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 #34870C Early Model 1936 Chained-SS Officer's Dagger
This is high-quality example is of initial production, evidenced by solid nickel base metal throughout all of the mounts. The piece appears to have been cleaned within the last five or so years. The tang nut and cross guard are in fine condition. The nut appears to have been turned maybe once or twice, but very little evidence and no damage remains. The guards are smooth throughout with crisp edges and deep accent grooves. Although I did not take this piece down, I am sure these guards will be marked, "P A" internally. The ebony grip is an outstanding example showing only nominal carrying time and no repairs. The grip has a pleasing lighter black color, actually revealing some grain here and there - nice. The grip is of "smooth contour" construction and fits the cross guards perfectly. The runes button is finely placed having perfect enameled finish. The SS runes are the silvered type having double circle borders. The nickel grip eagle is the style with "beak pointing upward". It retains all details to the bird, showing little wear. The hilt is complete with what appears to be the original 42cm aluminum portepee in choice condition with no fraying.The scabbard shell is straight throughout. The original paint is the best you will see and still be period. This outstanding paint remains a 100% having a few minor spiders and just the slightest of a couple of wearing signs, but no through-the-paint scratches. The finish is also still in factory bright condition. Really rare to see a shell this nice! The matching nickel scabbard mounts are in excellent condition, the upper being perfect. The lower mount is excellent throughout, having just a couple of minor dings to the lower ball, but nothing serious and no crushing or splitting of seams. The nickel center ramp is the early type with crisp rolled edges. The surfaces feature three intertwined, stylized swastikas on each side. The backgrounds are pebbled and have about 50% of the original darkening still in place. The screws throughout these scabbard mounts are all in place and are the early nickel type with low heads.All screw heads appear to be unturned.
The matching nickel chain assembly is the Type II variety. The detail to the alternating skull/cross bones and SS runic symbols are outstanding. The backgrounds are pebbled matching the darkening of the center ramp. The nickel connector tabs are all tight together with no open seams. There is none of the frequently seen stress bends to these connectors - this chain dagger was not worn much. The reverse of the chain has a fine patination to the silvered surfaces. The upper link above the open square link is stamped on the reverse with the Kulturzeichen proof marking. The clover leaf assembly is the closed variety, equipped with good working snap and original spring. There is an excellent black leather belt loop with steel "D" ring. The leather is in excellent, supple condition. This scabbard and chain assembly are nearly identical to the example shown in SS Book on Page 135.
The unmarked blade is as nice as they come. This blade is bright, having all of its original factory grain. Other than the normal in and out markings, this blade is in mint condition. The SS motto, "Meine Ehre heisst Treue", is crisp and retains all of its blackening in the backgrounds. It is the shallow style etch, typically seen on early initial production daggers. The blade shoulders perfectly fit the contour of the lower cross guard.
If you are looking for a great early example, this Chained-SS is for you. It is very seldom that a dagger in this condition is offered to the collecting community. There is no better investment - these daggers never quit - their interest level remains at the top of the heap and there is no reason to believe that this enthusiasm will not continue for many years to come. A great IRA purchase for your retirement, plus you get to enjoy its awesome looks until the time comes.
Mint Minus. $10,500
SPO#34707 Prototype Enlisted Man's Sword/Bayonet Troddel
This enlisted man's troddel was apparently submitted for approval through the appropriate sources before its design could be utilized by the Army. The troddel has textured, gray cotton strapping with a slide, stem, and cap ball of white color. The bottom ball with its yarn-like substances and matching strapping insert is gray color, matching the strapping. Accompanying the troddel is a most interesting submittal card. The cardboard card is attached to the troddel and the cardboard with a string, which is further permanently put in place with a wax seal. The wax seal has the open-winged eagle and swastika in the center. The stamping of the organization goes around the perimeter of the wax seal. On the accompanying card, is typed "Nachprobe/des/Sabeltroddels f. Mannsch". This typed phrase would translate to "sample submission of the sword troddel for enlisted men". Below this is a Berlin date of "6.7.1928", and then below that, is a further submission date "Munchen, den 1.4.38/Heeresbekleidungsant". There is a signature below this typing, and the rank of the signer, "Oberstleutnant". There are also number codes typed below this. To me, this indicates that this style troddel was probably originally submitted in 1928, and further submitted to the German Army on April 1st, 1938, when it was accepted as attested by the signature of the lieutenant colonel. This is a very interesting accoutrement here, and probably marks the path of the necessary process it took to get the different color troddels approved by the Army for wear on enlisted men's swords and bayonets. A great item for those out there who collect bayonet knots.Near Mint. $495.00
SPO#34704 Unissued Aluminum Luftwaffe Sword with Hangers and Loop in Original Shipping Carton
This awesome find is one of the most desirable items I have seen in a number of years. I sold this package to a collector about 15 years ago, and I am pleased to be able to market the item again. The package consists of the original, heavy cardboard box, measuring approximately 36" x 6" x 1 1/2". The box shows some age, and scuffs that have naturally occurred over the years, and has turned a brown color, which was probably a manilla originally. The box is still in excellent condition, having only one corner which is broken.Affixed to the surface of the box are two labels. The first label has a large number, "922", and beneath it is "Berlin 77/VERKAUFSABTEILUNG DER LUFTWAFFE". I do not know what the "922" means, but the other printing is the Berlin office of the sales department of the Luftwaffe. The next label is printed at the top with the "VERKAUFSABTEILUNG DER LUFTWAFFE SW 68, PUTTHAMERSTRASSE 16-18." Obviously, this was the complete address of the Berlin sales office of the Luftwaffe. Below this, is typed the name and address of the individual to whom the sword was being sent. Unfortunately, the typing is difficult to read after all these years, but with a magnifying glass, we were able to discern the box was addressed to "Herrn Sekr. Erdmann/In Lubeck/Adolf Hitler Kasern". In other words, this box was sent to Secretary Erdmann, located at the Adolf Hitler barracks, in Lubeck. We have enclosed a picture of the Hitler barracks there, and I must say, it is quite an impressive building. Also stamped on the label in black ink is "Postgut", which just means, "Mailpiece". So, from what we can gather here, Secretary Erdmann ordered this sword directly from the Luftwaffe sales department. Apparently, he never used the sword, or perhaps it was kept in his office as a sample. We will never really know, but one thing is for sure, it is a miracle that this box and weapon have survived this last seventy years and are still in incredible condition.
Opening the lid is a very exciting thing. Collectors also often tell me that working in my office must be like opening Christmas gifts every day. After awhile, it really is not, except for an extraordinary piece like this that very seldom arrives. Once the light falls onto the inside of the box, there is a remarkable, brand new aluminum Officer's Sword, complete with the crescent hanger and matching belt loop. The condition throughout this sword is absolutely fantastic, to include all parts. There is no age to any of the leather grip, or the scabbard covering. The gilded sunwheel swastikas on the pommel and crossguard are absolutely perfect. Drawing out the unmarked blade, it has a complete, brand new mirror finish. The sword and accoutrements look the same as the day they were put into this box back in 1939. Adding to the box is the fact that the original corrugated packing material is still in the bottom of the box. If you are an advanced Luftwaffe collector and like to have unissued items, plus you are a fanatic in condition, this is an item that absolutely cannot be turned down. One of the greatest things to have ever passed through my cellar here. I wish it were a Luftwaffe general's sword, but we have to take what we can get!
Brand New! Mint, Mint, Mint! $5,995.00 (#122212)
SPO#34705 Unissued "Roon" Pattern Field Marshal Sword with Original Paper Wrapping and Facotry Tags - Carl Eickhorn
This unissued sword is one of a pair that I uncovered about fifteen years ago and sold to a collector. It is now on the market once again, and I must say it is quite a thrill to see this item in the same condition I sold it years ago. This unissued sword was apparently "liberated" from either a Carl Eickhorn store, or the factory, as it still has the retail price written in ink on one of the stickers. Apparently, the GI was fortunate enough to be able to acquire several blades, because if I remember correctly, other than the additional "Roon" pattern sword, there was also an Eickhorn made, Dutch sword, as well as an NCO variety. This hilt of this sword is in absolute perfect, mint condition, having 100% gild over the brass based surfaces. The hilt configuration on the "Roon" pattern is all stamped into the surfaces of the parts. The "P" guard and backstrap all feature beautiful, oak leaf motif along with acorns. The ferrule repeats the leaf pattern, and interestingly, the crossguard on both sides has acorns all in a row, stretching from the "P" guard bottom to the swirl at the quillon end. There are 9 acorns. The reverse langette is left plain, and the obverse features the half closed wing Wehrmacht eagle clutching a mobile swastika in his talons. There is a small age mark at the tip of the right wing, but I guess nothing this old could not show some kinds of signs of age somewhere. The beautiful celluloid over carved wood grip is in absolute perfect condition, and it is tightly wrapped with triple nickel wire, the center being twisted. The blade on this example measures almost 33". It is high quality construction with mirror nickel finish. The blade is easily in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the 1935-41 trademark. This consists of a squirrel seen from the viewer's left, holding a downward pointing sword. Above the squirrel is the quality word "Original", and below is the firm's name, and location, "Eickhorn/Solingen".The scabbard of the piece, though, is where the real rarity occurs. These scabbards, when packaged for shipping, are carefully wrapped with wrapping paper around the entire length. The paper was kept in place with a form of packaging tape at the top, and also by applied labels which were put on at the center obverse area. These labels were a black and gold color. The top label shows the 1935 Eickhorn trademark on the obverse, and on the reverse, there are places left for the date and other particulars. There is nothing filled in on the reverse part. Below the Eickhorn logo, there is printed in black on a white line the Roon sword model number, "nr.1716". Below this, on the black surface of the paper, in gold printing, is a Wehrmacht style gold eagle, the same as the langette on the sword. Somewhat below, in a 45 degree angle, again with black paper and gold printing, is printed "Modell:Roon". In between these two factory papers, is a paper stamp-looking application, which has been written in ink, the first word I can't read, but beneath this is the date "10.4.40". Below this is the notation which looks like "216/102" and beneath this, another word that's illegible to me, and then the price of the sword "26.50". This would mean that the sword sold for 26 Reichmarks and 50 Pfennigs. This paper wrapping remarkably, is still 98% intact. At the areas where the sword body shows at the upper, the paint is a perfect, flat, black color. At the bottom of the scabbard, there is a little bit of the paper missing at the chape, and also about six inches up. Apparently some moisture got to this area, as there is rust on the metal parts that show in this area only. Other than this rust spot at the lower scabbard, and the tiny age spot on the langette, this sword remains in brand new, unissued condition.
A wonderful opportunity here to start out a Field Marshal collection, and hope that you can acquire the rest of the swords in this condition (no way!), or you may just love to have a sword in this condition to have in your own collection. What better way to advertise your top-of-line-taste! A very rare opportunity here to acquire the best of the best.
Unissued. $4,995.00
SPO#34715C Amber Decorated Cigar Box Presented to SS-Gruppenführer und General der Polizei Hans-Adolf Prützmann
This Presentation Cigar Box is a magnificent gift, measuring about 8½ inches by 6 inches and being 2½ inches in height. The box is completely covered with beautiful amber expertly fit giving a look of a checkered appearance. The edges are all covered in curved amber and there is a three tier curved slope viewed from the edges. The amber is a striking orange and gold color with swirls in the finish here and there. The craftsmanship to put together something like this is incredible let alone the intrinsic value of the amber itself. Decorating the lid on each of the four corners are three leaf oak leaf sprigs with acorns. The detail to the veins and the leaves is astonishing. In the center there is a most impressive vaulted political eagle. The silver eagle in the center of the box has outstretched wings with his head turned to the viewer’s left. The bird is clutching a large wreath of oak leaves with a pierced mobile swastika inside. The bird is structured so that the breast is vaulted as well as the inner wing tips. The detail throughout the bird’s head, breast feathering, wings, talons and wreath is striking. The decorative silver leaves and eagle have a fine patination throughout the recesses and show only modest wear. Lifting the lid of the cigar box one is impressed by the great seal that is made with the wooden structure beneath. Obviously the cigars were meant to not dry out and a well made cedar wood like this would have easily accomplished this goal.The inner lid has a brass plaque attached with four nails and there is a seven line dedication. The dedication reads, “Dem Höheren SS und Polizeiführer / SS Gruppenführer Senator / Hans-Adolf Prützmann / zur Erinnerung an Hamburg / Karl Kaufmann / Gauleiter und Reichsstatthalter im Hamburg / im Mai 1941”. This dedication is extremely well done by a professional engraver and the Prützmann name is in larger letters and the giver “Karl Kaufmann” is done in a facsimile signature. This presentation basically states that the box is given “To highest SS and Police Leader SS Gruppenführer Senator Hans-Adolf Prützmann in Memory of Hamburg by Karl Kaufmann Gauleiter and Reichsstatthalter from Hamburg in May 1941”. The bottom of the box is covered in cedar wood which is retained by four large head nails which act to rest the box on a surface. In the center of the bottom there is a silverd plaque which was similar to a copyright that protected the use of amber. Amber could not be sold without this copyright on the bottom. It states, “ANGEFERTIGT IN DEN / WERKSTÄTTEN DER / STAATLICHEN / BERNSTEIN / MANUFAKTUR / KÖNIGSBERG PR.”. Obviously Kaufmann was the Gauleiter of the Hamburg area. He was born in October of 1900 and was responsible for establishing the Nazi Party in Hamburg.
I think the name of Prützmann is well known to collectors. He was one of the most infamous of the SS leaders and closely tied to Himmler. He became an SS officer in 1930 and by 1934 had all ready worked his way up to Gruppenführer. In November of ’41 he was an SS Obergruppenführer and also General of Police. Prützmann was also in charge of Latvia and was involved with mass killings and as SD Head was also in charge of implementing the final solution in Latvia. At war’s end Himmler appointed Prützmann to head the Werewolf organization in which he was to cause havoc in what was left of the Reich doing such nasty deeds as burning, destroying and polluting well water. Prützmann was familiar with this type of guerilla tactics as he learned them from the Russian partisans while he was in charge of occupied Ukraine. Prützmann also was a recipient of the coveted Himmler Damascus Birthday Honor Sword and I believe this sword exists today somewhere in Vienna but to date no one in the collecting community has been able to acquire it. At any rate, you get the picture on who this person was and unfortunately he committed suicide at the end of the war or otherwise he surely would have been tried at Nuremberg. A most interesting artifact here and a beautifully made box. If you are a collector of the finest in artifacts owned by the most infamous of the SS this example should go very nice in a collection.
Near Mint. $14,995.00
SPO #34716C Luftwaffe Honor Goblet
This Luftwaffe Honor Goblet is a most beautiful item still being in perfect condition. It has been cleaned probably not too long ago but is beginning to take on a fine patination and I like the old wax or whatever was used to clean it years ago that still remains in many of the crevices throughout. These goblets measure a little over 8 inches in height and the lip is a diameter of about 4 inches. The Honor Goblet depicts on one side and the eagle attacking another bird which is upside down in the air. The symbolism here of course reflects the dangers of the air fighter pilot. The opposite side of the goblet depicts the raised out Iron Cross having fine serrations, raised swastika in the center and the date, “1939” on the bottom leg. At the lower neck portion of the goblet above the flared stand are double rows of oak leaves with acorns. The detail is outstanding throughout these leaves. The entire goblet has a beautiful peened surface which is subtle but adds great artistry to the piece.Around the lower rim, beneath the oak leaves, is the name and date of the recipient, “FELDWEBEL HELMUTH LEUBNER AM 2.11.42”. Raised out around the lower rim is the purpose of the award, “FÜR BESONDERE LEISTUNG IM LUFTKRIEG”. This of course translates to “Outstanding Performance in the Air War”. The lower inside portion of this goblet is stamped, “Feinsilber / Alpaca / Auflage” and beneath is the maker name, “Joh. Wagner & Sohn”. Although this goblet is marked “Alpaca” it is also hallmarked fine silver so I don’t know whether this is a higher quality than the standard Alpaca pieces and maybe less quality than the pieces that may be marked with silver contents. Either way it is in absolute beautiful condition and I’m sure some research could easily be done on the recipient. I’ll leave this up to the next purchaser. What a great exciting piece this would make added to the shelf where you house other Luftwaffe memorabilia. Extremely decorative and a most important looking war trophy.
Near Mint. $8,495.00
SPO #34568 Presented Early Chained NSKK – F. Dick
This chained NSKK is one of the best examples of these type pieces I have seen. It is quality all the way and to boot was presented to an NSKK officer with a superb engraving on the reverse upper fitting which we will get to further down in the description. First off, the dagger in this scabbard is not the later RZM type. Rather it is an early example which apparently was chosen by the original owner to wear with this scabbard. I do not blame him one bit because this dagger is most impressive. It is equipped with solid nickel mounts throughout and the mounts have a nice patina with good crisp edges, smooth surfaces and fine accent grooves. There is no Gau mark on the crossguards so it is even possible that this dagger may have originally been with the scabbard. I know that the factory did set aside early fittings to use for special purposes. Along with these mounts is one of the most impressive grips you will see. It is a very dark color mahogany but what makes it unique is the beautiful tiger striped grain just visible below the surfaces. This grain is extremely subtle and absolutely will make you smile. A beautiful grip here indeed! The grip is in perfect condition showing little usage and fitting the crossguards perfectly. The SA runes button is nicely placed having all of the enameled surfaces. The grip eagle is the nickled type having the “high neck”. This bird has all details visible to his head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. It has very good original black paint. This paint has a little bit of crazing and in with the crazing some dots of rust but if anything it lets you know that it is original and is not ill cared for. The paint rates at about 95%. This original paint also retains its factory luster. The scabbard mounts are the nickel-plated type and they all are in excellent condition to include the lower ball. The upper throat is the thicker type that to me is always a quality feature. The center ramp has the fine crisp edges we like to see and the eyelet is the type that is slightly larger than the upper type which is indicative of a possible field upgrade. These mounts retain all of their nickel plating. The domehead style screws all match and are unturned.Connected to the upper and center fitting is a fine chain having four link top and five link bottom. This chain has excellent nickel plating throughout having no signs of rust and perfect detail to the alternating NSKK eagles with swastikas and sunwheels. The lower chain has the center link which depicts the NSKK unique runic symbol. These links are connected by fine matching round ringlets and both chains are fastened to a matching snap clip having the obverse shield depicting oak leaves with an acorn in the center. That is most interesting about this chain is that it has the NSKK Musterschutz stamping on both of the top links which are connected to the snap clip. This is unusual I know but what else is unusual is the fact that this is not the normal Assmann stamped chain. This chain is stamped by the hardware maker, “RZM M 3/23”. This maker may not be known to most of us but I have seen it on occasion in the past. I like to see unsual things as they make us all think somewhat and also give us exposure to not the same old cookie cutter stuff. Oh, I almost forget-on the reverse of the upper fitting is a tremendous three line dedication. The professional engraving is absolutely the best done in extremely fine small Gothic letters. The dedication reads, “In treuer Kameradschaft! / Dein Sturmführer u. Freund / 22.3.39. Heinz Lasch”. This dagger was given in “true Comradeship to Sturmführer and Friend Heinz Lasch on March 22, 1939”. The blade as we would hope still is in bright mint condition. This blade has all of its crossgraining and a beautiful finish with the SA motto nice and deep and having fine near 100% background to the letters. This mint conditioned blade is etched on the reverse with the logo which is horizontal mated to the ridge of the blade having an arrow and the firm’s name, “F. Dick”. The blade shoulders perfectly meet the lower crossguard. An outstanding NSKK dagger here and something that would add a lot to a political collection. I really should keep this one myself but than again it’s hard to run a business if you’re always putting your inventory upstairs!
Excellent Plus, Plus. $5,495.00
SPO #34643C Initial Production 1938 Chained NSKK with Possible Prototype Chain RZM M 7/66 1938
This chained NSKK Dagger is in choice condition throughout and also offers a unique opportunity here to acquire what I think is a possible prototype chain assembly. First however we’ll deal with the rest of this fine dagger. The crossguards are the nickel-plated type and they remain completely bright throughout showing only the most modest of age where the guards meet the grip. There is no plating lifting however. Beautiful mint guards here. It is interesting to note that the tang nut is a solid nickel type, not the plated type that we normally see with chained NSKK factory made models. This is an indication of possible transition and using up of old parts. The grip itself is a very fine furniture like mahogany having some deep grains in the surfaces giving it a rich look. This grip shows just the slightest traces of some usage but probably not carrying wear as this dagger I don’t think has ever been issued. This beautiful grip is in near perfect condition having one tiny sliver that has lifted on the left obverse where it butts the crossguard. The runes button is perfectly placed and has fine enameled surfaces. The grip eagle is a nickel type being the “high-necked” type that we usually see on earlier daggers. This is another sign of transition. This bird is in choice condition throughout having full details remaining to his head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. A very fine hilt here.The scabbard shell is a beauty being completely straight on both sides and reflecting outstanding original factory black paint. This paint has some minor spidering on both sides and a couple of very minor small chips that just occur from the dagger being around all these years. Basically though this scabbard paint is in about as mint of a condition as you would be likely to find. The scabbard mounts are the nickel-plated type. These mounts are in choice condition throughout and the upper example has the thicker throat we often see on Eickhorn daggers of this vintage. The center ramp is a matching plated example having the crisp edges and eyelet matching the same size and proportion as the upper eyelet. All of these scabbard mounts are retained by unturned screws which are not magnetic indicating that these are earlier screws, also being another sign of transition. Now to the fascinating chain on this example. The chain is in exceptional mint condition throughout. The chain is of all steel base metal and the upper assembly reflects the NSKK eagles being on the two end pieces and in the center are two matching sunwheel swastika links. The ring connectors are also in perfect condition having all of their original plating. The lower five link chain is the type with alternating NSKK eagles and sunwheel swastikas and the center example is the NSKK special runic symbol. On the reverse of these chain links there is no RZM marking or hardware maker marking. The clip assembly on the other hand has a much wider upper area which contains the snap. This upper area does not taper like the normally seen clips. The shield is also slightly different than norm as it is thicker than normal shields and also the acorns and nut are slightly raised out more than we normally see.
What is tremendously interesting however is the fact that the obverse portion of the upper clip is stamped, “DRGM” and “RZM M5/8”. These markings are normally seen on one of the reverse links. Since the reverse links have no marking that is why the stamping is on the chain. It is my belief that the Assmann may have been experimenting with the type of clip they would use for the new NSKK chained dagger and may have tried this example but eventually felt it was perhaps too expensive to make and went to the thinner types. These are the kinds of things that really intrigue collectors and downright fascinate people like me because it is obvious that this is an original part here which probably after the method was abandoned the dagger was put on a shelf somewhere and never sold. It is also interesting that we see these fat clips on reproduction chained NSKK daggers frequently. Perhaps there were a supply of them made and were left over at the end of the war? At any rate, I believe this to be a worthwhile discovery and a choice piece for those of you out there that indulge in things that are not cookie cutter.
The blade of this example is a choice bright mint example having 100% of the original graining and a very fine etched motto with 100% of the darkening in the letters. The reverse of the blade is the transitional type being marked with a large RZM circle positioned over the code and date, “M 7/66/1938”. Below is the 1935-41 squirrel having the downward pointing sword and being positioned over the firm’s name and location, “Eickhorn Solingen”. The word, “original” does not appear over the squirrel as we usually see on these transitional pieces. The fact that the blade is dated 1938 also adds to the credibility of the snap clip being a prototype example. NSKK chained daggers, contrary to popular belief, did not come out in 1936 but rather 1938. The blade shoulders perfectly fit the lower crossguard contour. An outstanding example here that you can show your friends and let them either marvel at it or shake their heads in denial because you can never please everybody in this hobby as we well know. Using only a little bit of intelligence though easily will settle your mind to the fact that this dagger is 100% original. I also unconditionally guarantee it.
Mint Minus. $5,995.00
SPO #34601C Third Reich Stag-Gripped Bayonet with Dedication and Damascus Blade – Alexander Coppel
This beautiful bayonet is one of the finest examples I have seen in forty years of collecting. The bayonet was most likely a private purchase example by a NCO who also fought in the Great War winning the Iron Cross. The hilt of this example is of finest nickel-plated surfaces. The nickel plating is outstanding throughout and remains in bright mint condition. Fitted to this beautiful hilt is a most impressive set of genuine stag grip plates. The stag on the obverse has a fine antique rich look to the grains being very enticing. The reverse plate is somewhat more brown but still is quite beautiful with good high grains. These grip plates are retained by matching nickel rivets with spanners on the reverse. Usually we see this installation with Pack bayonets only in this case apparently the Pack hilt was used by the Alcoso company. Perhaps the original owner liked the looks of the offset treatment and elected to go with this particular hilt. The mortise button and lock still work and the rifle slot has the original red felt in it. There is some minor signs of moth tracks but not much.The scabbard is a typical short type being straight throughout and having extremely fine bright black factory paint. The reverse of this scabbard is still perfect other than some minor spidering and the obverse has a couple of carrying signs and a little wear to the lower edge and also to the ball but it is still about 95%. The scabbard is equipped with a rich brown frog which is still in near full mint condition. This beautiful frog is the style that is stitched throughout and on the reverse it has a field green felt covering. There is some mothing to the felt mostly in the area behind the belt loop but the felt still remains at about 80-85%. A fine scabbard here.
Accenting these outstanding mounts though is an extraordinary blade. This blade is forged with the stepped end having a narrow fuller design. The blade is forged of hand Damascus and it is in the “Band” pattern. The original patterns are still completely crisp and literally “jump” off of the blade. It is a very exciting thing to take this bayonet out of the scabbard! The obverse blade has a raised World War I Iron Cross positioned at about the center area. The cross has most of its original blackening on the four legs. The nine o’clock position leg does show some wear to the black which was caused by the scabbard runners. The twelve o’clock leg has a Prussian crown with the Kaiser’s initial “W” in the center and the date of the Great War at the six o’clock leg, “1914”. The reverse of the blade seems to “jump” even more than the obverse. In the center area is a two line dedication having the name of the original owner and most likely the date he won the Iron Cross, “Walter Ronski / 2.12.1917.”. I don’t know whether it’s possible to research this man since he would have been an NCO. I’m sure it would be difficult. Nonetheless with the professional researchers we have today it would be worth a shot for the next owner to give it a try. This beautiful blade is protected by a brown leather washer which nicely matches the frog. The spine of the Damascus blade has the maker name and location raised out, “Alexander Coppel Solingen”. Just a remarkable thing here and a great opportunity to purchase a head turning bayonet that will always be a highlight of any collection.
Mint Minus. $12,500.00
- SPO #34628C Sea Fire/Police Official’s Dirk – E. & F. Hörster
I had originally listed this piece as possibly unique, but thanks the alertness of collector Bill G. I have been informed another example of this dagger is actually owned by a British collector. The existing piece is pictured in Tom Johnson's Volume VI, pages 279 and 280. The dagger is identified as a Fire/Police example thought to have been worn by personnel in the Saar region.This example has the round Naval-style pommel which features a design of cattails and reeds positioned over cresting waves at the collar of the pommel. The detail throughout the pommel is quite good and is typical of original examples. The crossguard below is most interesting in that it is naval in its center design in that it has a squared center block with crossguard quillons running outward with four descending squared sections. The quillon ends are different though in that they resemble the crossguard quillons that we would normally see on a Fire Official’s Dagger. The upper built-in portion of the center block is flared outward to accept the grip. There are no insignia or engravings in the center block area. The area has been hand pebbled for contrast. The grip is a carved wood base which has been covered in blue leather. The leather shows quite a bit of usage but there are no breaks in the surfaces and it still retains its rich blue color. This grip is tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire, the center being of slightly larger proportion. Applied to the center obverse grip is a police sword style grip insignia that we also see used on water police daggers. This insignia is a fine silver color with good patina in the backgrounds. The insignia is pinned into the wood of the grip below. This insignia shows only nominal wear on the surfaces with good detail to the open-winged eagle which clutches a swastika all superimposed over a wreath of oak leaves in the backgrounds.
The scabbard is a traditional Fire Department type, having black leather shell with decorative lines on all of the edges and sewn up the rear. This leather is in excellent condition showing only nominal usage and age signs. The leather shell has matching brass mounts. These mounts are fire department type both having scalloped edges where they meet the leather and also being decorated with twin engraved lines typical of fire department weapons. These brass mounts are in good condition throughout and they are retained by single flat head side screws positioned on the right edge. The upper mount is equipped with carrying rings and plain eyelets. Holding the dagger by the upper ring, the dagger balances perfectly on a 45 degree angle which is always a great test to see whether a weapon could have actually been worn. This one more than passes the test.
Taking a look at the blade, is the real clincher on this dagger. This choice blade has a center ridge with double edges and ricasso. The blade has been beautifully nickel-plated throughout and remains in mint condition. Both sides of the blade have fire scenes which are enhanced by beautiful perfect frosted backgrounds. On the obverse there is a fire scene consisting of hooks, ladders, helmets, drums, trumpet and ax. This panel is flanked with floral designs. On the reverse blade there are also more floral designs with a center panel depicting a fireman’s helmet, ladder, hook, ax and a hose. A great looking blade here. The reverse ricasso is etched with the E. & F. Hörster trademark featuring double ovals which contain the firm’s name and location, “E. & F. Hörster Solingen”. Inside is the large “H” letter which has a smaller “H” and “S” letter inside which is pierced by a sword. There is a fine leather buffer protecting this mint conditioned blade.
It is my feeling that a marine fire police official had this dagger made for himself for one simple reason – he wanted one and he probably was of the rank where he could have one made. The design is absolutely outstanding and in keeping with all features we would think of for a dagger indicative of this purpose. A great opportunity here for the right collector to achieve something very special for a collection. If there is someone out there that is specializing in fire or police items I can’t imagine that this would make a better highlight for a collection of this nature. A guaranteed original item here.
Excellent Plus. $7,495.00
SPO #34506C Early Model 1933 SS Service Dagger – Ed Gembruch
This early Model 1933 SS Service Dagger is in choice condition and was produced by an ultra-rare maker. Those of you out there that collect SS “types” should be really interested in this dagger as I can’t remember the last time I have offered one of these Gembruch pieces. The crossguards and tang nut are in choice condition throughout. They are all solid nickel and have a fairly good patination across the surfaces. These crossguards have fine, crisp edges with good precise accent grooves and smooth surfaces. Since the tang nut had signs of being taken down in the past I took a look inside. The crossguards are marked internally, “P.A.”. There is no district marking on the reverse of the crossguard as the Gembruch firm apparently did not participate in the initial orders for SS daggers. The vintage of this piece though is probably late 1934 or 1935.The grip is a very fine example, with crisp rim down the center of the medium contour construction ebony. The obverse grip is in near perfect condition having just a slight lift of wood at the right corner and a little bit of lifting to the surface where the grip meets the crossguard but it is extremely nominal. The reverse grip is in perfect condition but for one small spot on the center ridge probably caused when the dagger was laid down. A beautiful grip though nevertheless. The SS runes button is placed with the runes being nearly straight up and down. It is the type of button that is slightly convex. The SS runes and the double circle around the circumference have a coppery look to them. The enamel is still in perfect condition. The nickel grip eagle is a real beauty being the type with “beak that points upwards slightly”. The original silvered finish appears to still be evenly spread throughout this fine insignia. This is very rare to see and is a positive indication that this dagger was rarely used. The eagle has complete detail to the bird’s eye, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. A very fine hilt here!
The scabbard shell is also an outstanding example. This shell is straight throughout and easily has 100% of the original anodized finish. The original lacquer is also still mostly intact being about 85-90% on both sides. The matching nickel scabbard mounts are in perfect condition to include the never dropped lower ball. The original nickel screws are all in place and are unturned.
The blade of this piece is nice and bright and other than the normal runner marks has all of the original crossgraining. There are a couple of extremely light age stains at the ricasso of both sides but otherwise the blade is in mint condition having its original needlelike tip. The SS motto is as crisp as you will see and has all of the darkening in the backgrounds of the letters. The reverse ricasso is most interesting of all because it features the logo of this firm. It consists of a fish which is swimming upward toward the blade tip. The details to the fish are extraordinary and the viewer is easily treated to the sight of the fish’s mouth, eye, two fins on top and one on the bottom and a good crisp “V” to the tail. Beneath the swimming fish is the firm’s name and location in capital block letters, “ED. GEMBRUCH / SOLINGEN”. The blade shoulders perfectly meet the lower crossguard contour. You will look for many years to find a Gembruch early dagger in this condition. As far as I am concerned it is a real treasure and should be a grand addition to an SS “type” collection.
Mint Minus. $5,995.00(#020613)
SPO #34377C Lot of Forestry related Collar Tabs and Insignia in Original Packaging
This set of Forestry elated insignia comes from the wire making factory of "Thiele & Steinert" that was based in Berlin. This company made the wire stitching for collar tabs and I must say they did beautiful work with the images on these tabs. There are many different sets of collar tabs for forestry ranks, as well as some sleeve emblems, and also a cap emblem. Many of the tabs have the original factory metal string sales tags which are marked "T & S Berlin" as well as having paper tags which list in handwritten ink the rank of each tab as well as its factory number and the date that it was packaged. These cellophane wrapped tabs were also stored in their original envelopes, which are also printed with the factory name and then ink marked with the model number for each tag, the name of the rank for each tag, as well as the date the items were processed for sale. Each envelope also has a rubber stamping of the image that is contained inside. This is some terrific stuff here, and obviously must have been found in a store basement somewhere, that specialized in this type of insignia or the making of forestry uniforms. This grouping would be a real treasure trove for the right collector. There are thirteen envelopes, all of which contain insignia, some with two insignia as opposed to one. A most interesting grouping here.Mint. $1,995.00
SPO #34379C Transitional Reichsmarine/2nd Model Nval Dagger with Damascus Blade - WKC
This very elegant naval dirk most likely started its life during the Reichsmarine period of the late 1920's and then it was updated to a second model naval with the addition of the 1938 pommel. This dagger is of outstanding quality, and is pictured in my naval book in color on page 387. The dagger remains in the same remarkable condition it was when it was pictured for the book a decade ago. The pommel is of brass construction, and has much of its original gilt throughout the surfaces. This pommel has outstanding detail to the bird's head, breast feathering, half open wings, talons, and wreath with raised swastika. This pommel appears to be a WKC example, being the same as the one I show on page 272. The crossguard is also by WKC, having good anchors in the center blocks, finely detailed acorns and leaves on the arms, and fine hand accented buttons on the quillon ends, with good sharp nipples. The grip of this example is a real head turner. It appears to be ivory, as it has golden tones to it, and also a semblance of grain in the surfaces. In actuality though, the grip is a celluloid over carved wood base. It is a remarkable look that this grip has taken on over the years, as anyone in the hobby would immediately assume that it is ivory. A very beautiful thing here. This grip is in perfect condition, and it is wrapped with a double twisted brass wire. The wire has trapped many years of residue and wartime dust, having a slight greenish tinge to the grime at the bottom of the ribs where it is trapped. A great looking grip here, having lots of charachter.The hilt is further decorated with a fully toned silver bullion portepee. This portepee has turned completely gold throughout. It is tied in the traditional double reef knot, and except for just the tiniest fray on one cord where the knot comes out, the bullion cord remains perfect. The original slide is missing from the portopee. The stem has the "V" weave mixed with silvery metal fabric, and the rounded lower ball is of yarn-like, silver bullion. The insert has a textured style cloth. A great looking knot that really compliments the dagger's hilt. The scabbard though, is just outstanding. It is one of the ultra rare, hand chased varieties. This scabbard remains in absolutely perfect condition, showing only the minor signs of being around for years. Each side of the scabbard has separate panels over and under the carrying bands. Each of these panels has a three leaf oak leaf sprig, with acorns at the bottom. The lower panel has a series of oak leaf sprigs running downward and mixed with acorns. Each of these panels has background pebbling to provide relief, and each of the sprigs has hand enhancing to the veins of the oak leaves. This chased scabbard is a phenomonal piece of work here. The lower chape button is also hand cut with oak leaves on each side. The bands also follow suit, having smooth borders with pebbled insides and chased acorns in the center, flanked by an oak leaf on each side. The eyelets have oak leaves cut into the surfaces, a WKC tradition. The carrying rings are most beautiful, having been decorated on both sides with touching oak leaves going around the circumference. The color tone of this scabbard is really fabulous, being a muted gold, nicely matching the hilt mounts of the dagger. The throat is retained by two dome head brass side screws.
Removing the blade from the scabbard is another treat to the eye. The blade is an absolutely perfect conditioned, mint Damascus of "Maidenhair" pattern. The pattern welds of the design are still prominent and most beautiful to examine. The blade is equipped with a standard ricasso, having bevelled edges where it joins the blade. The blade is equipped with dual fuller construction, in the normal manner. The original tip is still needle like. A great, untouched, mint conditioned Damascus example here. The blade measures just short of nine inches. The scabbard measures slightly over eleven inches. It was commonplace with early naval pieces to have slightly shorter blades when compared with the scabbard length. The reason this was done was to compensate for the weight balance. The dagger was produced to properly stand on a 45 degree angle when attached to hangers. By making the blade shorter, this weight distribution properly held the dagger at the correct angle. The reverse ricasso is deeply stamped with the knighthead trademark. The trademark does not have the initials under the knighthead, which is an indication that the blade was probably made in the late twenties or very early thirties. The beautiful blade is buffered by a red felt washer. This is indeed an investment quality dagger, and the fact that it appears in color in my naval book certainly does not hurt its notoriety either. If you are looking for an outstanding blade investment, it would be hard to imagine that this striking, high quality naval dirk will not continue to grow in value.
Near Mint. $8,995.00
SPO #34155C Period Letter Opener with Damascus Blade
This period letter opener is about ten inches in overall length. The grip appears to be made of a black celluloid material, having an interesting rounded pommel shape, that transcends into an eight-sided, handheld grip below. The obverse panel of the grip contains an edelweiss flower with stem and leaves. The flower is cut into the celluloid and is colored white. It is a most attractive decoration, probably meant for female consumption. The crossguard and ferrel are a nickel material, the ferrel having raised serrated decoration, and the crossguard being short with ball-like quillons on each end. The scabbard is a black leather shell, having twin line decoration on the edges of each side, and sewn up the middle. It has a plain nickel upper mount, and probably had a matching one at the bottom, but this lower mount has gone to time.The attention, though, of the user is immediately focused when the blade is pulled from the scabbard. This beautiful 5 3/4" blade has a double fuller design on both sides, running about 2/3 of the way. The blade is forged of a remarkable patterned Damascus. This Damascus has maidenhair style on the right side of the blade and the left side of the blade has a series of small roses. It is really a fantastic mating of patterns. There are also some lines that run perpendicular down through the blade, breaking up the patterns of maidenhair and roses. I do not know how a pattern like this was achieved, but it is extremely beautiful and unbelievably impressive. The tip is still needle-like, and the blade remains in mint condition. The letter opener is held together with a screw-like pommel at the tip of the grip. This does not seem to want to turn, so I am hesitant to take this piece apart in order to see if there is a Damascus smith named on the tang. I guess it doesn't really matter, because whoever made this blade was a true genius of the trade. A remarkable artifact here, and something that you will get great enjoyment out of each day if you use it on your desk to open letters. Absolutely beautiful piece of Damascus here!
1,995.00
SPO #33823C Early Luftwaffe Sword with Damascus Blade
This early Luftwaffe Sword is of initial production. It has very fine nickel silver mounts throughout. The mounts are patinated and do not look to have been cleaned in many years, if ever. The pommel is a fine example still having good crisp edges around the rim. There are very fine oak leaves and acorns which are stamped on the flat rim surface. The stamping is outstanding and there has been pebbling put over the leaves surfaces to give a look of relief. The brass insert medallions are in choice condition with the sunwheels still having all of the silvering between their legs. The same is true of the crossguard sunwheels and in fact there is still some gilded surface remaining on these crossguard swastikas. I would say that there is about 70% on one side and maybe 50% on the other. The crossguard arms gently flow downward and have outstanding feathering which appears to have some hand enhancing. The grip is a carved base with ribs which flow from left to right running downward. The grip is covered with fine Moroccan blue leather still having a majority of its graining. This leather remains in fine condition with no hits or bruises. A fine hilt here!The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This shell is covered with matching blue Moroccan. There are a couple of wearing signs here and there on this leather but there are no cuts or problems. On the rear of the surface about two-thirds down there is a bruise which appears to have been polished over sometime in the past but it does not appear as though the leather was broken. The scabbard shell is fitted with matching silvered nickel mounts. These mounts have fine patination and they are in perfect condition. The mounts are retained by flathead flush mount screws which are all present and are unbuggered. The original crescent hanger is in place showing some age to the leather but still appears to be sound and is complete with the nickel box clip at the top.
The 28 inch long blade is most impressive, being a most beautiful hand forged Damascus. The patterns seems to be a “maiden hair” with a mixture of small roses here and there. The blade fuller is perfectly done running around a third of the way down. The patterns of the Damascus are extremely bold and are in perfect condition being still bright throughout. The blade retains its needlelike tip and is in full mint condition. The blade is protected by an in place blue leather buffer. I took a look at the tang since there is no maker mark on the blade. The tang has the numbers which appear to be “388” stamped into one of the edges. The lower crossguard is fit tightly against the blade shoulders and it would be a shame to loosen this so I couldn’t look any further. It is possible there may be other details hidden by the crossguard but we can leave that up to the next owner if he so wishes to examine the area. I personally do not feel that it is worth knocking this crossguard out of place in order to achieve this view as the way the blade is made and fitted this is surely a period piece. A very beautiful edged weapon here and it would certainly make a great addition to an advanced collection.
Near Mint. $14,995.00
SPO #33842 Leaded Glass Window with SS Runes
This leaded, or stained glass, window is most interesting. It is in a frame which was made recently of fine oak wood. The overall dimensions are 24 inches by 18 inches. The glass itself measures 18 inches by 12.5 inches. In the center of the pane is a set of white SS runes, set in a round area of black stained glass. The circumference of the circle is enclosed within a set of two lead borders. Reaching outward on the quadrants of the circle are leaded rods to secure it in place. The stained glass image has been mounted against a plastic backing to keep it secure. This window was purchased from Maryland Samurai sword dealer Frank Pereny, who acquired it directly from the home of a Pennsylvania veteran. Along with the frame is a statement, written in pen and ink, by the returning veteran. It reads, “Translucent Leaded Glass from Vrfeld SS Barracks in Wittenberg – Bavaria near Lake Wachen / Brought back by Col. WW. Berger in 1945.” The barracks were understandably misspelled are are actually spelled with 'U' instead of 'V'. Urfeld.I tried to look up a SS Barracks named Vrfeld, but could not locate any record of this. Possibly some SS researcher would be able to do so. I also looked up the city of Wittenberg, and this city is in the Saxony area of Germany, not in Bavaria. Also, I looked for Lake Wachen, but could not find a record of lake with this name in Germany. Although this is all perplexing now, it is not unusual for the details to become confused over the years. Many returning veterans did not realize the exact areas where they were fighting and were often moved around quite a bit. Perhaps a researcher could figure all of this out. The key would be to determine if there was in fact an SS Barracks called Vrfeld. All of this doesn't matter too much though, as it is quite obvious that this SS Stained Glass Window is certainly original. It is a great item to display in your collecting room. The framed window comes complete with a custom-made stand to support the artifact. By putting a light behind the stand, you can really make the runes look captivating and mysterious. A really great item here, and certainly on-of-a-kind. Thankfully, a friend of ours in Germany corrected us with the name of this lake as well as the name of the barracks. The lake is not 'Wachen' but "Walchen" or"Walchensee" for "Walchen Lake".
Excellent Plus. $3,495.00
SPO #33846 SA Standarte Feldherrnhalle Officer's Dagger by Carl Eickhorn
The Feldherrnhalle dagger is the most elusive of all 3rd Reich edged weapons, and as result, has to be on everyone's "bucket" wish list. It is believed that there were about 50 or 60 of these daggers produced. There are leas than 25 examples known to be in collections today, so obviously, this is an extremely rare dagger. This example was apparently produced late in the period, as the mounts were produced in pot metal and then silvered. After 70 years, little of the silvering remains, but there are traces of this finish throughout the dagger's recesses. The pommel/cross guard of this example is cast with the images of open-wing eagles clutching a wreathed swastika on each side. On the obverse side, the eagle faces to the viewer's right and on the reverse, the eagle faces to the viewer's left. (The mount was made to properly fit in only direction). The mount is curved downward on each end and the bird's wings are designed to follow this radius. The bird has outstanding hand detail rendered to its head, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons and wreath with mobile swastika. The inside pommel area behind the swastika (covered by the in-place grip) is factory notched with two lines. At the top center of the guard is a spanner nut having two crossing grooves for disassembly. The spanner has the craftsman's assembly number consisting of two lines cut into the edge of the spanner shaft. The lower cross guard is also curved down, however, the curve is slightly more severe than the upper guard. The obverse depicts a center block with raised SA runic symbol within a circle. The outer leg of the letter "A" slightly pierces the circle, as does the inner leg of the "S" rune. Both cross guard arms depict three downward curved wing segments. The reverse of the guard has the same wing depiction, however, the center block area has a plain surface. The grip is composed of Bakelite material. The Bakelite was molded to the shape of a stylized SA grip, however, it is slightly different in that the upper edge portion is formed to fit within the top guard at the upper edge and scalloped to allow the wreath and swastika portion to fit flush with the grip surface. The bottom portion of the grip fits snugly into the upper cross guard acceptance opening. The upper obverse grip edge is factory-filed with two notches.The inner areas have been factory hand-fitted to both hilt mounts. The lower butt plate of the cross guard is stamped with the numeral, "2", the only actual numeral to be found on the fittings.The steel based scabbard is perfectly straight throughout having a plated gray color matching the hilt mounts. There are minute evidences of a once-present silver plating on the scabbard surfaces. The tapered scabbard has three individual pebbled panels on each side. Each panel is scalloped on the edges. The panel border lines on the lower panel edge do not connect exactly, a normal flaw found on all original examples. Due to a weakness in the scabbard shell stamping, there are also hand-done simulated pebbles added to the upper right corner of the lower panel on each side, as well as to the upper center obverse panel. The matching toned bands portray overlapping laurel leaves in relief. The carrying rings match the scabbard tone.
The long blade measures 11 and 11/16h inches in length. The blade is double-edged with a flat center segment. The blade is nickel-plated and retains its needle-like tip. The obverse is etched in the center with the SA motto, "Alles für Deutschland". The etching is deep and crisp, retaining 100% of its background tone in the letters. This blade is in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is matching etched with the Eickhorn logo used from 1935-41. It features a seated squirrel holding a downward-pointing sword. Above the squirrel is the word, "Original" and below the animal, "Eickhorn/Solingen". The brown leather washer is in place showing little age. The tang of the blade has minor rust and is not marked.
An original Feldherrnhalle dagger almost never comes on the marketplace. This is your chance to acquire one for your collection. Granted, it is not the normal extruded aluminum based type, but it is absolutely, guaranteed original.
Excellent Plus.
SPO #33892C The Hunting Hirschfanger of Frederich Der Grosse
Frederick the Great was king of Prussia from 1746 through 1786, and is regarded as one of the most remarkable and best rulers of all time. While expanding his kingdom, mostly with wars with Austria, he became recognized as a military genius. Napoleon once remarked that "if Frederick were still alive, I would never have existed". A great friend of Voltaire, Frederick encouraged fairness, education and freedom of religion, all keys to the betterment of his people and country. His domestic reforms modernized Prussia to the admiration of all of Europe. He encouraged the arts, architecture and music. Being a musician and composer himself, he found the time to write 100 sonatas for flute (with he played) and also several symphonies. In addition to his native German, Frederick spoke French, English, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. He was the builder of the famed, Sans Soucci, located in Potsdam, (his favorite palace), where Frederick is buried today. Frederick left a legacy of absolute devotion to the fatherland that continued to shape German history into the 20th century.This classically designed, spectacular Hunting Cutlass is believed to have once been the personal property of Frederick the Great. It surfaced at a MAX Show a few years ago through a Florida dealer specializing in quality daggers and assorted military weapons of 18th and 19th century Europe and America. The weapon is 26 inches in length. The one-piece grip is of singular beauty, composed of heavily hand-carved, solid ivory. The carvings, worthy of a king, are the best and most detailed that we have seen to date on a weapon. The ivory pommel features a pair of male lions, standing upward to flank the Prussian crown, seal and cypher of Frederick the Great. The seal contains the cypher, FR, meaning Frederich Rex. The twin lions have highly detailed heads, manes, bodies, tails and paws. They are a marvel to study. The cats are standing on royal robes draped over a pedestal. The folds and hems of the robes are expertly portrayed in the carving. Below the robes are a series of wave-like lines and curled designs in relief. The lower grip ends with edges having six sides. The edges have smooth borders and fluted center accent lines. The ivory is age-toned to a golden hue. There are some mild surface cracks in a few areas, but no splitting or damage.
The chased polished steel cross guard is below the grip. The grip's ferrule is built-into the cross guard fitting. It is six-sided and perfectly butts the lower grip shape. The center block area is rounded, having a raised crest. The crest is divided into quadrants, the upper and lower opposite designs matching. They portray a standing lion, and the depiction of two stars, each one located on either side of a ribbon. The cross guards have rounded outward flowing arms. The ends depict teardrop quillons rising upward at the left side, and downward at the right. The cross guard arms feature raised floral designs. The backgrounds of the cross guard designs are pebbled and have gilded surfaces. The clam shell device below, portrays a centered large floral design. It is surrounded by gilded arabesque ornamentation in relief.
The scabbard shell appears to be made of a carved wood base, covered with fine-grained, green leather. Amazingly, the leather shows little age, remaining in a near mint state. The steel scabbard mounts are finished in a smooth surface. On the reverse of the mounts, there is one line decoration on the lower area of the fitting, and a mixture of line and floral motif on the upper mount. The obverse upper mount features raised arabesque floral designs with gilded, pebbled backgrounds matching the hilt. There is a carrying lug with matching decoration. The lower mount has more of the same, and tapers to a ball-form lower button.
The 19 inch long steel blade is forged with a short ricasso area, and is shaped having a double edge, featuring a flat center ridge. The surfaces of the quality blade have turned slightly gray with age, but they are free of rust or pitting. Engraved into the blade's center ridge of both sides, (in the French language) is, Vivat Friedrich, a standard, but fitting greeting rendered to all kings. No doubt the cutlass would have been a gift to the king from one of the Prussian hunting societies. A beautiful, historic, museum piece!
Excelllent Plus. $75,000
SPO #33876C The Adalbert, Prince of Prussia, Falconry Cutlass
This cutlass is easily one of the most elegant weapons I have seen in my 40 year career. It is spectacular and truly a work-of-art remaining in a full mint state. The cutlass reflects the best design and craftsmanship available during the Kaiserzeit years of splendor. The cutlass was produced to reflect the image of the aristocratic sport of falconry. It was a gift from Kaiserin Augusta Viktoria for her third son, Adalbert Ferdinand Berengar Viktor, Prinz of Prussia. Although the presentation date is unknown, the Art Nouveau style of the cutlass reflects the time period of about 1905 through 1910. The cutlass was ordered through the prestigious Berlin-based firm, "M Neumann". This firm used the title Hoflieferant, a term meaning "supplier to royalty". We know of many existing outstanding weapons that came through this highly respected house. Neumann would supervise the production, but hired the necessary blade, casting and engraving firms to accomplish the completion of the weapon, once an approved design was accepted by the commissioning patron of the royal family.Falconry was a sport normally only open to royalty and associated wealthy aristocrats. It required a falcon master who trained the birds, made sure that they were well-nourished and ready to hunt at short notice.The Kaiser and his family were active hunters and maintained a hunting lodge, Romintin, located in East Prussia. Adalbert would have participated in the royal hunts and the gift of this glorious cutlass by his mother must have made a more than suitable sidearm to decorate his falconry uniform. One can only imagine the splendor of such times and the honor of being invited as a participant.
I have done my best to describe this cutlass. I hope that the description will do some justice to its magnificence.The weapon within the scabbard measures 20 1/2 inches overall. The impressive deep green color pommel is in the form of a falcon's head, carved in genuine jade, and looking to the viewer's left. The carving is stunning reflecting the pointed curved beak of the bird, its raised brow and upward-tipped feathering at the back of the head. The neck area is tapered, reflecting feathered images throughout the jade. The bird's eyes appear to be the type used by taxidermists to produce a life-like image. The jade pommel is nested within a gilded grip, tapered in the center and slightly flared at each end. The grip is heavily chased with feathered images throughout all surfaces. The upper and lower borders of the grip are decorated with raised beaded images and cross banding. The gilded cross guard below features center blocks of an ellipse-shape, having raised borders with curled designs at the top. The center area features a plain surface. The quillon cross guard arms are chased to simulate bird scales. Each arm ends in a clutched claw, the left example pointing upward and the right extended downward. Below the cross guard is a matching gild clam shell device which repeats the feathered design of the grip. The clam shell border is smooth, providing a contrast to the centered feather designs. The eloquent style and proportions of these hilt mounts represent the mastery of German design.
The scabbard shell is produced of fine grained leather having a most-pleasing tan color. The leather is decorated with twin lines cut into the edges of both sides. The reverse is seamed in the center and retained with matching thread. The leather remains new-like, retaining its full original shape. The scabbard upper and lower mounts are gilded to match the hilt. Both mounts are rendered with reptilian-style scales to simulate the talons of a bird of prey. Each mount is open in the area meeting the leather, providing a fine view of the leather surface in the center. The upper mount is parallel-fitted on the edge with a matching gilded plain eyelet and carrying ring. The ring positions would indicate that the cutlass was suspended from vertical hanging straps.
The hand-forged massive Damascus blade is literally breath-taking, measuring 13 inches in length. The Damascus pattern is best-described as a "Maiden-hair" design, mixed with random "Large Roses". The pattern remains highly distinctive being in as-new condition. The blade has a raised ricasso extended 3 1/4 inches in length. The blade design is single-edged with a false edge at the spine with a length of about 4 1/2 inches. The obverse ricasso presents the royal cypher of the Kaiserin. The cypher depicts the Kaiserin's distinctive crown positioned over her intertwined monogram, AV. (Augusta Viktoria). The relief is gilded. The reverse ricasso depicts the cypher of Prinz Adalbert in relief, being the letter A, with the crown above, representing the Prince of Prussia. This cypher has matching gild applied to the relief. The upper spine is deeply stamped, M. Neumann Hoflieferant Berlin. The original green felt protective blade washer is in place showing little age.
I have done my best to describe this treasure. It is a great honor for me to offer this important artifact to the collecting community. By rights, this historic artifact, belonging to a member of the German Imperial family, really ought to be in the Klingen Museum in Solingen. They have the Kaiser's Honor Sword of Solingen made in 1898, as well as the Honor Sword given to Bismarck commemorating the Iron Chancellor's 85th birthday. Maybe the day will come when a future owner will be able to make a gesture of this significance with this falconry cutlass.This is the second piece once belonging to Prinz Adalbert to come to the attention of the collecting community. The other being the famous Prinz Adalbert Naval Heavy dirk gracing the cover of the Johnson-Wittmann authored reference, "Collecting the Edged Weapons of Imperial Germany". Prinz Adelbart died in 1948. Having survived the abdication and exile of the Kaiser after the Great War, and then, the terrible tragedy of Hitler's World War, Adalbert justifiably became disillusioned with Germany. After WWII, he sold privately many of his uniforms and edged weapons in shame. Today, these artifacts are largely privately owned. As they will continue to surface, I firmly believe they should be donated to a proper museum that will care for and feature the treasurers of the 19th and early 20th century Hohenzollern's. Given the value of these things, I know that this would be difficult for must of us to even think about. But for now - for the right person - here is the opportunity! I had the chance to purchase this cutlass at auction a few month's ago, but due to a mistake in my phone bidding process, I lost it when I thought the bidding went beyond my means. Well, although it is of little consolation, at least I have the pleasure of handling it now for the winner and consignor - and, believe me, it is a distinct pleasure. Just to hold this beautiful thing makes you tingle inside.
Mint, Mint, Mint. $95,000
SPO #33354C Serial Numbered Model 1933 SS Service Dagger Once Belonging to Einsatzgruppe “D” Leader SS-Gruppenführer and General Lt. der Polizei Otto Ohlendorf
This Model 1933 SS Dagger belonging to an infamous war criminal is in an uncleaned and untouched condition except for one thing. The Robert Klaas produced blade was not in good condition and it was shortened and retipped. We were able to supply and intstall a perfect conditioned Robert Klaas blade of the same vintage. It has made a great difference in the looks of this dagger. The original blade however accompanies the piece. This dagger is equipped with all nickel mounts. The tang nut and crossguards are all in choice condition being deeply patinated with a dull greenish surface. The crossguards have outstanding smooth surfaces, crisp edges and very precise accent grooves. There is no sign that the tang nut has been removed as it was loose and we were able to make the blade change without leaving any physical markings. The reverse lower crossguard is Roman numeral marked with the district number, “I”. The grip of this example is a medium to high contour ebony. It is in nice condition throughout showing very nominal wear and having only a couple of very minor imperfections. At the upper right obverse corner there is a small flake of wood out from the surface and on the reverse center area a small flake of wood has come off at the edge where it meets the crossguard. Other than this the grip is perfect and reflects no repairs. The SS runes button shows some minor usage signs but there is no chipping to the enamel. The button is positioned at about seven o’clock. The nickel grip eagle nicely matches the patination of the fittings and it is the style with beak which points upward slightly. This bird still has details to its eye, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. The condition of the bird is a good reflection of the overall dagger condition. The lower surfaces of the crossguard back side are deeply stamped with the three digit number, “880”. We will get to the owner of this number further down in the dagger’s description. The stamping is extremely deep and is done the same way as the examples I show in my SS book on page 198.The scabbard of this example is straight throughout. It has 100% of the original anodizing and there is about 85% of the original factory protective coating on the obverse side of the scabbard and probably 30% on the reverse side. This is a very nice scabbard shell here. The shell is equipped with matching nickel mounts having the same patination throughout their surfaces. There is also some greenish waxy like material which has accumulated around the upper scabbard mounts. This usually means that there was a vertical hanger at one time on this piece. The reverse of the scabbard shell also verifies this as the wear to the protective coating is in the same place where a vertical would have been placed. The lower mount shows a little bit of usage signs but overall it is in still good condition with no problems to the lower ball. The original screws are all in place and appear to be unbuggered.
The replacement blade that has been installed is a very choice example. It has all of its crossgraining and the blade finish is still mirror bright. The SS motto is crisp and deep and has 100% of its original darkening. This blade is in mint condition. The reverse ricasso has a matching circular logo which presents the kissing cranes design in the center. Around the birds is the firm’s name and location, “Robert Klaas Solingen”. The blade shoulders perfectly meet the lower crossguard contour and if I did not tell you that this blade replaces the original one there is no way that you would be aware of it as the installation and fit is totally perfect. A very fine mint blade here! Although I do not want to get into too much of the crimes committed by Otto Ohlendorf I can tell you that he was tried at Nuremberg and was found guilty and hung accordingly. As the leader of Eisatzgruppe “D” he was also responsible for the direct liquidation of 90,000 men, women and children. There is a large dossier that accompanies this dagger. Should you wish to further research Ohlendorf’s record that would be an easy job as the material included makes for an easy stepping stone for further research. Suffice to say, Ohlendorf as of 1944 was an SS Gruppenführer and general of the police. Prior to his wartime assignments he was a major player in the SD. Ohlendorf held the golden Party badge as well as the SS sword. If you are into owning something that was the possession of a major war criminal this dagger is for you. I am only interested in this piece from the standpoint of a historical personage reflected in a fine quality dagger. More than likely this example would make for a fine SS investment for the future. This piece is unconditionally guaranteed and warranted to originally have been the property of Ohlendorf.
Uncleaned Near Mint. $19,995.00(#050113)
SPO #33582C Early Field Upgrade Chained NSKK Marine – Anton Wingen Jr.
This early Chained NSKK Marine Dagger is a superb artifact. All of the nickeled surfaces have been copper plated. The copper toning is just beautiful throughout the piece to include all of the chain links, crossguard and scabbard mounts. Examining the matching tang nut this dagger does not appear to have ever been apart in modern times. The copper throughout the tang nut and the crossguards is still 100%. These guards are nice and smooth with crisp edges and precise accent grooves. The lower reverse is gruppe marked, “He”. These guards have a wonderful glow to the patination of the copper. The grip is a smooth to medium contour constructed example. The obverse is mostly perfect whereas the reverse shows just a couple of minor hits in the center ridge area probably caused by the chain. Overall though this fine grip is in perfect condition and tightly fits the crossguards. The wood is probably some type of a fruitwood and looking in the surfaces it has a grain that seems to run on a slight forty-five degree angle throughout. The runes button is perfectly placed with chip free enamel. The grip eagle is the nickel type being the style with “beak which points upward slightly”. There is some minor wear to the bird’s head, breast feathering and talons but there are still some details showing and all of the detail remains to the open wings, wreath and mobile swastika. A very fine hilt here!The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This shell was painted black during the period as this was an early dagger which was converted to the chained version. The paint is still bright showing some signs of usage throughout the surfaces but there are not dents or dings and this paint still rates at least 95%. The scabbard mounts have beautiful copper plating exactly matching the color tone and patination of the crossguards. These mounts are in choice condition to include the never dropped lower ball. It is also interesting to note that the retaining screws are also copper plated and appear to be unturned. The center ramp is a style that we do not see too often but it is definitely original having two very crisp edges with an eyelet exactly matching the size of the eyelet of the upper mount. The ramp screw shows some wear to the plating surfaces but if you look at it with a loupe it is possible to see copper traces around the base and also in the depths of the groove.
The chain is copper plated to exactly match. It is a four link top and a five link bottom. All links are in choice condition with no rusting and little wear to the copper. This copper is still nearly 100% throughout both sides of the chain. The NSKK eagles are crisp and the sunwheel swastikas are also very choice. The lower link has the triangular rune specifically used by the NSKK. The upper snap clip has a fine shield with acorn placed beneath two oak leaves having fine veining in the center. The two reverse upper links are marked. The lower example is marked, “RZM 5/8” The reverse of the first chain is stamped, “Musterschutz / NSKK - / Korpsführung”. Even all of the round connectors have matching copper plating. This is an outstanding outside dagger. The blade of this example is still bright and has most of its crossgraining. The obverse is in near mint condition having the style motto which has either a frosted background or it has been wiped out over the years. Either way the motto still looks great as there is no wear to the crispness of the letters. The blade shows in and out usage and on the reverse there is some old smudge around the center area mostly. There is also an age mark at about the half-way center point of the reverse. Overall this blade grades at excellent to excellent plus. The reverse ricasso is etched with the little knight with sword. Above the logo is the firm’s name, “Anton Wingen Jr” and below is the location city of “Solingen”. The backgrounds in the logo etch are still fairly dark so this would conclusively prove that most of the darkening in the motto has gone to time. The blade shoulders perfectly meet the lower crossguard contour. It is also interesting to note that the area which was sealed on the lower crossguard by the throat is a much darker color copper and still remains in the same oval shape as the throat. An outstanding original early chained NSKK marine dagger. I have only had a few of these copper types and this one is of investment quality and really talks to you. A great dagger here!
Excellent Plus. $8,995.00
SPO #33573C Aluminum 1st Model Luftwaffe Dagger with Presented Double Etched Blade – E. & F. Hörster
It is extremely rare to find either early Luftwaffe 1st Models or aluminum examples having presented or special etched blades. In the case of this example we have an ultra rare occurrence with both. We will get to the details of the blade further down in the description. The aluminum mounts of this example have a fine satin aluminum finish showing only a little bit of age residue in the crevices but the brightness is still there to the metal. The pommel has fine crisp edges to both ribs. The sunwheels have 100% of the gilding being the bright type used by the Hörster firm. The crossguard center block sunwheels are also perfect with 100% gild. The crossguard arms are also basically crisp showing only the most modest of usage. They have the triple segmented down turned quillon arms. The grip is a carved wood base covered with fine deep blue Moroccan leather. This leather is in outstanding condition throughout showing only the most modest signs of usage but still having nearly all of the original grain. This grip is tightly wrapped with triple aluminum wire, the center being twisted. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This shell has matching deep blue Moroccan showing also some signs of usage but nothing detrimental and the leather is still in choice condition throughout with good matching grain. The scabbard mounts are the matching matte finish aluminum. They all are in perfect condition showing only modest wear signs. These mounts are retained by headless flathead screws which all appear to be unturned. The aluminum chain has a little more nicotine on it than the rest of the dagger but this may have occurred from the way the dagger was hung up on the wall over the years. This chain has six upper ringlets and nine lower examples. They are connected to a standard aluminum snap clip which is stamped on the reverse with the patent pending mark, “Ges. Gesch.” and the diamond stamping which encloses the initials of the famous accoutrement firm, “OLC”. Attached to the clip is a fine Luftwaffe belt loop. The loop has excellent conditioned brown leather and there is a “D” ring made of aluminum.As nice as the outside is though the real prize here is the blade of this example. The blade has beautiful high quality factory nickel plating which is mirror mint throughout. The etchings on both sides have beautiful frosting with high relief. There are a couple of extremely minor hits along the edges of both sides but they are barely noticeable. The obverse blade has a full panel which features a series of floral leafing. The leafing is very beautiful and has a ending border consisting of a pointed motif having double lines. If you have a copy of the Wayne Techet edged bayonet book it is interesting to look at the piece illustrated on page 138. The leaves shown on this piece as well as the border ending etch is identical to this 1st model Luftwaffe blade etch. A beautiful sight here! The reverse blade almost exactly duplicates the floral motif of the bayonet blade shown in the Hörster book. In the center there is a panel having a two line dedication. The dedication is done in fine Gothic style raised lettering, “Albert Pesch / Fiegendes Personal 4. (F)14.”. I took the liberty of looking up Albert Pesch and find that he was a radio operator and part of the air crew of a night fighter doing reconnaissance. Looking in my German cross award book I find that Leutnant Albert Pesch was awarded the German cross in gold on May 29, 1943. I’m sure that there would be a great dossier that could be put together on this Luftwaffe officer. The reverse ricasso is etched with the double ovals trademark which contain the firm’s name and location, “E&F Hörster Solingen”. Inside is the large “H” letter with the smaller “H” and “S” inside of this letter being pierced by a sword. The original blue leather washer is in place. An outstanding dagger here which should be a superb investment for the future. This is a fine original which has yet to have been researched. A very exciting opportunity here for the next owner.
Near Mint. $4,995.00 (#011012)
SPO #33008 Adolph Hitler Table Standarte
This Table Standarte is a very small size and was used as a place setting at the Führer’s dinner table to designate his seating spot. This tiny Standarte is only about 5 inches by 5 inches and it has a small half-inch gold fringe that runs around three sides. The hoist side shows signs of once having three sewn areas where, most likely, it was attached to a small display staff. This Standarte is in two pieces which are sewn together. In between the pieces of cloth there is some type of a stiffener so that the Standarte does not dip downward from gravity. The Standarte is in the normal colors, being a fine red background with borders of black, white, and black stripes. Two corners opposite each other feature a Wehrmacht half-open winged eagle clutching a swastika, looking to the viewer’s right. The two other opposite corners feature the Political open-winged Eagle clutching a wreathed swastika, looking to the viewer’s right. In the center there is a white field with a matching gold oak leaf wreath. The wreath has ribboned areas on all four quadrants. The details of the leaves and ribbon areas are all woven in a darker color gold, as is the case with the four eagles. The center area features the white field with an immobile black swastika. The black swastika has borders of white and black. This tiny Standarte appears to be made of different woven threads. I do not believe that it is printed. The details represent the finest of work. The small ½ inch fringe that runs around the three edges is also delicately sewn to the Standarte. This is the first AH Standarte of this type I have seen. I believe it to be ultra rare and also to be an extremely interesting artifact. It would be a good project for the next owner to find a Standarte like this in use at either a Hitler table or possibly a desk. A great collection addition here for the advanced historian.Excellent Plus. $3,495.00
SPO #32077C Eickhorn Showroom Model 89 Degen
This Model 89 Degen is made in the grosser pattern and was produced as a showroom tool to demonstrate some of the extra cost details that were available through this prestigious firm. The hilt is in the design of a model 89 which of course was still available for officers to order in the event that they may have lost or misplaced their original imperial degen. As stated above this example is in the large grosser pattern. The hilt is of all brass construction basically being a plain type with a gilded finish. Only about 25% remains of the gilding. The basket hilt of course displays the Prussian eagle with the crown on his head and the cipher of Wilhelm II on the breast. The bird clutches a scepter in one claw and a sword in the other. This bird is extremely well detailed with hand engravings as well as nice pebbling accenting some of the features. There is a number “3” which has been applied to the reverse of the pommel backstrap. This “3” appears to be the same style insignia that was used to apply to shoulder boards. It is possible that this number was used to designate the number in the Eickhorn showroom sword grouping or it is also possible that the application was used to demonstrate that purchasers could have a number like this applied to their sword at extra cost. The grip is a sharkskin variety showing some cracking which has occurred along the seam which runs down the back of the grip. There is also some wear to the sharkskin on the high sections of the ribs. This sharkskin is wrapped with triple brass wire being twisted and larger in the center. The leather finger hold has broken off but the original portion is still seated between the ferrule and the lower basket hilt. The blade is a large proportioned style measuring 34-inches in length. It is nickel-plated and does show some age freckling in the surfaces but it is not bad and will clean out if someone wanted to do this. The blade is the style that has dual fullers and both fullers run almost to the tip. The upper obverse portion of the blade has a large frosted panel. The panel at the end has a pointed design motif. Raised out on the panel is a large size 1935-41 Eickhorn squirrel logo. The squirrel holds a downward pointing sword and above the animal is the word, “original” and below is the firm’s name and location, “Eickhorn / Solingen”. Below this are the raised out words in Gothic style lettering, “Original Eickhorn Blanke Waffen”. This of course would mean original Eickhorn weapon blade. There are some hints of gilding which remain on the raised surfaces of the trademark and the lettering. I would estimate this gilding is about 10-20%. The original blade washer is still in place showing some age but is still all there. The Eickhorn showroom swords can be seen in Volume VI of Johnson’s reference series and there is also a picture of an Eickhorn showroom illustrated in the Kundendiendienst. This particular sword though is not shown in either of the references quoted. All that this means is that it was apparently made as a sample but was not included in the showroom window. This example does show some age but if someone wanted to work with cleaning it up and having the grip recolored as well as regilding the trademark and the lettering I’m sure that this piece could be extremely improved. Some of the Eickhorn showroom swords had scabbards and some did not. This example did not as it is not accompanied by a scabbard. Probably if there were a scabbard the blade would still be in a mint state. At any rate, a great sword for the ultimate Eickhorn collector. The chances of finding showroom swords still in existence or available on the collector market are almost nil.Excellent. $4,995.00
SPO #32532C NPEA Student Leader Dagger - Carl Eickhorn
This NPEA Student Leader Dagger is an extremely elusive dagger, and I think this is the first time I have had the pleasure to offer one in several years. In the collecting community we feel that Eickhorn did not make a Student dagger without grip insignia so the so-called Staff Leader is most likely a Student’s dagger but, nevertheless, Eickhorn’s production was so low with these pieces that their rarity has added much to the desirability of these pieces. This example is a textbook piece. It has the traditional nickel plated crossguards with nickel plated steel tang nut. The tang nut looks to be in perfect condition, and I do not see any signs that this nut has been out in modern times. The crossguard plating is perfect throughout, with choice factory-bright shine. There is some mild age in the surfaces, but not anything that can be picked on. Beautiful crossguards here! The grip is a pleasing color rich brown wood. It has vertically running grain and is about the color of tobacco leaves. This grip is in absolutely perfect condition and nicely fits the crossguards. The grip is equipped with a nickel-style eagle, not the aluminum type, or zinc type, we see on later pieces. Although this piece was produced at about 1941, apparently, there were some nickel eagle grip mounts that were to be used up. This mount is the style with beak-which-points-up slightly. All the detail is still there to the bird’s eye, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath, and mobile swastika. An outstanding hilt here! The scabbard of this example is nice and straight, and it is the traditional olive drab color paint. This paint shows only modest age, having some signs of being around all these years, but still in outstanding condition. This paint rates at about 98%. The Eickhorn scabbards are equipped with lugs that have no decorative lines on them. Additionally, the throat on the Eickhorn pieces is retained by a center placed screw in the obverse. It is interesting to note that the throat on this particular piece is the thick variety, but it also is in a nickel plated finish and was not painted with the scabbard. This is the first time I have seen this variation, and I must say it is most attractive. There is a frog around this scabbard. The frog appears to have been in place for a long time. It is the dark brown style frog, having a rivet in the reverse center. The frog is in perfect condition, nicely matching the scabbard. Studying this frog, though, I do not think that it is an actual NPEA frog. It is a little bit too tight around the lower area of the frog, and has a little too much spare room on the area around the lug. Chances are, this is a standard dark brown bayonet frog, but whatever the case, it has been on this piece a long time and certainly goes extremely well with it. The blade of this example is absolutely the best you will see. This choice blade has a mirror finish with needle-like tip. All of the cross graining is still present throughout the surfaces. The obverse is dark etched with the motto of the NPEA, “Mehr sein als Scheinen”. The “s” letters that begin the word “sein” and “Scheinen” are fashioned in the Gothic manner, a trait unique to Eickhorn. The reverse of this choice mint blade is etched with the post-1941 over-the-shoulder squirrel. This squirrel is seated over the three words “Original Eickhorn, Solingen”. The blade shoulders perfectly meet the lower crossguard contour. There are no buffers on Eickhorn daggers. This is an outstanding example of the NPEA Student Leader. If you are looking for a good investment quality dagger, this one should be an excellent move for the future. These daggers are just not available anymore.
Mint Minus. $6,495.00 (#052211)
SPO #32072C Army Honor Prize Sword – E. & F. Hörster
This Army Honor Prize Aword features a brass hilt being a leopard head style and identical to the example shown in the Angolia book on page 99, upper. This panther head cat has excellent detail throughout his features. There is hand enhancing visible on the lower jaw, the whiskers, the brow and the cat’s mane. The cat is fitted with red glass faceted eyes. The backstrap features a raised oak leaf and acorn motif which runs the length and also is featured on the grip side tabs. The “P” guard features a similar oak leaf and acorn motif. The ferrule has raised oak leaf and acorns which are seen around the circumference. The crossguard features an open-winged army style eagle which looks to the viewer’s left. The details are outstanding to the bird’s eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and raised mobile swastika. The reverse features a shield device surrounded by acorns and oak leaves and it is blank. This hilt features about 80-85% of the original gilded finish. The grip is most interesting. It is a carved wood base with black celluloid coating. The celluloid remains in perfect condition. From the front view the grip looks normal having triple twisted brass wire having larger wire in the center. The reverse of the grip though has a great look as the master craftsman who produced this grip somehow managed to give a forty-five degree slant to the ribs but where they meet in the center they become straight on the obverse. This is a great looking feature which I do not remember seeing in the past. The wire wrap is retained by small wooden pegs which are visible on the grip’s outside. This grip wire gives a terrific look to the sword is was an obvious attempt to give the sword’s hilt a slightly different look hinting at the prospects of an extra cost blade. The scabbard of this example is straight throughout however it does appear to have received a professional modern paint job. The paint is very well done and rates at 100% having a matte finish like the original would have been. The blade though is the extraordinary part about this piece. The 32 ½-inch blade is forged with a quill back design and is acid etched with a most beautiful “large roses” pattern. This simulated pattern is still bright and crisp and really grabs the viewer. Hörster is well know for their beautiful acid etch work and there are many pieces that exist in collections today that exhibit these skills. In addition to the artificial Damascus blade this sword has a beautiful gold and blue decorated raised dedication on both sides. The dedication is done in the identical form that we see on the Hörster sword shown on page 121 in color in my Luftwaffe book. Obviously the same company artist must have worked on both of these swords. The obverse blade displays a series of ribbons which have a blue panel background. Raised out is the dedication with gilded letters, “Frhr.v.Kressenstein s./L. Leutn. Gr.v.Eltz. 1923/1935”. This presentation would be translated as, “Frieherr von Kressenstein presents to Leutnant Graf von Eltz from 1923 though 1935”. Between the dedication and the hilt there are the raised beautifully done blue and gilded initials of the recipient, “RE”. This monogram is intertwined. The reverse blade has a similar style dedication with the exception instead of blue panels in the bands the gilded letters have blue shadow decoration with plain backgrounds in the bands. This dedication is “Ehrenpreis der 10. Kompanie für gute Schiessleistung Schiessjahr 1934 / 35”. This dedication translates, “Honor Prize of the 10th Company for good Shooting Skill for the Shooting Year 1934-1935”. It would appear that the sword may have been given by the company commander to Leutnant Eltz as perhaps he won the shooting contest several years in a row and he may have been leaving the regiment during this last contest. This is purely conjecture on my part but it seems to make sense given the facts of the blade. The gold and blue details are still near 100% throughout the blade. There are a few age spots here and there in the blade surfaces but they are not bad. The Hörster trademark is on the reverse ricasso. It is raised out and gilded featuring the double ovals having the firm’s name and location contained within, “E. & F. Hörster Solingen” and inside is the large letter “H” with a smaller letter “H” and “S” positioned inside being pierced by a sword. This sword needs to be researched and should not be too difficult given the fact that the name, dates and army group are contained within the dedication. This sword would make a wonderful presentation displayed on a cradle in the collection room of an advanced collector. A very beautiful, one of a kind Third Reich artifact.Excellent Plus, Plus. $9,995.00
SPO #31532 Elaborate Shooting Prize Chain from Prince of Prussia Shooting Guild of Schoeneck Stemming from 1850
This elaborate Shooting Chain is done all in silver using many silver five mark coins to act as links throughout the chain. The chain appears to come from the Prince of Prussia Shooting Gild of Schoeneck. There is a lower medallion which is extremely beautiful showing a Prussian eagle with smaller Prussian eagles surrounding the crowned bird. In the border around the depiction it has the following engraving, “PRINZ VON PREUSSEN DER SCHÜT. ZENGILDE ZU SCHOENECK 1850”. At the top of this medallion is a beautiful detailed Prussian crown. Attached to the crown above is a further medallion which refers to the Bavarian city of “Aschaffenburg”. All of the coins are very interesting having silver wreaths surrounding them and then the connecting chain links in the style of other shooting gild chains that I have seen. Also spaced around the beautiful chain are enameled city crests. These crests could probably be looked up to determine which cities they come from. Probably these were the participants with the normal shooting even each year. This chain would require some research to ascertain its full importance. It appears to be a chain that was used through the imperial period probably up through the Weimar time. One of the coins does have a date of 1930 on it. This chain is of highest quality and is a fantastic antique. For those not familiar with these chains each year a town, village or group of villages sponsored shooting events. These events usually lasted for three days and involved not only participation of the town’s shooters but also the town citizens as it was also a great beer drinking time and celebration. The shooting events tended to bring the citizens of a town together each year. They were very important and even today still are important events. Because of its quality and beautiful look I would think that this was the chain that the main town kept on display in city hall and was probably taken out for wear only once a year during the shooting event. A beautiful antique which could take on much more value once the history of its towns are researched.Excellent Plus. $3,995.00
SPO #31570 Elaborate Schützen King Shooting Necklace
I have had a number of shooting necklaces over the years, but this example certainly takes the prize as far as one with the most medallions on it, and also for the most magnificent appearance. This necklace has about 35 different medallions and they are all connected professionally and strung properly so that the necklace can hang in an arch form to look its best. The necklace is currently mounted in a beautiful handmade oak box with glass opening and a black velvet background. It is all set for hanging on your wall, and I can tell you it will make one great looking appearance. The necklace stems from the first shooting medallion in 1898 and runs up to 1939. So, this fine artifact actually covers three periods of German history, being The Imperial Times, The Weimar Period, and also The Nazi Period right up to the beginning of World War II. At the top portion of the necklace there a beautiful medallions that are produced of green background enamel, having an eagle positioned over a target with crossed rifles. This enamel scene is circular and the details are in gold. These circular shooting medallions are mounted in a silver background and there are 9 of these that make up the upper section of the necklace. All 9 are connected with matching silvered chain. The medallions encompassing the necklace are all connected to the bottom portions of this dual chain. The shooting medallions are all different and some of them are really quite elaborate. Many feature silver star-like backgrounds with applied hat over shooting target with wreath around the depiction. All have the dates that they were won, as well as the name of the town and the name of the shooter. The way these shooting contests worked, each year a town or group of towns would get together and have a target shooting contest. The winner of the contest would receive a medallion with his engraved name, date, and city, and the medallion would be applied to the shooting chain necklace which normally would have been established over the years. It was then the honor of the current “shooting king” to wear the necklace either for a brief time, or in some cases, he could keep it until the following year. These shooting contests were traditional events, some stemming back 400 and 500 years. They are very important to the towns that sponsor them, and normally the contests will bring out the entire village for support. Needless to say, it is also a great time for good fellowship and good beer drinking! At any rate, on this necklace there are names, dates, and towns on the reverse, as I stated above, and I’m going to give you as many as I can practically transcribe so that there is a record of what’s on the necklace and it would be easier on the next owner. The below are some of the names, towns, and dates engraved on the medallions.T. Schulz Schanardou 1898, T.Glutte Bredenbock 1912, Wilh. Ottels Metzingen 1936-37, H. Schul Schmellau 1907, H. Barge Govelin 1910, O. Schulze Tellendorf 1927, Herm Glühe Tellendorf 1935-36, Otto Müller Tellendorf 1923, W. Wettsaok Metzingen 1931/32, A. Stallbohm 1926, Johann Lange Metzingen 1932/33, W. Schutz Larckem 1930/31, Heinrich Brahms Tellendorf 1934-35 A.Schoop 38/39, W. Grützmaihen 1929/30, Wilhelm Carstens Tellendorf 1905, Willi Grutzmacher Tellendorf 1908, H. Schröder Betten 1914.
There are additional names, dates, and places that I may have missed, but I think I’ve got most of them. There is also in the center a really great looking Hitler portrait, which is a large medallion bigger than a silver dollar. On the reverse of it, it is named to the person I mentioned above, “Johann Lange”. There are also swastikas on two of the shooting medals. I can’t overestimate how great looking this necklace is, and really how historically important it is too, because it makes a permanent mark of an event that truly was important to this particular area that encompassed these towns. A great piece of history here as well as a very spectacular view to add to your collecting room.
Near Mint. $5,495.00
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.Excellent Plus. $2,500.00