘Riefling”.
This would represent the manufacturer of this piece, I would think.
The grip of the skinning knife is made with antler plates. They
too, are in good shape but show some age. The upper mount itself,
is a patinated steel example which has engraved designs matching
those of the crossguard. The edges which meet the leather have
serrated points. The lower mount also has matching decorative
designs and the original gilded backgrounds still remain. This
mount is scalloped, where it meets the scabbard shell. The blade
of this example is 14 ½-inches in length. It shows sharpening
and usage being a slab side example. It has no ricasso with a
single edge. There is a false edge which comes backwards up the
spine to about one-third of the way. This hunting cutlass was
obviously meant to be both decorative as well as utilitarian.
There are no visible etchings on the blade and it still remains
nice and bright. It shows lots of age, but no abuse. This outstanding
cutlass is quite impressive and could be the highlight of a hunting
/ forestry collection. I don’t know how items of this age
surface today, or how they made it all these years, but here is
your opportunity to really buy something nice for your hunting
collection.
SPO #22368 UNIQUE NUREMBERG 1929 BADGE OF HONOR WITH HITLER DEDICATION TO JULIUS STREICHER
This
non-portable award originally was issued in a leatherette case
with velvet recessed bottom. The case is currently missing from
this piece. The award is a "900" marked silver example.
It is identical to the piece which is shown in the Forman III
edition page 251, bottom. The non-portable Badge of Honor award
was given to high ranking political and NSDAP leaders. The 1929
Nuremberg rallies were very important to Hitler. So much so, the
pin which participants wore during this rally continued to be
worn throughout the Third Reich period. The rallies prior to 1929
were not well attended, and this was the first time some one hundred
thousand people took part. The rally included a patriotic ceremony
for the dead of World War I and was also know for its number of
violent clashes with Communists. It was the rally when German
industrialists also realized that Hitler was a political factor
to contend with and started donating money to the NSDAP. For these
reasons, the 1929 rally was very important to Hitler's cause.
This beautiful award measures approximately 3 ½-inches
in length and 1 ½-inches in width. It is a shield shape.
At the top of the award are the distinctive medieval castle structures
which act as the logo for the city of Nuremberg. Below these,
the name of the city is printed in large letters, "NÜRNBERG".
Below this, a Stahlhelm style helmet is vaulted outward with a
Prussian style eagle on the top. The bird grasps a wreathed swastika
in its talons. Next to the bird are the dates, "1914",
and, "1919 NSDAP". Below the helmet are the raised out
purpose of the award, "Partei / Tag / 1929". The reverse
of the award is stamped by the maker, "F. Hoffstätter
/ Bonn". Beneath this maker stamping is the hallmark of,
"800", the silver content. But the best part of the
award is yet to come! The reverse of the award has outstanding
custom engraving which is almost enough to give the true collector
the shivers of thrill. It is engraved, "Herrn / Stadtrat
u. M.d.L. / Julius Streicher / in Würdigung / der Verdienste
/ um Nürnberg / herzlichst". The engraving is absolutely
fantastic, done in the gothic manner, and following the width
format of the badge borders. Beneath the professional engraving
is the facsimile signature of, "Adolf Hitler". Roughly
translated this inscription means, "To city leader Julius
Streicher, in appreciation for heartfelt service in Nuremberg,
Adolf Hitler". The initials, "Md. L." are an
abbreviation of "Mitglied des Landtages," which means "Member of
Parliament." Streicher was a member of the Bavarian Parliament from
1924 to 1932. (Info supplied by Bernd Thorborg). Most collectors may know that Streicher was
directly responsible for bringing Hitler and the NSDAP to Nuremberg
for their rallies. It was the perfect city for such occasions
due to its medieval architecture, narrow streets and the fact
that many railroads converged on Nuremberg from throughout Germany.
Streicher also participated in the original 1923 Putch, standing
next to Hitler during the famous march. Hitler, known for his
unwavering loyalty throughout his life, never gave up on Streicher
despite the repulsiveness of the man. Streicher was a publisher
of a pornographic and anti-Semitic newspaper which Hitler read
religiously, despite the fact that Streicher was universally hated
by members of the Party. Streicher was a man who wanted to settle
affairs first with violence, often taking pleasure in beating
people in the presence of witnesses. He was a thoroughly obnoxious
sadist who's sexual appetite bordered on the psychopathic. He
once charged that Hermann Goring's daughter, Edda, was conceived
by artificial insemination! Although, Hitler was forced to dismiss
Streicher from Party posts, he never removed his title as Gauleiter
and was loyal to him to the end. This Nuremberg Badge of Honor
is a great example of how Hitler felt about Streicher. It is extremely
rare to find any objects which are personally dedicated by the
Führer. This item is absolutely guaranteed to be authentic
and is one of the most important artifacts I have turned up in
years! If I am able to find an appropriate case for this badge
I will include it with its sale. A great opportunity for an advanced
collector to acquire something really great for his collection! Special
thanks to Bernd Thorborg for his contribution to this description.
SPO #17196 MINERS BLUE AND GILD DRESS HAMMER WITH DEDICATION - J.A. Henckel
This Miner’s
dress hammer was most likely presented to a coal miner upon his
retirement, or possibly an anniversary year. The hammer has a
head which measures approximately six and one-quarter inches across.
This head is a steel base, which has been nickel plated, and then
gilded. The one side of the hammer has a standard flat end snout,
and the opposite end comes to a point, which would have been used
for picking into stone. Each of these extending arms has been
decorated with double rows of gilt and blue oak leafing. This
oak leafing is quite beautiful, featuring sporadic acorns. The
leaves have all been enhanced with hand-done veining. The surfaces
have had a pebbling applied to bring about relief. The gold is
highlighted by beautiful blue lined backgrounds and marked lines
of gilt. Nice work here! The flat end of the hammer is decorated
with a raised out, “E”. The letter has a blued background
and the border around it has little decorative circles. These
are the kind of decorations we often see applied to areas of carrying
bands, to cover casting flaws. The center block of the hammer
is almost square, but is slightly thinner on the bottom area.
The obverse center block is decorated with oak leaves and acorns,
which are bordered by the little circular effects. The center
of this block has a set of crossed miners’ hammers. The slogan
for miners appears on either side of the hammers “Glück
Auf!” This motto means “Good Luck” which seems
to be a properly applied motto for an organization having the
risk of coal miners. The other side of the center block is done
in the same manner with blued backgrounds, gilded border lines
and more of the little circles. It has a raised out four line
expression or dedication which in German is “WO KUOLEN LIFGET/UN
EKEL’L WASST/DO WASST OK LÜ/DE DCBI BASST”. I do
not know what this dedication means, but it may be a slogan which
applies to mining organizations. It is very interesting to note
that, below the hammering end of this device, on the side of the
center block, is the logo of the J.A. Henckel firm, being the
twins. The twins logo is in blue, and the area around it, is gilded.
This hammer shows a little bit of wear and some minor age here
and there, but, overall, it is still all there, and is a great
looking artifact. The handle itself is made out of a type of hardwood.
It is a brown color and appears to be teak or some other type
of hard wood. This is a great item to accent a beautiful Miner’s
Sword, or something to start a collection around. A beautiful,
one-of-a-kind item.
SPO #25440 2ND MODEL LUFTWAFFE WITH IVORY GRIP AND DOUBLE-ETCH BLADE - Emil Voos
This Second
Model Luftwaffe is the classic Voos, with Ivory Grip and Double-Etched
Blade. These daggers are an absolute “must”, for any
advanced collector, or for those who just want to have something
beautiful to look at, and always have a steady rising investment.
These daggers, I believe, are the highlight of any interesting
collection. This example is just as beautiful, if not more so,
than the piece I show in color, in my Luftwaffe book, on page
167. The hilt fittings are the generic variety. They have received
a heavy silver plating, and therefore, are a near black color,
being brighter on the high points. The pommel is the same as page
167, except the silver plating has given it much more depth. The
crossguard is also identical, having the same black recesses.
The pommel has the pebbled background style leafing, and both
swastikas are nicely raised out. The crossguard displays the bird
flying to the viewer’s left. The top of his wings are cantilevered
over, slightly. This bird shows no wear, and has great detail
to his beak, brow, eye, breast feathering, talons, wing feathering,
and clutched swastika. The reverse of the bird has the large pebble
pattern design in the panel. It is identical to the example shown
on page 166, by Tiger. The pommel has all of the silvering still
intact, whereas there is one minor flake to the lower quillon
arm, beneath the bird depiction. This flake does not show at all
while viewing the upper areas. This crossguard is the style having
the cast-in-oak leaves at the upper quillon arms. These oak leaf
and acorn designs are the same as is shown on page 149, center.
The ferrule is also the silver-plated version, exactly matching
the other hilt mounts. Setting the richly patinated fittings off,
is an outstanding ivory grip. This ivory has turned a golden color
throughout, having beautiful grains running through every millimeter
of this grip surface. There are attractive cracks, which run down
both edges. It is a fantastic piece of ivory, being more beautiful,
than page 167. There are no chips anywhere in this ivory, and
it is tightly wrapped with the original “springy” grip
wire. An outstanding, beautiful hilt here! The scabbard is a very
choice airplane gray-style, having 100% coating. This full mint
scabbard could not be any nicer. It has crisp pebbling to all
of the panels, and the bands are also totally perfect. These bands
are the generic type. The throat is an unplated style, and it
is thin, being retained by two flush-mount side screws. A beautiful
scabbard here, which is accompanied with a great set of hanging
straps. These hangers have perfect blue/purple brocade fronts,
and the velvet backs show no wear whatsoever. These straps are
equipped with the deluxe fittings, having the raised-out oak leafing
to the snap clip, the rectangular buckles, the slides, and also
to the push-up style, oak leafed snap clips. The straps are retained
by fold-over metal tabs, which are riveted to the brocade. These
tabs are both, “DLGM” marked, as well as having stamped-in
oak leaf and acorn decoration. There is also some golden hues
to the metal parts throughout these hangers, which most likely
is caused by old lacquer coating. Beautiful straps here, matching
a beautiful dagger. These straps are the same as is shown, second
from the top, on page 329. But the best part of these Voos daggers
has to be the blade. This example is, in a word, “magnificent”.
The nickel plating is 100% throughout, to include even the tip
area. The tip also remains needle-like. This nickel plating is
double etched, with both sides having 100% frosted background.
This frosting really sets off the raised-out, floral arabesque,
patterns. Just beautiful! The center obverse area features a Luftwaffe
eagle, flying to the right, clutching a mobile swastika. Beneath
each wing, is a sprig of laurel leaves. The reverse is all arabesque
floral design, and the blade etch is the style which ends with
no dots. This blade etch appears on Pages 236 and 237. The Voos
blade typically has short shoulders below the tang. This example
does also but, fortunately there is no slippage of the grip, something
we frequently see on these ivory gripped examples. The reverse
ricasso is etched with the familiar trademark. It consists of
an oval, which inside, has the snake-around-stump logo. The snake
is flicking his tongue. Around the inside of the oval perimeter
is the firm’s name and location block-lettered, “Emil
Voos Solingen”. The original pebbled brown leather washer
is in place. This is a full mint example of investment quality
condition. One of the best Voos’ I have handled over the
years.
SPO #25585 SPECIAL GILT BRASS PEENED LINK HANGING STRAPS OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN
This set of
original period hanging straps is most unusual and could have
been worn possibly with some sort of a Naval dagger or even with
a First Model Luftwaffe. I do not know the origin of these straps,
but they are so well made, they must have been designated for
a very special dagger. The chain links are similar to gorget links,
except they are much better made. Each link has a peened surface
made of brass, and there is a wire device attaching the links
to each other. There are 26 brass links at the long strap, and
20 links at the shorter strap. The overall length at the longest
strap is approximately 9.5 inches. At the bottom are heavy-duty
special brass snaps which are the exact width of the peened links.
The upper catch is quite beautiful, being made of brass hardware,
which has an applied, double laurel leaf being around a Luftwaffe
style, sun wheel swastika. This sun wheel swastika is the same
medallion as would have been used in the pommel of an early Fist
Model Luftwaffe example. Above the sun wheel swastika is a closed
bracket for connecting to a snap clip. In our pictured illustration,
I have placed this set of hangers with a peened scabbard Navy
dagger as well as with a First Model Luftwaffe. You can make the
judgment as to which piece you think these should be worn with,
or if they, in fact, were made for something completely different.
I do not know, but I absolutely 100% guarantee these hanging straps
to be of the period. A great chance to acquire something really
different for your collection. These hangers are of highest quality
and were produced by a jeweler/craftsman.
SPO #27173C ARMY OFFICER PERSONALIZED TO A BARON - WKC
This Army officer
is an outstanding example having all black patination. It is a
fine-conditioned dagger having textbook WKC mounts and scabbard.
These mounts are identical to the example I show in my Army book
on Pages 63, left and 64, left. The cross guard is identical to
Page 66. The mounts have all silvering intact. The pommel depicts
the 12 standing oak leaves around its perimeter. These leaves
are in excellent condition, having black backgrounding. The rim
of this pommel shows some minor hand wear, but no hits or flaws
to its edges. The top has just a little bit of age under the plating,
but the plating itself is intact. The pommel is darker in the
recessed areas and lighter at the curvature of the top. This makes
for a nice effect. The cross guard is black throughout, having
slightly lighter features at the highest points. The cross guard
features the “hatchet beaked” eagle typical of WKC.
This eagle has great detail to his eye, checkered breast feathering,
wing feathering, wreath and raised out swastika. The depiction
is as good as you will ever see. The ferrule above is also the
same as is shown on Page 64. The interesting part about this dagger,
though, is on the reverse cross guard and we will get to that
later on in the description. The grip of this example is a dark
pumpkin orange color. It is perfect throughout, maybe being just
the slightest bit darker on the obverse than the reverse. The
hilt also has a fine original bullion portepee. This portepee
remains in the Army tie and is the style that has the slide built
into the stem. This portepee shows no fraying and is in mint condition.
The WKC scabbard shows the same band design as Page 64. The pebble
patterns are also crisp. The edges of this fine scabbard have
much of the original silver frosting clinging beneath the lacquer.
This is always a welcome site to collectors! The throat is a fairly
thick variety and it is retained in the WKC fashion with one flathead
side screw at the right. This scabbard is in full mint condition.
The blade is also a beauty. It is completely mirror bright, having
100% of the cross graining. Its tip is needlelike. You will not
see a finer blade. The reverse of this blade is etched with the
knight head trademark which is positioned above the firm’s
initials and location “WKC Solingen”. The blade has
been protected by the in-place large size brown leather buffer.
Now, to the real meat of this otherwise mint dagger! Affixed most
likely with solder to the reverse of the cross guard is a silvered
oval disc. This disc has the personalization of its original wearer.
It features a most complicated design of a 9-prong German crown.
The crown is positioned above an elaborate capital letter “L”.
The engravings of this personalization are the best you will see.
It is amazing that such high detail could be inserted in such
a small area. Beautiful indeed. It is up to the next owner of
this dagger to determine who this Baron “L” was. Chances
are, the last name would surely be Leopold, but not being a genetic
researcher, I do not know. What I do know, though, is that an
engraving of this quality has to indicate an original owner of
some importance. An absolute stunner here regarding the dagger
as well as the personalization. I wish the next owner lots of
luck with figuring out the puzzle.
SPO #26064C ARMY OFFICER DAGGER PRESENTED TO AFRIKA KORPS PANZER COMMANDER OBERST JOHANN MICKL - PD Luneschloss
This Army Officer’s
dagger has all-silvered fittings and they are the generic “B”
variety, being identical to the style I show in my Army book on
Page 99. The pommel is the usual type we see with the “B”
generic cross guard, being the style with threaded stem inside,
and having 14 leaves running around its perimeter. The cross guard
eagle is an extremely good-looking example, having noble head,
excellent breast and wing feathering, fine detail to the wreath
and a highly-vaulted swastika. The grip is a beautiful egg-yolk
yellow type, being in perfect condition. There is a 42 cm portepee
in the proper tie wrapped about the hilt. The scabbard is a standard
generic variety being identical to Page 120. The blade of this
example is in pristine, mint condition, having the standard sword-piercing-helmet,
double ellipse trademark, used by the P.D. Lüneschlöss
firm. However, all of this is of little consequence, as it is
the presentation appearing between the scabbard bands on the reverse
that is of astounding nature. It is interesting to note the engraver
removed the pebbled surfaces of the paneled area between the bands
so that the four-line engraving could be easily read. This engraved
dedication is “UNSEREM KOMANDEUR/OBERST J.MICKL HERZLICHEN/GLÜCKWUNSCH
ZUM RITTERKREUZ/DIE STOLZEN 155 er”. This dedication basically
translates to “TO OUR COMMANDER COLONEL J. MICKL WITH HEARTFELT
BEST WISHES ON THE KNIGHT’S CROSS AWARD FROM THE PROUD 155
er”. Oberst Mickl was one of Rommel’s Panzer commanders
and was instrumental in Rommel’s fight against Tobruk in
North Africa. He won the Knight’s Cross for his outstanding
leadership, and as the Allies were soon to learn, Rommel and his
Panzer generals were huge adversaries despite their smaller numbers.
Mickl went on to win the oak leaves for operations in Russia on
6 Marz 1943. At that time, he was the commander of the 25th Panzer
Greniedere regiment. He was later killed on 10 April 1945, while
commanding the 392nd Croatian Infantry division. At that time,
he had been promoted to General Leutnant and had been wounded
five times. This dagger was owned by one of the great German Panzer
commanders who, to this day, were responsible for the reputation
which will live on through history of these fantastic trained
troops. He was a career officer, having served in both wars. This
is a grand opportunity to own a dagger in which a whole display
could be built around. This dagger comes with a large dossier
detailing Mickl’s career. It is a wonderful artifact and
would make even the most advanced collectors in our community
smile. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!
SPO #23091 SS GERMANIC RUNES OF LIFE NECKLACE
This beautiful all-silver necklace
was handmade by Karolina Gahr for members of the "NS-Frauenwarte",
which was the National Socialists Women's Guard. I do not know
how large of an organization this was, but I suspect there were
very few members, and I also presume that this necklace may be
unique. The same piece appears in the Don Boyle SS Ring Book,
"SS Totenkopf Himmler Honor Ring 1933-1945". This necklace
consists of a series of SS runic symbols which are positioned
with silver borders which are triangular shaped. The runes depictions
consist of many of the same symbols we see portrayed on SS Honor
rings and other SS items pertaining to life, death and marriage.
There are two birth runes; one on each end. These are in the shape
of a "Y". There are also two death runes. These are
in the shape of a "Y" with a line extended through the
middle area of the letter. There are also two symbols which look
almost like “figure eights”. Then there are two symbols
which are the same asterisk-like form that we see on SS rings.
The runic symbol in the center (in which there is only one) is
a floating sunwheel swastika. These runic symbols are unmistakable
as being part of SS mystique. They are completely black patinated
and have never been cleaned, nor has the accompanying chain. Each
runic symbol is separated by two silver, bead-like devices. The
life symbol at the right end of the necklace is hallmarked on
the back, "K. Gahr München". Stamped above the
maker name is the silver content mark, "835". This necklace
is a very important SS item. For those who do not know the Gahr
jeweler family - they were the personal friends of Adolf Hitler
and produced many of the original Nazi Party artifacts which were
used so successfully during Hitler's campaign to power. In fact,
the Gahr family made the original Deutschland Erwacht eagle standartes-
with-wreathed-swastika which were used as pole tops for the Party
Standartes. Additionally, they produced the SS Honor rings, and
also made the silver parts and fittings for the SS Honor chain
daggers, as well as the silver hilts for the Himmler damascus
Birthday Presentation degens. This family were expert craftsman
and the beauty of their work is well known. I believe this necklace
to be an important SS artifact and also feel it would make a great
addition to any serious advanced SS collection. It is unconditionally
guaranteed as to authenticity. This necklace originally comes
from the Don Boyle collection.
