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 #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 #33583C Naval Grouping of Kapitän Leutnant Helmut Schmoeckel & U-Boat Reference with Signatures of Kruman from U-802
This grouping of a U-boat Captain’s Dagger along with a book signed by members of his crew in 1977 is a phenomenal Kriegsmarine historical package. Helmut Schmoeckel was the captain of U-802. U-802 was somewhat infamous not for the fact that it sunk a lot of tonnage but for the fact that it’s captain, Schmoeckel, realized that the war could not be won by Germany and he purposely avoided allied ships while on patrol and at the same time saved many shipwrecked allies from a terrible drowning death. It is an amazing story that you can read about on your own but I’ll just give you some of the highlights of Schmoeckel and his crew. The U-802 despite eight missions, four patrols and 247 days at sea only managed to sink one Canadian ship of 1621 tons. This was because Schmoeckel wanted his crew to survive the war. Schmoeckel admitted in his book, “Menschlichkeit im Seekrieg” that he cared more for his “people” than for the foregone ideals which led him to steer away from allied ships whenever they spotted one somewhere out in the Atlantic. By doing this he ran the risk of one of his crew members reporting him to his superiors for “cowardice”, a high risk, especially when you had to account for novices just entering the Kriegsmarine who went through all of the NSDAP Party, NPEA, and Hitler Youth career steps. As of 1941-42 this newly formed NSDAP brainwashed soldier entered the armed forces. Schmoeckel despised sinking ships and drowning innocent people but still had to be clever enough not to be caught in his behavior. He relied on his fellow U-boat men, not a single one of them betrayed him and they survived May 1945 at sea and surrended in June 1945 in a British harbor in Scotland. The crew kept their silence and well after the war in 1977 they gathered in Langenargen at Lake Constance and all surviving members signed the book, “Ritter der Tiefe / Graue Wölfe”, which was then presented to their commander Helmut Schmoeckel. The signed book accompanies Schmoeckel’s dagger along with the proof records that attest to the purchase of these items from Helmut Schmoeckel’s estate. Schmoeckel was not a hero in the understanding of the Third Reich. On the contrary, he adopted a heroic attitude towards his men by taking the action to avoid lethal confrontation with the enemy, simply because he knew the war was lost anyhow. These were the real heroes wearing “beautiful” daggers since respective personnel needed as such when taking the Berlin subway allowing all the passengers to admire the stylish hammered scabbard eyelets and the ivory grip! The signed book mentioned above is part of this grouping. The other part is one of the most beautiful Kriegsmarine daggers I have had the pleasure to handle. This outstanding example remains in near full mint condition and was an extra cost example purchased by Schmoeckel.The dagger was produced by the Alcoso firm and has absolute textbook mounts throughout. The pommel is identical to the example I show on page 295 of my Navy book. This pommel has nearly 100% of its original gilded finish. It depicts the half open-winged eagle with head pointing to the viewer’s left. All details of the bird are highly visible to include the brow, eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, raised wreath and swastika. The Alcoso pommel was one of the best looking produced during the period, in my opinion. The crossguard is also the typical Alcoso type. It is the same as the example shown on page 296 of my book. The crossguard has the fouled anchor center block in the center and on the reverse it depicts a diamond in the center with a sunburst style floral design behind it. The release button is drilled into the block just below the diamond. The crossguard is also complete with its separate butt plate beneath. The acanthus leaves are extremely crisp on both sides of the quillon arms and the square designed quillon tips have deep accent grooves with well formed nipples at the end. The gilt finish is still all there throughout this guard. The grip is a superb genuine ivory example. The ivory remains in perfect condition with no chips in the surfaces. There is some nice graining on the reverse along with some golden tones which are apparent throughout the grip’s surfaces. The grooves next to the grip wire all have the accumulation of time and its toning quality in their depths. The grip is tightly wrapped with twisted brass wire. This is a very high quality grip and was not a cheap extra cost item. Decorating the hilt is the original-to-the-piece silver bullion portepee. The portepee has toned to a beautiful even gold color and is still in the original tie. This knot shows absolutely no fraying and is in the same condition as the rest of the dagger. The slide and stem have the usual silver bullion “V” weave designs and the lower ball is yarn-like silver bullion with and insert in the cat’s anus thread shape. You will not see a better hilt. The scabbard is also an extra cost item. This remarkable scabbard has full gilded surfaces and it is the peened type. The hammering is perfect throughout and also includes the lower chape fitting. The scabbard is straight as an arrow and is fitted with oak leaf and acorn bands being in a style that rises upward toward the eyelets. The eyelets are the typical Alcoso type having the small sleeves on either side of their entrance holes to reduce wear. The triple serrated surfaces are as crisp as the day they were produced. The rings have even been hammered to match the scabbard. The thinner style throat is retained by two flatter head screws which will be the small bore style used by Alcoso. The blade is also an incredible example. As we would hope it is the sailing ship design and it reflects absolutely mirror mint nickel-plated surfaces. The tip is still needlelike and all of the gray backgrounds in the panels of both sides are 100%. The center of the obverse depicts a fouled anchor and then upward from this is an ending panel of raised floral leaves. Below the anchor is a fully rigged sailing ship on a bed of sea plants. The detail is outstanding to the ship with its mast, sails and ensigns. The reverse blade has an ending floral panel, the same as the obverse, and in the center a larger sailing ship replaces the fouled anchor. This sailing ship is highly detailed so that the viewer can easily study the gunnels, the masts, the sails and the ensign at the top. There is also a flag with a cross on it which appears to be flying from the bow. This ship is coasting on a bed of sea plants. This full mint conditioned blade is stamped on the reverse with the trademark used from 1938 through 1939. It consists of the scales trademark having the firm’s initials, “ACS” interspersed. Above the scales in an arch shape in capital block letters is the name of the firm, “Alcoso” and below the scales is the location city, “Solingen”. The original off-red felt blade buffer is in place. A truly remarkable conditioned dagger here.
I doubt that Schmoeckel wore this piece more than a couple of times and chances are he left it home when his U-boat was otherwise operating. This grouping is a fantastic opportunity to obtain a real piece of history here. Schmoeckel is a very interesting man because of his desire to retain the lives of his crew and his boat. This was something that was not heard of during the Third Reich period and undoubtedly if his real purpose was ever discovered by the naval hierarchy there is no doubt that he would have been executed. With the grouping is a letter which confirms the source of the dagger and the book. They were purchased on January 28, 2009 as being part of the legacy of submarine commander Schmoeckel. The letter states to the effect that, “all items were purchased at Schmoeckel’s former apartment in Berlin on that very day as well as other naval books. Amongst the grouping was the famous U-boat commander “bible” with the original signatures of the U-802 crew members who gathered in 1977. The dagger is produced by Alcoso with hammered scabbard and ivory handle and a tied rope / tassel around it. Condition of the dagger is very good." The grouping comes with the documentation as well as a small dossier on Helmut Schmoeckel and his U-boat. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to purchase a little known part of German U-boat history. The condition of the dagger is astounding and the rest of the materials that go with it make for a great investment quality artifact. This grouping comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by myself guaranteeing the items have come from the Schmoeckel estate.
Near Mint. $13,995.00
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 #33431 Diplomatic Dagger by Alcoso with Portepee and Hangers
This Diplomatic Dagger with all accouterments is easily the best conditioned example I have had to offer over the years. The silvered parts throughout the hilt and scabbard are crisp and have a outstanding dark patination. This dagger does not appear to have been cleaned in many years. The pommel area is new-like throughout with extremely fine detail to the cantilevered section of the reverse head, the brow, the eye, and the shapes to the beak. The feathering which goes downward on both sides of the head is also crisp. The accent line that has been hand cut into the boundary of the upper head edges is outstanding. The side plate is apparently brass as it is non-magnetic, and this too features beautiful silver plating. The cross guard is exceptional with its high pointed wing ends. These quillions are always a crowd pleaser the way the jet upward. The eagle on the cross guard points opposite of the pommel. This eagle has full detail to his eye, beak, wings, breast, accent lines, leg and talons. The wreath is beautifully done with well executed oak leaves, and there is a ribbon in each quadrant. The raised out swastika is in the center. The ferrule above is the style with the hand-cut twin lines which run around its circumference. The silvering throughout this hilt is absolutely stone mint. Looking at the spanner at the top – it is exactly flush with the rest of the head and does not appear to have been turned in modern times. The grip plates have a most pleasing swirl in their surfaces and both are in perfect condition reflecting beautiful handwork to the fitting into the hilt mounts.Attached to the hilt is the original small sized government official portepee. This aluminum bullion portepee is looped around the upper area once and twice looped around the lower area with an interesting knot tied to secure the position of the knot around the lower ferrule. There is absolutely no fraying on this knot anywhere. The slide and stem have the “V” aluminum bullion weave and the small lower ball is made up of yarn-like bullion thread. The insert is a bullion material having lined textured surfaces. A magnificent hilt here! The scabbard is of equal caliber. It is a typical Alcoso example having the eyelets which are flared on the edges of both sides to minimalize wear from the rings. This straight scabbard has crisp peppered panels on both sides. The bands are the over-lapping oak leaf type with acorn mix. These bands flow upward toward the eyelets. The scabbard throat is retained by two flatter styled head screws which are completely unturned. This scabbard also has 100% silvering and is in full mint condition.
The blade of this example is the best that you will see. It is completely factory fresh with needle-like tip and full 100% cross graining. This blade easily grades in stone mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the early trademark consisting of the scales with the firm's initials “ACS” interspersed. Above the scales logo, the firm's name is arched-shaped in dark letters “Alcoso”. Below the scales, the firm's location of “Solingen” is in capital letters running in a horizontal fashion. The dagger's original blue felt buffer is in place and is in totally perfect condition. This complete dagger looks like it just came out of the box. Accompanying the dagger are what I feel are the original hangers. This impressive set of hangers is the style with the early blue felt backs. There is no wear or fraying anywhere on this felt. The brocade fronts are also completely mint having textured surfaces with the herringboned design typical of these daggers. The hardware is the bright aluminum type. The top snap clip is unmarked and in choice condition. The rectangular buckles and slides have the oak leaf decoration throughout. The lower snaps are type that have rounded tops. The snaps are the push in variety and have totally crisp beveling throughout. This is a great set of hangers! If you are looking for a complete diplomatic assemble and you are looking for the best of the best, then this dagger should fulfill your requirements. This dagger and accouterments are easily one of the best preserved in existence.
Mint, Mint, Mint! $19,995
SPO #33436K Army Officer Dagger with Damascus Blade - Tiger, by Paul Dinger
This Army Officer Dagger is equipped with standard "A" style generic mounts and scabbard. The mounts and scabbard are all in excellent condition, reflecting only normal age, but no lifting of the plating and little wear throughout. The grip is a fine yellow celluloid type, having hand-cut, precise inner shaping exactly fitting the tang of this blade. This fit was done by the Damascus smith, Paul Dinger, not the factory. Dinger would have purchased these mounts and supplied the completed piece to Tiger, who in turn sold it to their customer.Having dispensed with this basic information, now we can get to the heart of this piece - a most magnificent, hand-forged, Damascus blade. This blade is in choice condition throughout. It has a very prominent pattern weld which is the first example of this design I have seen produced by this master. The basic pattern is a "Maiden Hair" style design, but it further features a subtle "Large Roses" design over the "Maiden Hair". The Roses gracefully flow down the blade length. There are nine of these individual Roses. This is a most impressive blade and something I would never get tired of looking at, and I am sure that the next owner will not either. The ricasso features a raised, and gilded, highly detailed Tiger, making his way down to the blade tip. Behind the striped cat is the firm's name positioned over the location city, "Tiger Solingen". There are a couple of extremely minor signs of age in this blade, but nothing that really takes away from its mint rating.The original large-sized leather blade washer is in position.Looking at the blade tang, it is stamped, "P+D" on one side and the numeral "1" on the other. The "plus" marking in the stamping is really in an Iron Cross form. The stamping was hit slightly off-center, but one of the legs in the cross shows the E.K. shape. I spoke with my colleague, Jason Burmeister about this outstanding blade and he surprised me by telling me that he has a Dinger-produced Tiger piece with this same Damascus pattern. Well, now we know there are at least two! His is also stamped on the tang in the same manner and number.
This is a very rare dagger and a grand opportunity to purchase something to add to your collector legacy. Hand-forged Damascus blades are extremely rare and incredibly desirable when found on Third Reich era weapons - especially in this condition. A very sound investment here, coupled with something you can hold in hand and really enjoy for many years to come.
Mint Minus. $19,995
SPO #33216C Army Officer Dagger with Double Etched Blade and Ivory Grip – Emil Voos
This Emil Voos made dagger is identical in every way to the example I show in my Army book on page 132 and 133. The dagger features early silvered mounts being the generic “A” variety. The mounts have a nice even patination throughout. The pommel has a good smooth rim with no hits and the upper surface is also free of flaws. The twelve standing oak leaves that run about the outer circumference are crisp throughout and are separated by small acorns. The original factory darkening in the background is all there. The ferrule is the same as is shown on page 132. The crossguard features the generic “A” style bird. The silvering throughout this mount is in fine condition. The bird faces to the viewer’s left and has outstanding detail to his eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and crisp raised swastika in the center. The grip is the textbook Voos type having an oval shape when seen from the side. This beautiful ivory grip has a crack which runs down the entire left edge coming slightly into the obverse area. The right edge has a small set of cracks which run down two or three sections. This extremely striking grip has a beautiful gold tone varying in shades throughout both surfaces. The ribs are perfectly executed and there is also lots of grain running throughout. A most beautiful grip here! The daggers portepee – which appears original to this piece – is the thicker style aluminum bullion type. It is in pretty good condition having a little minor fray on the one cord which rubs against the dagger’s left quillon arm. Otherwise the knot is in perfect condition with good slide, stem and lower cap and ball. The matching generic scabbard is also identical to page 132. This scabbard has 100% full silvering with a nice patination developing. The pebbled panels are crisp on both sides and are flawless. The bands are the readily identifiable generic type having oak leaves running around the center with two acorns separating each leaf. The thinner style throat is retained by a headless flush mount screw which is positioned on the reverse center. The double etched blade is as nice as they come. This blade has the three dots with an arrow at the bottom of the etch. It is the same as I show on pages 134 and 135. The blade is completely bright throughout with an outstanding nickel-plated finish. The etch panels on both sides still retain 100% of their frosted finish. The etch design is a floral pattern which is identical on both sides. The obverse etching however leaves room in the center with a panel featuring an art deco style open-winged eagle with smooth features throughout including a smooth wreath with mobile swastika within. Beneath each of the bird’s wings is an oak leaf sprig with acorns. This blade shows only the most nominal of usage but still remains in mint condition with good needlelike tip. The reverse ricasso is etched with the familiar logo of this company. It features a single oval circle with the firm’s name in capital letters around the inner circumference, “Emil Voos Solingen”. In the center area is a well defined stump which has a snake wrapped around it complete with flickering tongue. The original brown leather blade washer is in place. If you have been looking for an investment quality Emil Voos example this one should fill the bill. It is a very beautiful dagger and there is certain reason to believe that an example of this caliber will continue to rise upwards in price. A dagger like this is a great investment in my opinion and it is certainly as good as buying gold and there is virtually no potential for a decline while enjoying many years of beauty gracing your collecting wall. A highly recommended purchase here if you have some idle money that you would like to put work other than getting a quarter of one percent in a savings account.Near Mint. $8,995.00
SPO #33213 Uncleaned, Untouched Government Official Dagger – Carl Eickhorn
This Government Official Dagger comes from a family, recently purchased by myself. The dagger has a deep dark silvered patination which appears as though it has never been cleaned. Examining the spanner on the top of the ferrule, it does appear that the nut was maybe out once but certainly not in modern times. The reverse pommel still has an extremely crisp edge to the eagle’s head. The left side which features the eagle’s beak shows a little bit of usage but not much. The brow above the bird’s eye on both sides is crisp as are the feathered sections that run down the bird’s obverse and reverse neck. The edges throughout the upper pommel area have the hand done engraved lines and they are nicely executed. The ferrule below is the style with twin accent lines running around the circumference. The Eickhorn firm cast these ferrules so the lines are deeper than the Alcoso counterpart. The crossguard features the wing ends with the upward rise. This rise is more dramatic than the Alcoso type and always gives the Eickhorn dagger a better look because of it. The bird is also highly detailed facing to the viewer’s left. The bird’s eye, beak, breast feather accents, wing feathering, legs, talons and wreath are nicely done throughout. In the center of the wreath is a raised out swastika with all of the blackening in the backgrounds. The wreath also has three ribbons, one on each quadrant. The upper ribbon would not show as the eagle’s talons cover it. The grip plates are real beauties on this dagger. They have toned to a very fine golden hue and feature lots of swirls and twirls in the surfaces simulating mother of pearl. The edges on both grip plates have been nicely rounded and perfectly fit the entry portions of the hilt. The front cover plate is a brass base type having full matching patinated silver finish. A very beautiful hilt here! The scabbard is also a pristine example. These scabbards are the same as an Eickhorn army officer type except for the fact that they have overlapping oak leaf and acorn imagery which rise upward toward the eyelet on the obverse. The details to the oak leaf veins is excellent showing little to no wear. The eyelets are the typical Eickhorn type having triple serrated edges. The lower eyelet shows just a tad of wear no doubt caused by the handhold of the original owner. This scabbard has totally perfect silvering throughout with no lifting or age anywhere. The thick style throat has the earlier type of retainage having a headless flush mount side screw in each edge. The later examples will have a single screw in the reverse. This scabbard is easily in mint condition. The blade is also a beauty. It is completely bright having all of the crossgraining in the surfaces as well as a needlelike tip. This blade shows a little in and out wear but that is about it. It remains in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is dark etched with the 1935-41 squirrel logo. This squirrel is positioned to the viewer’s left holding a downward pointing sword. Above the animal is the word, “original” and below is the firm’s name and location, “Eickhorn Solingen”. The original new-like small leather washer is in place. This is a very choice investment quality government official dagger. As we know now Eickhorn did not make a so called “diplomatic” version and used the same crossguard for both types. Because of this there is no way to know whether Eickhorn daggers were worn by diplomats or government officials. It is fun however to speculate! A very beautiful diplomatic / government official’s dagger here.Uncleaned Near Mint. $8,500.00
SPO #33239C SG42 "Tool" Bayonet - Carl Eickhorn
This example of the Seitengewehr 42 bayonet is an extremely rare sight and to add to the fun, this example is in a full mint state. These bayonets were developed in 1942 and were made exclusive by Carl Eickhorn but did not see much service. As a result, we see them very rarely. Because of their rarity and their unique design, the S-42 bayonet normally will sit at the top of any bayonet collector’s assemblage. If you are not familiar with these bayonets, you can see an example pictured in Johnson’s Volume I on page 188 or if you have the bayonet book written by George Wheeler, on pages 25 and 26 he shows this elusive weapon and gives a good accounting of its usages. The bayonet has all blued steel hilt parts. These hilt parts consist of the pommel area, the rifle slot and the release lever. There is a set of tools which are fitted into the opening at the left side of the grip plate. These are also in blued steel. The grip plates and hand guard are fashioned of a brown Bakelite material. The Bakelite has a finger hold on the edges of both of the grip sides. These grip plates are retained by two flush mount rivets. The grip plates on this example are a rich brown color and are in perfect condition throughout. The bayonet release switch works perfectly. The tool assemblage comes out after pushing a button located at the lower portion of the outside covering. This covering is actually a folding handle which contains the enclosed set of tools consisting of a screwdriver, corkscrew, can and bottle opener. The tools are stamped “Itk”. The Wheeler bayonet book states that this marking was a code for the Robert Klass firm, who apparently made these inserted tool kits for Eickhorn. The set of tools is in sparkling, newlike condition throughout. The scabbard appears to be a Bakelite material or some type of a celluloid fiber. It is black in color and appears to be produced in two halves which are held together at the top by a steel ring. Connected to this steel ring is a metal belt loop assembly. The blue finish to this assembly is also in 100% condition. The blade of this bayonet is a single edged 7” long example with false edge running back about one-half of the spine distance. There is also a short ricasso. The blade is a very deadly example with needlelike point and factory sharpened edge. The ricasso area has a blued surface and the rest of the blade is a bright polished steel having 100% of the original cross graining. Other than runner marks, this blade is in full mint condition. The blade is marked on the reverse ricasso with the code for the Carl Eickhorn company “cof”. On the right side, next to the code letters, is a waffenamt stamping “WaA 519”. The original leather pebble blade washer is black in color and in place. This bayonet is in remarkable condition and is an absolute original wartime item. If you are a serious bayonet collector and are looking for the ultimate, this example will make for a great future investment.Mint. $5,995.00
SPO #33136C 2nd Model Luftwaffe With Ivory Grip and Double Etched Blade - Emil Voos
This Voos marked 2nd Model Luftwaffe Dagger has a very fine outside. The matching toned pommel and cross guard have exceptional detail. The pommel has fine oak leaves that surround the front and back swastikas. These oak leaves have much hand-enhancing, particularly in the area where they meet the center ridge. Voos would have purchased their mounts separately from several companies, so it is rather difficult to say exactly which company made the fittings, but this pommel does appear to be either a Paul Weyersberg type or possibly an SMF. Either way, it is original to the dagger and is very striking. The cross guard is a WKC style, having an excellent bird flying to the viewer’s left. This bird shows little to no wear. The bird has outstanding detail to his eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, legs and talons. The bird clutches a mobile swastika in his claws. The reverse panel has excellent pebbling throughout, still being crisp. The upper surfaces of the quillon arms have the cast-in style oak leaves identical to the WKC variety. Setting this hilt off is a magnificent conditioned solid ivory grip. This ivory still has its original white tones and for once there are no cracks, chips or any problems throughout the grip. Studying the surfaces however, there is a grain which can be seen on both sides. The grip is tightly wrapped with aluminum springy wire. There is a fine 23cm portepee tied in the Luftwaffe manor showing only age but no fray at all. The scabbard is the style we associate with Eickhorn. It has a fine airplane gray finish with good pebbled panels. The bands are the converse style used by Eickhorn having fine detail to all of the oak leaves. The throat is the thicker style and is retained by two flush mount headless side screws. This scabbard is in mint condition. The blade is a textbook double-etched Emil Voos type. The blade pattern is identical to the example I show in my Luftwaffe book on page 233, left. The blade has fine frosted backgrounds on both sides which really aid in accenting the raised work. The obverse features etches of floral design with a center panel featuring a Luftwaffe eagle flying to the right and clutching a mobile open swastika in his talons. Under each wing is a sprig of laurel leaves. The end of the panel has the three dots with etched point within the floral design. The reverse panel is basically the same, except the floral designs continue throughout. There is the slightest bit of smudge that is visible on the end portion of the tip below the etch. The etch itself is not affected and still remains in mint condition. This blade retains its needlelike tip and is in near mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the single oval logo of this firm. Inside, around the perimeter of the oval is the firm’s name and location “Emil Voos Solingen” and in the center is the traditional well-known snake-around-stump logo. The original brown leather washer is in place. An extremely nice double-etched Emil Voos Luftwaffe dagger here priced reasonably.Excellent Plus. $7,995.00
SPO #33218C 2nd Model Luftwaffe With Artificially Etched Damascus Blade - Peter Dan Krebs
This is a fine Krebs Luftwaffe Dagger produced with a “small roses” artificial Damascus blade. The mounts are a fine matching tone aluminum. The pommel is an outstanding example, having excellent oak leaves and some added pebbling around the areas where the leaves touch the center ridge. The matching cross guard portrays a Luftwaffe eagle flying to the viewer’s left clutching a swastika. The bird has good detail to his eye, beak, breast feathering, legs, talons and wing feathering. Nice mounts here! The grip is an off-white example which is a higher quality type having celluloid over a wood center. The grip is in perfect condition, with the exception of just the slightest of a hairliner on the reverse upper rib. Otherwise, the grip has a nice ivory look to it and it is tightly wrapped with twisted silvered wire. The scabbard is a nickel plated extra cost example which appears to have been produced by the Eickhorn factory. This scabbard is in a near mint state, being nice and crisp throughout. It has fine pebbled panels and excellent oak leaf decorated bands. The thicker throat is retained by two headless, flush mount side screws. The blade of this example is most beautiful. It is identical to the example I show in my Luftwaffe book on page 307. It is etched with the small roses pattern. It is in perfect condition throughout. Comparing the length of this blade with standard Luftwaffe examples, I noticed that the blade is about 3/8 inches shorter than a normal blade. I have had other Peter Dan Krebs artificially etched blades in the past and have also found them to be shorter. Since there is no evidence of re-pointing or any problems, apparently Krebs made these blades in this fashion. The ricasso is etched with the shield design having a lobster in the center. Around the shield’s perimeter is the firm’s name and location “Pet. Dan Krebs Solingen”. The original leather washer is in place. These artificial Damascus examples were apparently ordered by Luftwaffe officers who were maybe looking for a true Damascus blade but were unable to afford it. We see them occasionally on the collector market and they are very desirable, as originals like this piece are considered to be extremely rare. This example comes in a case which may or may not be period. I do not think it is a period case and there is no extra charge for this box. The box has black leatherette covering with two push-up style hinges. In the center, there has been a plaque installed which is definitely an original plaque, but whether it is original to this box, I do not know. The plaque is engraved “Zum Andenken/an die/Uffz-Kameradschaft/der 2 Batterie”. This plaque basically translates to “In Rememberance of your NCO Comrades from the 2nd Batterie”. If the case for this dagger is totally original, this is a great bargain, as there is no extra charge for the case. The dagger itself, however, is also a good value as the Peter Dan Krebs trademark is an acknowledged manufacturer for these beautiful etched Damascus pieces.Excellent Plus, Plus. $7,995.00
SPO #33170 Early Army Officer Dagger With Aristocratic Family Crest to General – Carl Eickhorn, Early Double Oval Logo
I recently purchased this Army Dagger from the son of the veteran that brought it home. The dagger is in an uncleaned state and is a desirable initial production Eickhorn example. The dagger comes with the original portepee and hangers that were with this piece. When I first purchased the dagger, I thought that the pommel had some silvering missing from the top and didn’t give it much thought until I really examined the piece at a later time. As it turns out, there is a most beautiful family crest engraved into the pommel top which we will get to later on in the description. The pommel is the early brass Eickhorn type having silver plated surfaces. All of the mounts on this dagger have their original patination as it appears this piece has not been cleaned since the war. This pommel is the style with 14 standing oak leaves. The oak leaves look to be nice and crisp but it is hard to tell, as they are covered by the original portepee which is double knotted at the upper area of the grip. These fittings are the same as I show in my army book on page 27, right. The ferrule is the early style, being the same as is shown on page 24. The cross guard is the early style eagle identical to page 24. This eagle still has full detail with little wear to the intricate parts of the bird. The features of the eye, beak, breast feathering, talons, wreath, swastika and wing feathering are all clear and crisp. The reverse of the pommel has fine patination only. All of the silvering is intact throughout these hilt parts. The grip is a real killer, being an extremely dark orange color. In fact, the obverse is of a slightly lighter tone than the reverse. The reverse is so dark it almost looks red. I love grips of this color and I am sure many of you collectors do also. Nature has done us a good turn with this volatile celluloid material. Apparently, exposure to light is the catalyst that causes this age darkening. The grip is in totally perfect condition. As mentioned above, the original portepee is double-knotted around the top of the grip area and apparently was left to dangle in this manner, as the wearer must have liked it this way and he was certainly of a high enough rank where he could pretty much do as he pleased. The scabbard is the first style, nicely matching the hilt fittings. This scabbard has 100% silvering, showing only modest carrying wear but no dents or dings. It has the convex style bands as is shown on page 24. These bands display overlapping oak leaves and there is hand-accenting to the veins. The throat is a thicker style, but not has thick as the later types. It is retained by two flathead side screws. The pebble pattern to these 1st style scabbards is also much finer than we see on the 2nd style types. The blade of this example is still nice and bright throughout. It shows a couple of extremely minor age spots along the upper left edge and the reverse lower edge. It is nothing, however, as all of the graining is still there and the tip is absolutely needlelike. This blade easily grades in a near mint state. It is etched on the reverse with the seldom seen double oval trademark. This small trademark was only used from 1933-1935. It depicts the firm’s name and location between the ovals “Carl Eickhorn Solingen”. Inside is a well-defined seated squirrel having a serrated tail. The original leather buffer is in place. The set of hangers that were with the dagger still have good brocade showing some usage but also still being a little bit stiff. The brocade is nice and clean to its textures. The upper closed box clip is plain type. The buckles and slides have the raised out oak leaf designs and the lower snaps are the style that “push-in” and have a pebbled pattern. The reverse of these straps has good velvet pile showing only slight wear to the areas at the top. Now to the upper pommel. From a distance of about a foot, there is a lot of lighter places on the patinated pommel top which, at first, leads the onlooker to think that the silver has lifted. This is not the case if one looks closer and gets out a loop. Beautifully and professionally engraved is a magnificent family crest, being one of the best ones I have seen to date. It features an armless figure which appears to be wearing some type of armor or chain mail. Beneath the figure is a crown which appears to be of four prongs. Beneath the crown, there are intricate floral designs which surround a shield in the center. The shield depicts a checkered sequence which has little dots within the checkering, some having more than others, which makes them distinctive from each other. A very beautiful crest here! We were looking on the computer trying to find a crest that would be similar and lo and behold, we came across the exact family crest. It belongs to the family of “von Prittwitz und Graffron”. After discovering this, I took a look into my army rank list and sure enough, there were two high-ranking army officers, both of whom achieved rank of General and assumedly they were brothers or cousins. The first possible owner was a Panzer brigade leader named “General Lt. Heinrich von Prittwitz und Graffron”. This General was killed at Tobruck on April 10, 1941, where he is listed as a Panzer General. He was awarded the knight’s cross. The second General was named “Gen. Major Max von Prittwitz und Graffron”. This General was not awarded the knight’s cross but was a commander in the infantry. The job of the next owner of this dagger would be to narrow down through research which of these men carried this dagger. Both men were career personnel, Heinrich being born in 1889 and Max being born in 1876. Both Generals were also active during the years from 1933-1935, so either one of them could have owned this dagger. I think this is a great opportunity for someone with the necessary skills to enjoy researching the careers of these two men and hopefully narrowing down which one owned the dagger. If this is not possible, then at least you will still have a dagger that you know was owned by a General. A really great piece here!Excellent Plus Plus. $2,495.00
SPO #32915C Panther Head Army Sword belonging to German General Erwin Rauch – Emil Voos
This Emil Voos Art Deco pattern Panther Head Sword was originally the personal property of German General Erwin Rauch. We will get to the importance of this further down in the description. This sword is an aluminum base type, being the same as is shown on page 127, lower, of the Angolia book. The sword has about 98% of the original gilt still on its aluminum surfaces. The pommel is in the shape of a snarling panther cat. This ferocious cat is hand enhanced with a nice “dot” pattern to his whiskers, and further enhancing to the brow area, the lower jaw, and also to the cat’s mane. The cat is fitted with Blood-red faceted eyes. The cat’s fangs and teeth are prominently displayed from both sides of the pommel. A great looking cat here! The backstrap is decorated with overlapping oak leaves and acorns which stretch out into the two grip tabs. These oak leaves have highly hand enhanced veins, and the acorn caps are deeply checkered. The blank areas have a pebbled finish. The “P” guard also has really fine raised-out oak leaves and acorns, having the same treatment. The ferrule is interesting in that it presents oak leaves on 45 degrees with alternating acorns. There is also lots of pebbling on the plain areas. The crossguard of this sword is great looking, having floral designs which flank the center languet, with a quillon ending in a swirl. The languet, though, is a unique shape being similar to a shield device, only the top area has flared ends on both sides. In the center of this shield is a raised-out Art-deco style eagle. This eagle is most interesting, having lots of hand work to its half-open wings, breast feathering, talons, and head. The eagle is a complete unique shape clutching a mobile swastika, which is left plain. The outer areas of the shield device are also plain and provides great contrast to the fine handwork. The reverse languet has a shield in the center area, which is also raised-out and left blank for possible monogram usage. The grip is a black celluloid over carved wood. The celluloid remains in perfect condition and it is wrapped with a single twisted brass wire. The original-to-the-piece has its portepee still wrapped about the hilt. The portepee was broken, so we did repair it in one place and, hopefully, it will stay in one piece. It is the traditional green leather type, having dual rows of bullion stitching. The portepee is not in great shape, but seeing as it is original to the piece, it should definitely be kept with it. The blade is a 31inch long beauty that has mirror mint quality nickel plating. This blade still remains in mint condition. It is unmarked, but definitely the product of Emil Voos. The original leather blade washer is still new-like and in position. The scabbard is straight throughout. It appears to have most of its original paint, which has gone to a matte finish over the years. Perhaps this could be brought up with some wax, or it can be left alone as it still looks pretty good and is still 100% throughout this dent free scabbard. A nice sword on its own here. However, this sword was captured by later-to-be General Morton McD. Jones, Jr. On 18 September, 1944, Morton McDonald Jones Jr. was with the 15th Cavalry Group, and at this time they were involved with mopping up operations on the French-Brittany Peninsula. While capturing the town of Cap de la Chevre the squadron captured 500 prisoners, among whom was the commander of the German 343rd Infantry Division, Lt. General Von Rauch. At first the Germans refused to surrender, but after lining up a tank destroyer with 90 MM gun, the Germans apparently came pouring out of a pillbox. The commander turned out to be General Von Rauch, who insisted on surrendering to an American general. Brigadere General Ernest, Commander of Task Force A was notified and formally accepted the surrender. General Rauch’s pistol and saber were presented by Troop A to Jones. The pistol remains with the family and the sword was later given to Jones’ son, Major William M. Jones, USMC (Ret). There is a good size dossier that comes with this sword, as well as signed sworn statements as to its authenticity and its capture. There is also a book entitled “1944 Americans in Brittany, the Battle for Brest”, which details the mop up operations and the capture of Rauch. Incidentally, Rauch was a holder of the German Cross & Gold as well as the Knights Cross. This sword and its accompanying documentation make for an excellent beginning of a great research project. The sword is still in nice condition and there would be much to be learned about this operation during World War II. A very exciting sword here, for the right person.Excellent Plus, Plus. $2,495.00(#010212)
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 #33004C Unissued Hitler Youth Knife RZM M7/13 - Schüttlehöfer
This Hitler Youth Knife is in choice unissued condition. The original issue tag is gone from the piece, but there are still remnants on it on the back of the leather belt loop. I have had tagged unissued Schüttlehöfer Hitler Youth knifes in the past and I know that this was the place where they put their RZM tag, so these remnants are proper. The knife itself is in spectacular condition throughout. The hilt plating is mirror bright and factory new. The base metal of the hilt is pot metal but, fortunately, time has not affected the beauty of this plating. All edges are completely crisp and sharp. There is one tiny flaw on the pommel obverse center edge where the piece may have been dropped or something was dropped on it, but it is very minor. The grip plates are the checkered celluloid and they are in complete perfect condition. The Hitler Youth insignia still has a frosted silver plating to the borderline and the center area surrounding the black mobile swastika. The colors of red and white are nice and bright in the diamond. These grip plates are retained by nickel plated steel rivets, having dressed heads on the obverse. The plating is still 100% across the rivet heads. The scabbard of this example is the typical tube steel variety. Its original black paint is a dull style finish, and it still rates at 100%. The scabbard is equipped with a synthetic style leather belt loop with small loop to retain the knife. The leather shows normal signs of handling along the edges, but it is still in excellent condition throughout with a fine working snap. As mentioned above, the residue from the original paper tag is still clinging to the upper reverse of this synthetic leather. The blade is in a remarkable state, being totally mint and having 100% of the original graining. This late style blade is complete with a crisp ricasso area. On the reverse above the ricasso is a double etched open RZM circle that is positioned over the code “M 7/13”. This code was assigned to the Arthur Schüttlehöfer firm of Solingen. The original new-like brown leather washer is in place. A great opportunity here to acquire a mint conditioned unissued Hitler Youth knife.Unissued Mint. $1,995.00
SPO #32877C Huge Führer Standarte
This Führer Standarte is of immense proportion, measuring 17 feet in width by 16 feet in length. It was meant to be displayed from the side of a building. This Standarte is made from four separate sections of cloth sewn together. It is a printed type and is, of course, double sided. The colors in the Standarte are just a bright and beautiful as the day they were new. The cotton has a few very tiny holes in it here and there, but they are more from age than any thing else and are not visible unless you hold the Standarte up with the light behind it. The Standarte displays the stripes of black, white and black around the outsides, then the colors become purple and there is a gold wreath in the center. The black and white swastika is similar to the style we see on the Krieg’s flags, as its borders are lined. The gold color wreath which circumvents the swastika is beautifully detailed with overlapping oak leaves. Each corner has an eagle in it. The eagles on opposite sides are the army type with open wings and the bird grasping a wreath swastika. The birds on the opposite corners are the Wehrmacht type. The bird has half-closed wings and clutches a mobile swastika. The only book that I could find a Standarte this huge was the outstanding reference by Ulric of England entitled “Deutscheland Erwache”. On Page 162 Ulric illustrates one of these gigantic Führer Standartes attached to the side of the Congress Hall building at the 1936 Party Day rallies in Nuremberg. I don’s know where this Standarte could be displayed in the ordinary home, but if there is someone out there that has a castle or would just like to own what has to be the largest existing Führer Standarte in the world, this is your opportunity. The hoist side of the Standarte is made with the standard canvas and the original rope and two loops are still contained within. There is also what appears to be a maker tag on the hoist end. It is a white tag with the letters “FIB” “POLA”. On the opposite side, there is a writing in ink “Standarte”. It appears to me that this writing was done during the period that the keepers of such things would know the Führer’s standarte from those of other flags probably stored in the same area. A tremendous original artifact here. If you are a flag collector, this example has to be the zenith of all flags.
Near Mint. $14,995.00
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 #32530C Gold Eastern Peoples Official's Dagger - Carl Eickhorn
It has been several years since I have been able to offer a Gold Government Official’s dagger, also known as the Eastern Peoples Official. These daggers are basically the same as the standard Eickhorn Government Official, with the exception that the mounts and scabbard all have a gold wash finish. The gold throughout this piece is easily recognizable, and with the exception of the high sharp areas, it seems to be mostly all there. I would certainly say that the gilding throughout is at least 85%. Looking at the spanner at the top pommel of the dagger, it does not appear that this piece has ever been apart. I will respect that status and it is quite obvious that this is an original dagger, and there certainly is no reason to take it apart. The pommel features the fine noble eagle’s head looking to the viewer’s left. The bird has the squared-off beak that still has nice sharp corners throughout. The brow nicely cantilevers over the eye, as does the back of the head over the backstrap. There are no hits to these fine sharp edges that make up the upper pommel area. The feathering to the bird’s head is nicely done, and there is the usual hand-cut borderline which runs around the edges of the backstrap to about the half-way point. The front cover plate still has all of the gilt on it, and is in choice condition. The backstrap has most of the gilt. The ferrule is the typical Eickhorn type, having twin decorative lines that are part of the cast. The crossguard has the elaborate eagle with high lift end tips. This bird is extremely well done, having full detail available to the eyes, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath, and mobile swastika within. These Eickhorn crossguards are always crowd pleasers. A beautiful look here that gives the Government Official design by Eickhorn my vote as the most handsome dagger produced by the Nazis. The grip plates on this example show lots of hand shaping around the edges. They have a beautiful swirl to their artificial mother-of-pearl surfaces and they absolutely fit perfectly. Beautiful celluloid here, that really imitates the mother-of-pearl look. A beautiful hilt here, showing no carrying hits or any abuse whatsoever. All features are still sharp throughout. The steel scabbard also is a choice item. It has the typical crisp Eickhorn pebbled panels and features the overlapping oak leaf and acorn designed bands, which rise upward toward the triple serrated eyelets. This scabbard is completely straight and features a thick throat retained by a center placed flatter style screw in the reverse. The gilt to this scabbard appears to be more than the hilt, probably at about 95%. The blade is also a great example. It retains its needle-like tip and has outstanding mirror finish. All of the crossgraining is present in the surfaces. This blade easily grades in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is darkly etched with the 1935 through 1941squirrel logo. This squirrel holds a downward pointing sword, and above the animal is the word “original”. Below, is the firm’s name and location, “Eickhorn, Solingen”. The original fine conditioned brown leather washer is in place. If you have been looking for a Gold Government Official, now is your chance. This is a very nice dagger here, which is not in full mint condition, but it certainly should satisfy most collectors. Extremely difficult to find in today’s market.Near Mint. $17,995.00
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 #32529C 2nd Model Naval with Ivory Grip and Hammered Scabbard - Carl Eickhorn
This 2nd Model Naval Dagger is the one that you will look for most of your life and maybe never find. It is equipped with the extra cost items, such as the hammered scabbard and ivory grip. Since most 3rd Reich naval officers came from ordinary city or farm backgrounds, few could imagine being able to afford these deluxe features. This is why we very rarely see daggers equipped with deluxe features. This is also why they should be considered special. This Eickhorn dagger shows some overall usage, having some of the gilding still clinging throughout the recesses of the fittings and the scabbard. The gilt is probably about 50% or 60%, but that is not the main feature of this dagger. The pommel and crossguard are excellent examples and they are identical to the format I show in my Navy book on pages 263 and 266. The pommel, somehow, seems to be of higher quality engraving than the norm, but then again, it does look like the Eickhorn illustrated in the book. The wreath is nicely vaulted with an excellent mobile swastika inside. The matching crossguard is also a fine example. This crossguard appears to have a little more gild than the rest of the piece, as much of it has been protected by the in-place portepee. This crossguard has fine detail to the center block anchors. It also nicely depicts the acanthus leaves on both sides of the crossguard arms. The quillon ends are nicely fluted with good buttons at the tips. The blade release button is the standard “notched” type. The grip, though, is where the fun is on this dagger. This grip is a beautiful genuine ivory. It has been perfectly cut, featuring deep rib recesses and beautiful curvature downward from right-to-left in its structure. The ivory is golden color on the back and also has lots of graining. The obverse has just a touch of the golden color in the surfaces. These ivory grips, of course, were once part of an animal so ordinarily they do tend to dry out over the years and we will see cracks in their surfaces. This grip has a crack that runs the length on the right edge, and just up from the left edge it has an additional crack which appears to have gone through the solid core of the grip. There is no fear of the grip coming apart as it is tightly held together by tightly twisted brass wire. This crack gives the grip a most interesting look, and of course, it is always a way to identify this dagger as “yours” should you be so lucky as to acquire it. Cracks in ivory are generally an accepted attribute and are not considered a negative. It is possible that this grip could be pinch closed and glued, but I don’t think there is any reason to do it, as the wiring is definitely holding everything firm. The hilt is further set off with a fine original-to-the-piece aluminum portepee. This aluminum bullion portepee is set in the Naval reef knot and there is no fraying or problems anywhere with this portepee. The lower insert is the cat’s anus type we often see on naval designated knots. The scabbard is a fine hammered finish, exactly matching the tones and gilt remaining in the recesses. This scabbard shows a little bit of wear time, but there are no dents or dings. The end button at the bottom is also hammered. The scabbard bands are identical to the bands I show on age 267. These bands feature overlapping oak leaves and acorns with an eyelet having triple serrated surfaces. These eyelets also show wear, commensurate with the rest of the dagger. The throat is retained by two domehead brass screws. A very fine outside here. The blade of this example features quality nickel plated surfaces and retains its needle-like tip. It is mirror bright throughout, having all of the original background frosting. There is just the slightest bit of smudge around the end area, but this would probably come out if someone wanted to work with it. This blade still is in mint condition. The etch is nice and deep, and the raised portions are pleasing to the eye. They picture a raised fouled anchor in the center with a sea plant motif and trident at the end. At the beginning, there is an additional anchor that has
two serpents wrapped around its shaft. The reverse of this mint blade is stamped with the 1935 through 1941 Eickhorn logo. It consists of the seated squirrel holding a downward pointing sword. Above the animal is the word “original”, and below is the firm’s name and location, “Eickhorn, Solingen”. The original tan felt blade buffer is in place. A very fine example here, and a Naval dirk with extra cost options.Excellent Plus, Plus. $3,495.00
SPO #29926 2nd Model Luftwaffe with Hangers, Portepee and Woolen Storage Bag – SMF
This SMF 2nd Model Luftwaffe is one of the finest pieces I have handled. The SMF version was one of the initial types produced and their quality was outstanding throughout the period. The SMF models also were normally waffen amt which also gives them more interest to the collector. But the great part about this example is its overall condition and completeness. The dagger has classic SMF fittings throughout all of which conform to the details I have laid down in my Luftwaffe book. The pommel is a real grabber. This pommel still has all of its airplane gray finish but further it has all of the gilt to the mobile swastikas on both sides. It is rare to see a Luftwaffe dagger with this kind of gild remaining on the pommel. Additionally looking at the pommel oak leaves it is interesting to see how the engraver worked the oak leaf outside design where it meets the center ridge of the pommel. Lots of outstanding work here! The crossguard exactly matches the airplane gray of the pommel. This crossguard has nearly 100% of the original airplane gray pebbling in the back panel. The obverse of course depicts a fine Luftwaffe eagle flying to the left clutching a mobile swastika in its talons. The details to the engraved oak leaves and acorns on the upper quillon arms is fantastic. The grip of this example is also most attractive. It is a pleasing pumpkin orange on the obverse and as the dagger is turned over the color tones blend to a lighter almost yellow color. Additionally on the lower area covered by the portepee the yellow color is evident on both sides of the grip. This kind of thing goes a long way to show that perhaps orange grips never existed during the period but have turned this color over the years. There is no doubt that this grip at one time was yellow not orange. The original portepee is also still in place about the lower grip. This portepee shows only the most modest of age and just the slightest fray where it comes out of the knot. If anything though it adds much reality to this beautiful dagger. The portepee is interesting in that it is the style that has the stem and slide decorated with gold color “V” weave designs. An incredible hilt here! The scabbard is also a classic SMF type having fine airplane gray finish. The finish would be totally mint except for a little bit of staining that runs on the obverse just between the two hanging bands. Other than this though the scabbard is in choice mint condition. The pebbling is still nice and crisp and the oak leaf panel at the lower is in beautiful condition. Like we normally see with SMF pieces the bands are a contrasting aluminum color having fine detailed oak leaves running around the circumference. The throat of this example is left in a natural finish and it is retained by two headless side screws. Well, if the rest of the description did not get you I’m sure that the blade will. This outstanding blade is the nickel-plated type that we associate with this producer. It is in mirror bright condition showing only a little bit of runner in and out. It has the stick bird waffen amt on the back which features the numeral “5” in the eagle’s belly and below the stamping is the logo. This etched logo features the seated king holding an upward pointing sword with his posterior resting on the initials of the firm, “SMF”. Below in an arch shape is the location town, “Solingen”. The blue pebbled blade washer is in place and new-like. Accompanying this dagger is an outstanding set of hanging straps. These hanging straps have good purple / blue coloring to the brocade and the backs have fine high pile gray velvet. The hardware consists of a snap clip at the top which is plain having “DRGM” as part of the casting on the reverse. The buckles and slides are the usual type with oak leaf motif and the lower snaps are the style which “push in” and are pebbled. Attached to the hanging straps is the original brown leather belt loop with “D” ring. A nice set of straps here. And the final touch to this ensemble is an original gray Luftwaffe woolen storage bag. This bag is just about 19-inches overall in length and the opening at the top is about 6-inches. There is a zipper which opens and closes. The bottom of the bag has a fine leather reinforcer which is in good condition. The wall of the bag shows a few insect nips here and there but there are really no holes and lets face it after almost seventy years it would be difficult to maintain a bag like this in perfect condition. It really goes nice with this dagger and accoutrements. If you are looking for a 2nd model Luftwaffe that you can really be proud of and not have to upgrade this one should surely do the trick.Mint Minus. $2,195.00 (#041211)
- SPO#32302 Land Customs Official Dagger
This Land Customs Official Dagger is the style with all aluminum mounts. The fittings because of their aluminum structure show little age. They are a fine matte bright finish. The pommel is in choice condition showing no hits to the rim and a good smooth surface. The oak leaves which run around the pommel are extremely well done most of them being fully hand enhanced as to the veining. There has also been a good pebbled surface put between these oak leaves. The ferrule is a nice matching example also having hand enhancing to the leaves. The crossguard depicts an eagle with upturned wing tips as the customs type should be. This eagle is beautifully rendered having much hand enhancing evident throughout the bird’s beak, eye, wing feathering, breast feathering, talons and wreath. The mobile swastika is raised out in the center. The reverse of the crossguard is also in fine unscarred condition. Very nice hilt fittings here. The grip is a wood base having carved ribs which run from downward from left to right. The leather covering is a dark green color showing some wear to the surfaces and just a tiny bit of wear through at the reverse area around the center ribs. This could be covered nicely with a little Meltonian shoe cream. The grip is wrapped with twisted brass wire. Decorating the hilt is a fine original bullion 42 cm portepee. This portepee is in perfect condition throughout. The scabbard is composed of a steel shell base. It is covered with fine green leather matching the grip. This leather shows a little bit of wear to the bottom obverse but there are no cuts or problems and the rest of the leather is in choice condition still having all of its grain. The scabbard mounts are matching extruded aluminum. These aluminum mounts have the eyelets built into them as well as the flared throat. The obverse edges where the mounts meet the scabbard are all line engraved. The reverse of the mounts are not engraved as we normally see customs daggers. These mounts are retained by flush mount flathead screws. All screws are present and unbuggered. The dagger hanging rings are matching aluminum. The unmarked blade is a real beauty being in full mint condition and having 100% of the original grain with needlelike tip. A fine mint unmarked blade here. The blade is buffered by a black leather washer and there appears to also be a felt buffer in the background. This appears to be factory done. A very nice presentable land customs official here. These daggers are becoming very difficult to come by and prices are going upward.Excellent Plus, Plus. $2,995.00
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#31783C Shooting Chain and Medallion Attributed to Herman Göring
This Shooting Chain would have been the type of prize that would have been awarded to the shooting champion and he would be able to keep it as his own wearing it to other shooting events throughout the year. The chain is a fine silver link type with each link having small raised dots within a border around its circumference. Each link is an oval shape. The chain necklace is about 21-inches in length and does have an opening at one end. It is possible that this opening clip was replaced but I do not know for sure. The medallion is a beautiful art deco shaped cross. The cross has stylized legs which have segmented tops. The inner area of the cross legs are stippled and then there is a raised curled design on the surface of each leg. In the center there is a starburst like image with fluted borders. In the center of the cross is a diamond vaulted shape having a twisted silver border chain running around the surface of the diamond. In the center is a three line description, “SCHÜTZEN KÖNIG 1935”. This of course means Shooting King for 1935. At the upper portion of the cross there is a chain leader attached to the cross. The leader consists of a Prussian style helmet with an orb and cross on the top. Below the helmet is metal in the shape of a bow. Very nice work here! This medallion with the bow is about 4-inches in length and at its widest point it is about 3-inches. It is also quite heavy. Attached at the bottom of the cross is a smaller seal. This seal seems to have a center line which runs diagonal through it and assumedly this represents a crest or wappn perhaps of this shooting organization. On the reverse there is an additional diamond shape which is unadorned but similar to the obverse diamond. Here it is engraved, “PRÄSIDENT DES HERMAN W. GÖRING REICHSTAGS”. This would translate to President of Herman Göring Reichstag. I don’t know the specific meaning of all this. It is possible that the medallion was presented by the Reichstag with a shooting contest sponsored by the Reichstag’s president in 1935 who indeed was Herman Göring. On the other hand, it may mean that Herman Göring himself won the event for 1935. I don’t know but either way Herman Göring is certainly associated with this shooting prize. At the reverse bottom cross leg there is the stamping, “800” which indicates the silver content and then above this is the name of the jeweler who made this beautiful prize as well as his hometown, “BOLLIG DÜSSELDORF”. Bollig would have been the silver firm who made the medallion. In my contacts with a friend in Germany I have been told the Bollig family made shooting event medallions for many, many years and even today still makes these prizes. A very fine item here which would really look great with your hunting forestry shooting collection.Excellent Plus, Plus. $2,495.00 (#083011)
SPO #31578C Imperial Damascus Shooting Prize Presentation Hirschfanger
This Imperial Hirschfanger is the dream of any hunting, forestry, or shooting collector. It is a very large piece, measuring over 22 inches in length. It is fitted with all-brass mounts. The hilt features a fine brass pommel cap which has the umbrella styled upper surfaces, with a simulated acorn that also acts as a tang nut. The side edges of the pommel have dual lined decorative surfaces. The matching brass ferrule has similar dual lines to the surfaces. Below is the hunting deer hoof-style crossguard with the hoof going upward at the left side, and the right quillon hoof bends slightly downward. Below this is a traditional clamshell device. The brass for these hilt pieces has a fine century-old patination. The grip is a most beautiful highly grained example that curves to the left. The grains that are the highest have tan colors in their surfaces, and the lower extremes have very dark brown colors. The mixture of these beautiful grains and colors makes for a most pleasing handhold. The scabbard shell is a traditional black leather type that is sewn up the rear. It has the decorative lines which run the length of all four edges. The leather shows some age in the surfaces, but it is still extremely sound and a fine black color. Attached to the scabbard leather on the right edge are two matching brass mounts. The attachment is some sort of a rivet device. This is a quality method which was used instead of the typical staple placement. These mounts are relatively plain, having scalloped edges. The upper mount has a simulated acorn that acts as a lug, and the lower mount has dual decorative lines matching the hilt fittings, and the lines are only on the obverse. Rather than a standard button bottom, the chape of this lower fitting ends in a clamshell-like device that mimics that of the clamshell at the hilt. Very clever, indeed, and very easy on the eyes. The reverse of the upper scabbard fitting has some beautiful outstanding engravings which indicate that this piece was given as a prize. There are 7 lines of engraving, all with beautiful, jeweler-grade execution.
“Für hervorragende / Leistungen / beim / Königspreisschiessen / am 18. August 1901 / v.Rorries /Major u. Kommandeur”.
Below this dedication is a target with a set of crossed rifles and running completely around the dedication is lots of fine oak leaves and acorns perfectly carved into the brass surfaces. I will tell you what this all means once we get through with the blade. The blade is a magnificent large proportioned 15½ inch long hand forged Damascus example. It is a beautiful maidenhair design, having a very long ricasso with single edge and subtle false edge at the top. The Damascus shows only the slightest of age and this is mostly on the top of the spine, not on the blade surfaces themselves. The pattern design is still extremely prominent throughout. It is the kind of blade that will easily put a smile on your face and admire whoever owns such a thing. The reverse ricasso has a very large panel reserved for the owner in relief. The panel has a floral style design which runs around its perimeter, and in the center is the Gothic raised out winner, “F.Müller”. It is even interesting to see that the letters have small little lines in the centers of them to give them more depth. At any rate, what this means is that Herr F. Müller was the winner and “king” of the shooting contest held on 18. August, 1901. Von Rorries, who was the Major and Commander of the local shooting club, awarded this cutlass to Herr Müller “For Outstanding Performance”. Every year small towns and villages in Germany have shooting fests. The final winner, known as the “Shooting King”, normally gets to wear a shooting prize necklace for the year, until the necklace is transferred to the following year’s contest winner. In addition to the standard shooting prize chain, apparently Major Rorries chose to also award this beautiful prize Hirschfanger. I took a look at the tang of this fantastic blade, and sure enough there was no fooling around here when the order was given for this cutlass. The blade is stamped “M+D M+D”, which of course, are the marks of the very famous Imperial Master Smith Max Dinger. The cutlass itself is resting in a most beautiful post-war produced box, which as luck would have it, was made by my brother Ronnie back in the 1970’s when I first owned this cutlass. I sold the cutlass to Colonel Johnson in the early 1980’s, and I guess it has been owned by several lucky collectors since, as I now have the opportunity to once again have this beautiful piece grace my home. Ronnie made the box out of pine wood and stained it a fine mahogany. He filled in all the screw holes with plugs of wood, and the inside lid and bottom of the box are covered with a regal purple velvet. The lower box is scalloped out to accommodate the cutlass. There is also some appropriate brass hardware to keep the box closed, and to keep the corners from being “dinged”. A very fine storage case indeed that has weathered the last 40 years quite well! This particular hunting Hirschfanger has been featured in a couple of different reference books. It appears on page 275 in “Collecting the Edged Weapons of Imperial Germany”, by Johnson and Wittman, and also on page 185 of Volume 5, “Collecting the Edged Weapons of the Third Reich”, by Johnson. This is your opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind, top-of-the-line, piece. If you have ever yearned to have a historic hand forged Damascus bladed cutlass, this is an opportunity that you may not to want pass. The price of this piece is not cheap, but than again, there is real value here as you will enjoy this example for many many years to come, and when you are through with it, I’m sure you will sell it at a profit. Even your wife will like the looks of this one!
Excellent Plus, Plus. $8,495.00
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 #31244C Aluminum Luftwaffe Sword – SMF
This aluminum Luftwaffe sword has to be the best one condition-wise in existence. It is absolutely brand new in every way. I do not see even one minor flaw on this beautiful piece of history. All of the hilt mounts have the satin finish we associate with aluminum. They all look like they were cast yesterday and the sun wheel swastikas have the 100% gilded finish of a factory made piece. The rim of the pommel has crisp stampings of oak leaves and the veins have been hand-added as well as pebbled to give them relief. The cross guard arms have outstanding feathering also with hand-enhancing and these quillons flow downward giving the image of flight. The wood based grip has absolutely perfect Moroccan blue leather original covering. It is brand new in every way and is tightly wrapped with twin rows of springy aluminum wire. The scabbard shell is completely straight and has absolutely totally perfect Moroccan blue original covering. There is not even a bump in this leather. Just the best you will see. The scabbard mounts have the matching satin finish and they are retained by unturned flathead side screws. The crescent hanger exactly matches the grain and color of the scabbard leather. This crescent hanger is complete with a closed aluminum box clip. As we would expect, the 30” blade has beautiful high-quality nickel plated mint surface throughout. This blade also looks brand new, having a stick bird waffenamt in the center fuller and the etched logo of the seated king holding an upward pointed sword with the firm’s initials below its posterior “SMF” “Solingen”. This mint condition blade is protected by an in-place choice blue pebbled washer. If you are looking for the perfect Luftwaffe sword, this one will do it. If you happen to have an original SMF sword tag, there would be no second thoughts about applying it to this sword. I am sure that this one did have the tag on it and more than likely the liberating veteran took it off sometime during the process of getting it home. A wonderful example here that cannot be upgraded.Mint, Mint, Mint! $2,495.00
SPO #31131C 2nd Model Luftwaffe Officer with Double-etched Blade and Ivory Grip – Emil Voos
This Voos double-etched example is textbook and is exactly the same as the piece I show in my Luftwaffe Book on Page 240 and 241. The blade is identical to the series of Voos blades I show on Pages 232-237. The pommel and crossguard are the generic varieties. This pommel is the style that has pebbling in the backgrounds with oak leafing running around the obverse and reverse, which surrounds a double circle containing a raised mobile swastika. The backgrounds of the pommel area are darker in color. If you want to see a generic pommel, you can look at an example on Page 142, left. The pommel here has remains of gilt on both sides. There is about 70% on the obverse and maybe 75% on the reverse. The generic crossguard is the style that has the large pebbling on the reverse panel. The pebbling is well detailed and has good black backgrounds. The obverse Luftwaffe eagle has a slight cantilever at the top age of the wings. I always thought that this makes for a great looking depiction. This bird flies to the viewer’s left and has lots of detail to his beak, eye, breast feathering, talons and open winged feathering. If you want to see a generic crossguard, I show one on Page 149, left, which is also on a Voos dagger. The upper quillon arms have cast panels that portray oak leaves and acorns, the same as the book. The grip of this example is a solid ivory type. It has some nice golden colors that run in lines, particularly on the left edge as well as the rear right edge. The obverse portion of the grip has an attractive crack that runs the length, slightly to the right of center. The reverse is practically crack free except for a couple of tiny ones up at the very top segment. A very beautiful solid ivory grip here, having lots of appeal. This grip is tightly wrapped with springy aluminum wire. The scabbard is a fine airplane gray example, which nicely blends in with the hilt fittings. This scabbard shows only modest age, but still has nearly all of the darkening. It is equipped with the WKC style carrying bands. These feature oak leaves positioned at a 45 degree angle running around the surfaces. Separating the leaves are lines and pebbled areas. The throat is a neutral color appearing not to have been plated. The opening of the throat, though, is definitely not a WKC type. The opening has been chiseled to the shape of the blade, having the three segments on each side. WKC throats will have an oval acceptance area much different from this. The throat, though, is retained in the WKC manner, having a single screw on the right upper edge. It should be noted, though, that the screw is a dome head type as opposed to the flatter type that WKC uses. All of this just means that Voos bought the parts from WKC and finished them themselves. The blade of this example is a fine one. It has frosted panels, which are 100% throughout and fine, nickel-plated surfaces. The Obverse of the blade portrays a floral pattern etch, which flanks the center panel that features an open-winged eagle flying to the viewer’s right and clutching a mobile swastika in his right talon. This eagle has terrific detail, especially to the beak, eye, talons and of course, to the feathering throughout. Under each wing there is a laurel branch with berries. Beautiful work here and typical of these Voos examples. The reverse blade is of all floral design and is in the same condition. This blade is mint throughout. The reverse ricasso is etched with the familiar single oval. Around the inner circumference is the firm’s name and location, “Emil Voos, Solingen.” In the center is the familiar snake around stump logo. A really beautiful blade here showing almost no age anywhere. The blade has been protected by the in-place, brown leather pebbled washer. If you have been looking to buy an investment quality Voos piece, this one may fill your bill. There are a lot of nice aspects about this dagger, but it also has the look of actually being carried and being through the war. Looking at the ricasso area just below the swastika, I notice that there is a small peel in the plating, so I need to correct myself there. It is not enough to mar the mint rating of this blade. A very fine example here.$8995.00
SPO #31031C Unissued SA Dagger with Grip Tag (RZM M 7/13) - Schüttlehofer
This beautiful SA dagger is in unissued condition and it is about as nice as you will ever see one. The crossguards and tang nut are of course the nickel-plated type and they retain their fine factory mirror finish throughout. There are no scratches or any usage signs on these guards. There is a tiny bit of lifting which has occurred on the rear lower guard just at the point where it meets the wood grip. Other than this though these crossguards are really special. The grip itself is also a fine example. It is a medium color fruitwood having a pleasing grain running lengthwise. The obverse grip is in totally perfect condition. The reverse grip is also with the exception there is a tiny surface sliver which has come loose where the grip meets the upper crossguard. It is nothing however. The eagle is the aluminum type and it is the style with beak which points slightly upward. This bird does not have much detail on its head and breast feathering but that is from the stamping not wear. The rest of the bird shows full wear to the feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. The original grip tag is still in place around the upper portion of the grip. The tag has black printing on an off-white paper. It has a run number, “3676” and that is as far as you can see as the other part of the tag wraps around at this point. On the tag’s reverse there is an RZM black circle and beneath is the rubber stamping, “M7/13”. This stamping agrees with the RZM marking on the blade tying this example nicely in as we like to see them. The scabbard shell is absolutely sensational. It is a lighter chocolate color brown and the paint looks like it was sprayed yesterday. It is the type of paint that is put over the roughed metal surface with no primer. This paint is 100% and in full mint condition. The scabbard mounts are absolutely new like. These mounts are completely factory fresh as are the dome head screws which retain them. There has been no screwdrivers put into these grooves. Attached to the upper hanging ring is a choice late short hanger and matching belt loop. The leather on both of these pieces is still in perfect condition. The short hanger leather is marked, “RZM L2/60/41”. The buckle is still nice and crisp with its original nickel plating and the snap clip is the style that has the white style plaitng. This too though is in pristine condition being “OLC” marked as well as “RZM M5/71”. The D-ring of the belt loop is also pristine with mint plating. A very nice complete hanging assembly here. As we would expect the blade of this example is totally pristine mint. It is nice and bright and has 100% of the original crossgraining. The SA motto etch is crisp and has all of the factory blackening. The reverse ricasso has the double line open RZM circle over the code “M7/13”. This code represents the Arthur Schüttlehofer firm also known as Asso. The blade shoulders perfectly meet the crossguard contour. A real stunner here and if you are looking for a mint unissued piece I can’t imagine that there would be a better one than this example.Mint. $2,495.00
SPO #30672C Dachau Produced SS Officer's Degen with Portepee
I am very pleased to be able to offer this outstanding Dachau produced SS officer degen as I have not had one of these to see in quite some time. SS officer degens are becoming ultra rare. This example is a classic Dachau produced piece which were done under the supervision of Paul Müller. Müller produced these swords using stainless steel for the blades and the hilt parts and scabbard mounts were chrome plated steel instead of the usual nickel-plated types. This example is even nicer than the book example I show in color on page 390, right. The pommel is in choice condition having absolutely no burring or problems. This pommel is the officer type having a smooth top with an umbrella like fluted edge exactly like the piece on page 390. The D-guard and upper ferrule exactly match the finish of the lower ferrule. Unlike the earlier pieces the ferrules at Dachau only had the images of the standing oak leaves and acorns separating them but they did not bother to darken them like the earlier types. The areas between the two leaves have some pebbling added. The quillon end coming from the D-guard ends in a teardrop. The teardrop does not have the partial drilling like the earlier pieces did. The grip of this example is a choice ebony wood in totally perfect condition with no chips, cracks or problems. This beautiful grip is tightly wrapped with nickel wire. The runes button appears to be an earlier nickel type rather than the later chrome style we usually see used on the Dachau swords. It is definitely an original button and may have just been a question of using up materials. There is a fine SS portepee wrapped about the hilt. This portepee shows a little bit of wear and some age but there is no fraying or any problems. The strapping is the textured bullion style having twin black lines decorating the edges of both sides. The slide is a woven bullion wire and the stem below is the flatter type being slightly bulbous in the center areas. The bullion fabric on both sides depicts a black circle with SS runes inside. The knot below is of aluminum bullion in an oval shape and it is stuffed with material matching the strapping. A very beautiful hilt here! The scabbard of this example is the typical thinner type used at Dachau. This scabbard is perfect throughout with no dings or problems and has remarkable original black paint. This black paint shows only the most modest of usage and it is in near mint condition. The only wear at all I see on the paint is a little bit around the “U bracket” on the back and also on the carrying band at the front. The scabbard mounts are also the thinner type used at Dachau. These chrome mounted mounts have the basket weave that we call the Wotan’s knot. They have a nice pebble effect in between the weave but like the ferrule there is no darkening. This upper mount is retained with two headless side screws. The later pieces would have the mounts retained with dome head screws in the obverse and reverse lower loop. The lower scabbard mount is pressed into place. This mount has standard line decoration and there is some darkening in the backgrounds but not like the earlier models. A textbook scabbard here. The Dachau pieces are not SS stamped so we do not see these markings on the lower hilt or the throat area. The blade of this example is bright and mint throughout being the stainless steel type. It measures a little over 32 inches in length and shows no wear and has an outstanding finish. This blade is buffered by an in place black leather washer. Normally the Dachau pieces used standard leather washers, not the white type. This is really an outstanding SS officer’s degen. The only variance from a textbook piece is the nickel runes button in the grip. It is definitely an original runes button and as mentioned above I feel that it represents a using up of parts that Müller may have had on hand. There are so few SS officer swords offered for sale these days I urge the person with the proper pocketbook and desire to invest in this beauty.Mint Minus. $11,995.00
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. $2500.00