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Welcome to the Special Offering Section of Wittmann Militaria. While we consider all of the items we offer for sale to be treasures, from time to time we do come across relics that can only be described as outstanding. It is in this section that we present to you those pieces deemed to be of exceptional quality, rarity, or historic significance.

1. #27217C – EARLY ARMY OFFICER WITH HANGERS IN POST-WAR CASE – ANTON WINGEN, JR.

   This Army officer is of earliest production and is equipped with the desirable brass based fittings having silver plated surfaces. The cross guard is identical to the one that I show on Page 50 in my Army book. This early cross guard is attributable to the E. Pack firm. The example shown on Pages 53 and 54 by E. Pack is also equipped with the same fittings as this dagger. The pommel is a fine early brass example reflecting 14 well-defined leaves positioned around its circumference. Each and every one of these leaves reflects hand-enhancing and, on the casting flaws, there is extra work done to cover this defect. The pommel shows little to no wear, having fine, crisp rim and nice black patinated upper smooth area. The cross guard is in the same condition on the reverse area as the top. The eagle shows a little bit of wear to the surfaces and the beginnings of the brass color are starting to show. Nevertheless, the eagle still has good detail to his head, open wing feathering, wreath and raised swastika. The breast feathered area shows some surface wear to the checkering. The ferrule is the same as the book piece and this nicely matches all of the other fittings. This dagger is equipped with a choice “slant” grip. This beautiful grip is a very dark orange color and is most impressive. An almost exact grip can be seen on the early Anton Wingen example I show on Page 69 of my Army book. The scabbard of this piece is also a Pack made one and is identical to Page 69. The scabbard shell is nice and straight throughout, having good silvering, but showing just a little bit of age in the lower panels of both sides. Nevertheless, the silvering is still about 98% throughout. The carrying bands are the style that have a distinctive borderline on each side. The pebble patterns are excellent and the throat is retained by two dome head screws, exactly like the book piece on Page 69. The blade of this piece is a very early type, having the tapered tang style which I show on Page 16. These tapered tangs are always on the “slant” style grips and frequently appear on only the earliest of Army daggers. This blade is a quality example, still having mirror finish throughout and reflecting 100% of its original grain. The tip is still needlelike and this blade easily grades in full mint condition. The reverse is etched with the little knight trademark. Above the trademark is the firm’s name “Anton Wingen, Jr.” and below is the location of the factory “Solingen”. This blade has been protected by an in-place large size leather washer. Coming with the dagger is a nice set of Army hanging straps. These straps have silvered pot metal hardware having the push-up style deluxe lower snaps. The brocade shows some minor usage and the velvet on the reverse also shows minor usage. Overall, though, these hangers grade at excellent plus. The box that contains this dagger is a post-war made example having black leatherette covered surfaces. The inside is recessed to accept the dagger and is a fine red velvet color. The dagger looks very nice displayed in this box. The box shows little to no wear, probably produced in the 1980s. A great looking combination here and a rarely seen trademark on an initial production dagger.

   Excellent Plus Plus. $1,495.00
   
   

2.  SPO #29097C SS PENNANT

   This This double-sided SS pennant is made of a fine black fabric, which is machine hemmed on all borders. It has a small fold over area on the hoist side and there is small stick in there now, which is not original to this pennant. The pennant is 14 inches in length to the fly end and 12 inches in width at the hoist area. There is a 5 inch round field that is also hemmed around the borders. This field has turned slightly brown with age and is identical on both sides. Individually machine sewn to the field, and also hemmed on the borders, is a set of SS Runes. As most collectors know, SS pennants and flags are extremely difficult to come by. This example has a lot of pizzazz about it and would make a fantastic addition to a display of SS uniforms, edged weapons or other SS memorabilia. It is not very often that I have an original pennant to offer the collecting community. A very fine original item here.

   Excellent Plus. $1195.00
   
   

3. SPO #27953 ARMY OFFICER WITH DOUBLE ETCH AND IVORY GRIP

   This Double Etched Army Officer with Ivory Grip is in extremely desirable untouched superb condition. The dagger mounts are the generic style that we usually see with etched blades. These mounts are the same as I show on the Voos example in my Army book on page 132 and 133. They may be seen in close-up on page 78. The silvering throughout these mounts is the best. The pommel shows only the slightest usage signs, still having fine silvering across the upper pommel top. The standing oak leaves, which number 12 around the perimeter, have choice detail with alternating acorns in between. The crossguard features a noble eagle, which looks to the viewer’s left. This eagle has a fixed expression to his head with finely checkered breast feathering, detailed legs, outstanding feathering to the open wingspread, and clutching a wreathed mobile swastika. The ferrule features overlapping oak leaves with acorns, and is the same as is shown on page 133. These fittings have an outstanding patination and do not look to have been cleaned in many years. Setting off the hilt is a most beautiful genuine ivory grip. This grip is perfectly turned, and still remains extremely crisp. A close look at the grip reveals appealing golden grains running lengthwise throughout the surfaces. This grip was carved by a master and does not appear to have experienced a lot of exposure, as it has not toned drastically. A very beautiful thing indeed! The scabbard is the matching generic variety frequently used with these mounts. It is the same as the scabbard shown on page 120. This shell has perfect silvering and is patinated exactly to the tone of the hilt fittings. The bands are nicely detailed with overlapping oak leaves. The scabbard pebbling is still crisp within its panels. The thinner style throat nicely overlaps, and in the reverse center, is retained by a headless flush mount center placed screw. The blade is the same as the example I show on page 134 and 135, left. This is the style blade that has the tang thread which is wider than most. These identical threads are shown in the book illustration. The etch could not be any nicer. It features floral designs, and on the obverse there is a center panel with an open winged eagle motif, clutching a plain wreath with raised mobile swastika. Beneath each wing is a sprig of oak leaves and acorns. The floral treatment is nicely raised, and has 100% of the frosted backgrounds. The point of the blade is also still needle-like, and retains full quality nickel plated finish. The reverse is full mint, exactly matching the obverse. The floral motif just could not be any better. An extremely beautiful quality example here. This blade is protected by an in-place brown leather washer. It is the kind of washer that has an opening slightly larger than the blade shoulders. We see these washers frequently, and it is interesting to see one of these used on this beautiful example. This dagger would be an outstanding addition to any advanced collection. It is absolutely flawless, and one of the best etched examples with ivory grip I have seen to date. This is a great opportunity to really acquire something special for your collection.

   Pristine, Mint. $6,895.00
   
   

4. SPO #29060 2ND MODEL LUFTWAFFE “FUNERAL” DAGGER – Robert Klass

   This is one of the rarely seen Luftwaffe pieces produced exclusively by Robert Klaas that have a black celluloid grip. As is usually the case there are signs of the original white paint covering inside of the tang clearance hole. Collectors though like to assign the term as a “funeral” dagger to these examples and since they are a legitimate variation there is nothing wrong with this term in my book. The piece is identical to the example I show in color in my Luftwaffe Book on page 173. The hilt pommel and crossguard are WKC produced products which Klaas apparently purchased from this firm. The pommel is the style with pebbled backgrounds and it has good detail to the oak leaves and swastika on both sides. The crossguard is the style showing a bird flying to the viewer’s left and clutching a mobile swastika in its talons. There is good detail to the bird’s beak, eye, breast feathering, talons and wing feathering. The upper quillon arms of this crossguard are the style which are cast. There is good detail to these oak leaves and acorns and they are identical to the example which I show on page 149, center. Nice hilt fittings here showing only the most modest of surface wear. The black celluloid grip is quite bulbous in the center tapering equally downward to both ends. The Luftwaffe grip descends with ribs running from left to right. It is in totally perfect condition with no chips or problems and it is tightly wrapped with a twisted brass wire looking identical to the example shown on page 173. The scabbard is a WKC type finished by Klaas however as it has two headless side screws instead of a single screw to hold the throat. The surfaces still have most of the original gray coating. The lower area looks as though there was a dent removed long ago. Perhaps this was done during the period as it looks like an old repair. The blade of this example is still fairly bright having a little bit of gray in the surfaces but not bad. There are no stains or problems and the needlelike tip is still there. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the kissing cranes trademark. The birds are positioned over the firm’s name and location, “Robert Klaas Solingen”. The original brown pebbled leather washer is in place. A good opportunity here to acquire a very rarely seen original Klaas “funeral” piece.

   Excellent Plus, Plus. $2,995.00
   
   

5. SPO #29025C EARLY SS HONOR DAGGER WITH PLAIN BLADE – Carl Eickhorn

   This early SS Honor Dagger is equipped with the standard silvered honor crossguards. These crossguards display a mix of oak leaves and acorns, the lower having three acorns in the center with three oak leaves going outward and the upper example having a single acorn in the center, also with three leaves going outward. For those not familiar with this design, an almost identical example can be seen on Page 283 of my SS book. No honor crossguards, however, are completely the same, as they were all hand finished after they came out of the cast mold. This example has nice details to these crossguards with hand enhancing obvious to the leaves. There is also factory blackening in the backgrounds. As is usually the case, the acorns do not show a lot of detail to the caps as, apparently, this was normally worn off during the finishing process. The accent grooves are hand done, as is normally the case with these honor guards. The tang nut is a fine example, which also nicely matches the finish of the guards. These guards, inside, have matching numbers. The number is “528.” Normally these numbers are uniformly small and if you are not familiar with their size, you can see similar stampings on the crossguards I show on Page 269. The grip of this example is a fine piece of ebony wood. It shows no repairs and has good medium contour construction. The grip perfectly fits the crossguards. Looking at the grip surfaces, there are some signs of wear here and there along with the tiniest of hairliners that can be seen, typical in any kind of wood some seven decades old. None of the cracks, however, are really visible and they certainly are not threatening in any way. The runes button is in good condition, being straight in its positioning. It has perfect enameling with no visible hits. The grip eagle has a silver finish and is the style with “high neck.” The details to the bird’s eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, legs, wreath and raised swastika are all there. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. It is covered with outstanding black leather. This finely grained leather is completely original, showing a moderate amount of carrying time, but there are no cuts, nips or problems with this leather. As is the case with Honor scabbards, the leather exactly meets the upper and lower mount. It does not go under the fittings. This leather also has a seam at the bottom, but frankly, it is very difficult if not impossible, to discern. The scabbard shell is equipped with the panel scribed mounts we see on early Honor daggers. These panels are extremely crisp and the borders have had factory darkening, matching that of the crossguards. The darkening appears to be at least 98% in the grooves. These mounts have a matching silvered finish and they show a slight patination. The lower ball is in fine condition, showing no problems. The mounts are retained by silvered screws, which are all in place and unbuggered. The silvered ring has an early short hanger attached. This short hanger has black leather and is complete with the small restraining strap. The hanger is equipped with early nickel hardware, being the unmarked solid type. The clip is the “long snout” variety. This scabbard looks nearly identical to the example shown in color on Page 273 of my SS book to include the short hanger. The blade of this Honor dagger is not a Damascus type. We know that plain blades were available though, as they are shown in the Eickhorn catalog with plain blade options and also there are other known Honor daggers with plain blades. A good example of this is the well known Honor dagger worn by Hitler’s SA Adjutant, Bruckner, which also has a plain blade. The obverse of this blade is mirror bright and still has nearly 100% of its original crossgraining. It is easily in mint condition and is factory etched with the SS Motto, “Meine Ehre heisst Treue.” The motto is deep, crisp and has 100% of its original darkening. The reverse of the blade also has all of its graining and is mirror mint. Close examination, though, will reveal a slight wave in the factory center line as well as a subtle difference in the grain between the reverse and obverse of the blade This, of course, would indicate that this blade once had a R?hm inscription. When Röhm was unmasked as a traitor, this blade was returned to the factory where it was redone in the best way possible to no longer reveal any existence of this once present, inscription. As further proof of this, the small double oval trademark was used on this piece – a logo that we normally only see with Röhm inscribed daggers. This trademark consists of the two ovals containing the firm’s name and location, “Carl Eickhorn, Solingen,” and in the center is a squirrel having a smooth tail. The blade shoulders perfectly fit the lower crossguard. There is the tiniest amount of clearance around the box-shaped tang hole, but I have seen this on other Honor daggers in the past. This outstanding SS Honor dagger has been owned by a number of well known collectors and dealers. Originally, it was in the collection of the famed British collector, Barry Brown, owner of the Sepp Dietrich Honor Sword. From Mr. Brown, the dagger moved to Thomas M. Johnson who later sold it to well known New York based collector, Sterling (Chip) Gambino. Since Mr. Gambino has begun to slow down in his collecting and looking at retirement, he sold the dagger to the current owner who is a well known Canadian collector. I am proud to offer this SS Honor dagger to the next owner. I wish that it had a Damascus blade, as this would add tremendous value to the piece, but it does not. This piece is what it is. This same piece appears in my SS book on Page 283 as well as Page 292 left. This is your opportunity to acquire an SS Honor dagger at half price. The dagger comes complete with a postwar storage case, which also includes a fine leather belt loop and D-ring. If you have been looking for an SS Honor dagger and want to culminate the coups-de-gras of an SS collection, opportunity is knocking. A great-looking artifact here and probably only one of two or three dozen that were ever made.

   Near Mint. $58,500.00
   
   

6. SPO #28781C 55 CMS LONG DLV OFFICER DAGGER – Paul Weyersburg

    This This 55 cms DLV officer’s dagger is a real beauty. It has not been cleaned in years and the silver mounts throughout have a very exciting black patination. This dagger looks even better than the example I show in my Luftwaffe Book on page 13, left. The pommels of these almost unique daggers are normally peened into place so they do not take down. The tang comes out the upper circumference of the pommel edge and is peened over at that point. This pommel still has choice crisp edges and the gilded brass sunwheel swastikas on both sides are actually inlaid into cut out areas within the surfaces of both sides. Extremely beautiful work here and the result is a very flush fit. The same inlay is true of the sunwheel swastikas on the crossguards. This workmanship of course must have taken a lot of time thus the reason that the later to come 1st model Luftwaffes were done with premade medallions which were inserted and then soldered in to place on the early pommels. The crossguards of this example have downward sweeping quillons which are three staged. They are nice and crisp throughout showing little wear. The ferrule above the crossguard matches exactly the patination of the other hilt fittings. The grip of this example is an ovaled wood base which has ribs running downward from left to right. There are thirteen of these ribs. The wood base is covered with a very fine Moroccan leather. The leather is in perfect condition still showing original graining in the recesses of all the ribs and there never was any wire wrap on this piece. It was never meant to have a wire wrap. A very beautiful hilt here! The very long scabbard shell has a composition base beneath. There is no steel base in these examples. The leather covering over the composition perfectly matches that of the grip. It has a couple of extremely minor scuffs, but no cuts, nips or problems. This leather considering the extreme length of the dirk and its age is in extremely nice condition rating near mint. The scabbard mounts are of solid nickel being very delicately and beautifully formed. Each mount has a, “V” design at the area where it meets the scabbard shell on both sides. The mounts are maintained in position via large silvered staples. It is also interesting to note that the lower scabbard mount has a rattlesnake-like tail ending, having four distinct segments. This identical lower mount can be seen in the photograph on page 7 of my Luftwaffe Book. The matching silvered solid nickel chain has nine ringlets on the upper and fourteen ringlets on the lower. These two chains are connected to the scabbard mounts via “S” fittings. These “S” fittings can be seen on the picture on page 5 of my book. The chains on the opposite end connect to a matching nickel silvered clip which is the same as is shown on page 11. This clip is stamped on the back, “D.R.G.M.” and beneath the patent number, “926719”. Half of the spring is still intact within the clip, but the other half of the original spring has gone to time. In my opinion this is the only flaw on the entire dagger. The long three segmented blade of this example is about 15 ¼-inches in length. It is completely bright throughout its length appearing to have a nickel-plated surface. It is perfectly shaped and still has its needlelike tip at the end. This beautiful blade is etched with the double ovals which capture the firm’s name and location, “Paul Weyersberg & Co. Solingen”. Inside of the ovals is the downward pointing sword which is positioned between two wheat shafts. It is hard to tell if there ever was a washer on this piece as there does not look to be any sign of it when examining near where the perfect fitting blade shoulders meet the solid butt plate of the lower crossguard. Since these daggers do not come apart a standard washer could not be put on but certainly if the next collector wanted a slip over type I am sure that this could be done. At any rate, a very elaborate long dagger which is missing from most collections. The odds of finding one of these ultra rare pieces are getting extremely slim. If you would like to add a choice example to your collection, this is the opportunity. None better than this one and a fantastic investment quality piece.

   Mint Minus. $8,495.00
   
   

7. SPO #28785C PRESENTED SAXON IVORY GRIPPED FIRE AX

    This This Fire Ax has much patination throughout its surfaces but it is easy to see that the parts below will clean up in a fairly good state. This fire axe must have been absolutely magnificent when it was originally presented as it is easily the most elaborate piece I have seen and also has the most impressive dedication covering both handle plaques. First of all the ax head itself is in the traditional shape of a large size blade on one end and a curved downward point on the other. There are cut outs in both the blade side as well as the point side in the upper and lower borders. The ax head is heavily etched having a floral motif on both sides of the head and in the center there is a motif consisting of an old fashioned fire helmet positioned over a pair of axes. This depiction is the same on both sides. The etches have good backgrounds and the nickel still seems to be mostly there. Unfortunately there is some rust that has formed on both sides, most of it concentrated in the center area. A good cleaning however would make for a fine result. The nickel-plated head is retained by a plate at the top which is secured with a gilded brass screw. There are escutcheon plates on the sides of the handle just below the head. These plates are also dramatically etched having a similar floral motif with nice backgrounds. It is very unusual to see etched escutcheon plates as apparently there was no limit to the spending on this piece. At the left escutcheon plate there is a smooth gilded eyelet with matching hanging ring. Attached to this ring there is a portion of the old suspension hanger. On the opposite side the hanging ring and eyelet are missing from the escutcheon plate. The handle below is of hardwood painted black and is flared in the center in the traditional fire ax shape. At the lower portion there are two very beautiful gilded brass mounts. These mounts have a raised serrated area which gives the appearance of removal if desired, and in the center are between the two raise parts the surfaces have been deeply raised checkered. At the bottom mount there is a further doorknob shaped fitting which acts as a chape. In between there is a lovely piece of heavily toned ivory which is fluted throughout. This ivory is a golden color and has much graining in its appearance. The ivory is in perfect condition. The plaques on both sides of the handle are covered with outstanding professional engraving. Although the engraving is difficult to read I will do my best to tell you exactly what it says. The obverse plaque is engraved, “D.Frein. Feuerwehr Leubnitz / zur 50 Jahrfeicr, gewidmet, / 6. / 7. 1878 26. / 8. 1928.” On the opposite plaque it is engraved, “M.G.V. Arion, Hausbesitzerverein, / Turnoverein Germania, Eisenbahnerverein, / Konzertinakluk, Landmirtschaft. Verein, / Sächs Militärverein / Radfahrerverein Edelweims.” I believe that all of this means that this elegant fire ax was presented to the volunteer fire department of the small city of Leubnitz for their 50th anniversary which stretched from 1878 to 1928. The rest of all of these names seem to be possibly the local Saxon hamlets that took up a collection to pay for this beautiful ax. As stated above, the next person that acquires this axe, assuming he has careful and good cleaning skills could make a wonderful artifact from this antique. I know just putting some ammonia on the gold fittings alone would make a tremendous difference but I really don’t want to touch this ax as it would not be fair to the next purchaser who should have all of the fun and confidence doing the right job on this axe will bring. A terrific artifact here!

   Excellent. $6,895.00
   
   

8. SPO #28648C & #28649C MODEL 1936 CHAINED SS AND SS DEGEN BELONGING TO WAFFEN-SS GRUPPENFÜHRER PANZER GENERAL WALTER STAUDINGER

   

   This is an outstanding pair of historical weapons belonging to Waffen-SS Artillery General Gruppenführer Walter Staudinger, Commander of the 6th SS Artillery Armee. Both of the weapons bear Staudinger’s serial number nicely stamped in very small numbers on the lower crossguard of the dagger and on the reverse crossguard of the degen. The number is “242 652”. Neither weapon looks to have been cleaned since the war. The number stampings appear to have been done with the same very small die and there is a great deal of background patination in the numbers which exactly matches that of the surfaces of both weapons. The chained SS dagger is an early model 1936 equipped with nickel crossguards being the PA internally marked type. These crossguards have a green tinge throughout and they are still crisp with good surfaces and well defined accent grooves. The tang nut is a matching nickel type and was slightly loose allowing me to look inside. The grip is an excellent ebony variety having no repairs and fitting the crossguards perfectly. This grip shows only the most minor of wear. There is a small area on the reverse lower section where possibly an old chip came out but it appears to have been put back in properly and is not really a repair. The obverse grip looks to be in still perfect condition. The SS runes are positioned straight up and down. The grip eagle is a matching nickel type being the style with bird having beak which points upwards slightly. The bird shows just the slightest of usage across his breast feathering but the details to the eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and mobile swastika are still all there. A nice hilt here! The scabbard shell is straight throughout and it is the style having black paint. This paint is still at 100% showing only normal usage signs but no chips or problems. The scabbard mounts are the nickel-plated type as the chain is a Type One, which always has nickel-plated fittings. The lower fitting is also a nickel-plated example exactly matching that of the upper. The plating throughout these mounts is all there and in perfect condition. The lower ball has never been dropped. The center ramp is the type without crisp rolled edges, but more so than the later types. This center ramp has good darkening in the backgrounds and features the three interconnected swastikas in relief on both sides. The screws of this example are the domehead type. They are unbuggered and all have most of their plating. It is interesting to note that there are two screws which retain the center ramp. They are both directly opposite each other just over the lower rolled edge position. The chain assembly, as noted above, is a typical Type One, having good detail to the skulls and bones as well as to the raised SS runes. The smiles in the skull teeth are all there. The connecting tabs are the thinner nickel-plated type and they are all in place. The clover leaf is the type which has an open upper loop and the snap clip it is connected to is not the type where you can see the DRGM. Sometimes this is the case with certain hardware producers. The first upper chain link is deeply stamped with the SS Kulturzeichen. This stamping is the deeper style, being similar to the example I show in my SS Book on page 133. The center ramp on the Staudinger dagger is also similar to page 133. The screw retainage though is not in the center like the book example. As mentioned above, both screws are exactly opposite each other just above the lower edge. The unmarked blade is a real beauty. It is nice and bright and has all of the crossgraining. The blade has the typical shallow style etching of the SS motto, “ Meine Ehre heisst Treue”. The darkening in the letter backgrounds remains at 100%. The blade is in mint condition. The blade shoulders perfectly meet the lower crossguard contours. A fine chained SS dagger here, in “as found” condition. The second portion of this Staudinger owned offering is the early SS Officer’s Degen carried by this Waffen SS general. The degen is in untouched condition and matches the patination of the chained SS. The degen is the type with unmarked blade and it also has the stepped nut beneath the pommel which is removable. (I don’t know why anyone would want to take these type of degens apart though, as they were not meant to be broken down and the runes button is pinned through the tang itself, rendering them almost impossible to disassemble.) The pommel nut is the style with a steel base, having good silver plating. The pommel nut has turned black and it is interesting to note that the original owner has scribed his initials on the upper surface, “WS”. The scribing does not necessarily appear professional but it is not poorly done either. The pommel nut was loose so I took a look inside and it is easy to see that the cap covering the upper tang area has never been removed. The “D”-guard and upper ferrule area are in excellent condition as is the crossguard area and quillon ending. The teardrop has the usual partial decorative drilling in the surfaces. Beneath the hilt the sword is stamped with the SS “Kulturzeichen”. The ferrule appears to have a silvered finish. It has good detail throughout the six standing oak leaves and the acorns which separate them. The oak leaves have had little circles added to give the look of veins and the acorns have hand done checkering. There is good detail to this ferrule. As mentioned above, the reverse crossguard area has had Staudinger’s number neatly stamped into its surface, “242-652”. The SS runes button exactly matches the patination of the hilt fittings. This runes button is crisp and is set in place with no chips around it. All of the blackening appears to still be in place in the backgrounds. The grip itself is one of the ebony types. It has some wear to the lacquered surfaces revealing a more brownish color where this has occurred. This hilt and grip are identical to the example I show in my SS Book on page 382, left. This fine degen hilt has everything that all seasoned SS collectors would desire! The scabbard of this example is straight throughout. The paint is period but there are signs where Staudinger had it touched up as apparently it got knocked around a bit during normal wear time. It is common to see these touch up spray areas on SS and Police swords, I have seen them many times in the past. This has not been done after the war but absolutely is prewar painting. The touch ups have resulted in a scabbard which does have nearly 100% paint. There are a few scratches here and there but that is to be expected. The nickel-plated scabbard mounts are in place. The lower example has the decorative lines and is pressed in to position with no screws. The upper example has excellent detail to the Wotan’s Knot area and still has quite a bit of the original blackening in the open areas. In fact, this blackening is about 90%. The upper throat area has the SS “Kulturzeichen” stamping and the fitting is retained by two domehead steel screws at the bottom loop of each side. A good clean scabbard here. The unmarked blade has the usual matte finish. It is in excellent condition throughout showing only a little of the most minor age but no staining or problems. This blade easily grades in near mint condition and is 33-inches in length. The blade has been protected by its original white leather washer which is still firmly in place. It is not often that a chained SS and officer’s SS degen belonging to the same individual are offered to the collecting community. It is my pleasure to have had these items consigned to me. Most likely the SS officer’s chained dagger would have had an aluminum portepee with it. Also the degen would have been equipped with an SS officer’s knot. Should the next purchaser wish to acquire these accoutrements I do have both of them in stock but since this is a consignment I can not afford to put them onto the weapons. They are available for purchase however and would be matched to the appropriate condition of both weapons. Walter Staudinger was a SS officer from the start of Hitler’s regime. He advanced very quickly and just looking through a few of the SS officers lists I find that in 1935 he was listed as on the staff of the Reichsführer. This would indicate that he was well known to Himmler himself. Staudinger at this time had the rank of SS Sturmbannführer having been promoted on November 9, 1934. By 1937 Staudinger is an Obersturmbannführer and at this time is listed as being with the “SD”. Incidentally, Staudinger was born on January 24, 1898, so he was in his early forties at the time of the war. I took a look in the Waffen SS records of November 1944 and here Staudinger has been promoted to SS Gruppenführer as of November 9, 1944. He is the commander of the artillery 6th SS Panzer army. Obviously there is much research that can be done on this man. I am going to receive a dossier from the current owner which will go with these two weapons. I understand that this dossier is extremely extensive and most interesting to read through. This is your opportunity to own a fine set of weapons carried by an famous SS general. This general was a military man having a distinguished career. For those of us who are looking for a good investment for the future it would be hard to imagine that this grouping would not grow in value. Both weapons are rated in excellent plus, plus to near mint condition. Both weapons easily speak for themselves in their untouched, as found condition. An outstanding SS investment here.

   $29,995.00 NOW ONLY $26,995!
   
   

9. SPO #28563 2ND MODEL NAVAL WITH HAMMERED SCABBARD AND ARTIFICIAL DAMASCUS BLADE & HANGERS

   This 2nd Model Naval Dagger is equipped with a hammered scabbard when looking at the outside of the piece, it has an appearance of complete normality showing typical period wear. The hilt fittings are made of top quality brass and they do have some gilt still remaining in the recesses. For the most part, though, these fitting have patinated to the normal color hue we see on old brass. Looking in my Naval book I see that these fitting are the same as I show as used by the Puma firm. You can see these same fittings on pages 286 and 287 of my Naval Book. The pommel is an outstanding example having excellent detail to the bird’s head, beak, breast feathering, half-closed wreath and mobile swastika. There is more gilt remaining on the swastika than the wreath so it tends to glow slightly from its resting place within. The crossguard is an outstanding example having good fouled anchors in the center block. These anchors are the type that has a small dot in the center of the plow. The crossguard arms have nicely done acanthus leaves. The crossguard quillons are nicely line decorated and have fairly large nipples which jut outward on the ends identical to the book example. The grip is an off-white celluloid over a wood base. It has a pleasing color tone to its surfaces and this celluloid remains in perfect condition. The grip is tightly wrapped in twisted brass wire. There is some old dirt and residue trapped within the rib spaces by the wire. Decorating this fine hilt is the original-to-the-piece aluminum bullion portepee. This portepee is in good condition being the style with fatter cord. There is a little bit of fray where the knot comes out of the naval tie but other than this the bullion weave is in perfect condition. The slide and stem have a “V” weave design and the yarn-like bullion covered ball is in good condition having a cat’s anus style insert typical of naval portepees. It always amazes me how these portepees with fat cord could be tied so well, but the proof is in the pudding as this one is absolutely outstanding. The hammered scabbard is straight as an arrow and has good deep blows to each hit giving a quality appearance throughout. There is only minimal gilt remaining on this scabbard being just a little bit in the deep recesses. The bands are identical to the ones shown on page 287. These bands feature good detail to the overlapping oak leaves and acorn mix. The eyelets are the triple serrated type and the surfaces show some normal wear. The throat is slightly overlapped and is retained by two flush-mount headless side brass screws also being the same as the scabbard on page 287. All of this description though is only a lead up to the best part. When the dagger is removed from the scabbard it reveals a beautiful “band” pattern artificial Damascus. The pattern is in totally perfect condition and looks as good now as the day it was forged some 70 years ago. The reverse of the blade features the dual fuller construction but there are no other embellishments other than the cut-out spot for the lock recess. The obverse is in the same choice mint condition except at the center area positioned over the double fuller is a great looking gilded image. This image is in relief and depicts an anchor with shaft long enough to accommodate the positioning of a Wehrmacht style eagle. This eagle is closed-winged looking to the left and clutching a mobile swastika in his talons. The feathering is beautiful throughout the depiction and even the rope detail can be easily seen along the shaft of the anchor. The two plows are perfectly depicted with pointed ends and the connecting ring at the top is very visible. It is just amazing the detail that can be done with acid etching. As we would hope, all of the original gilded finish remains across this beautiful blade. I show a blade in my Naval Book that is identical to this example. This blade is shown on page 392. The difference between the two pieces is that on the book piece the naval anchor and Wehrmacht eagle appear on the reverse as on this piece the same depiction is on the obverse. The reverse of the book piece has the owner’s original name, whereas, unfortunately, this example does not. Obviously, though, looking at the two blades and comparing them shows that the identical etcher made both of them. This beautiful mint blade is protected by an in-place leather washer. This is your opportunity to acquire something really outstanding for your naval collection. This dagger was purchased by me directly from the son of the World War II veteran that brought it back. The dagger comes with a letter signed by the veteran’s son attributing to the fact that the naval dagger was brought home by his father, has always been in the accompanying case, and has never been taken apart. To add to the package the dagger also comes with its original hanging straps. These naval straps are the Kriegsmarine type having gilded aluminum hardware. The black moiré material has the standard lined surface and the reverse is covered in high pile blue black velvet. The long strap has been shortened slightly by the original owner. The stitches for this shortening were run through the surface of the straps but never-the-less was a good job. The buckles and snaps of this dagger are in 100% condition still having all of the original gild. The small strap has the chain and hook regain assembly. In fact, studying these two sets of straps I see that the short strap has also been shortened by the original owner. Obviously this office did not want the dagger to hang too low. The top snaps on both straps have most of the gilt whereas the bottom snaps show wear at the places where the rings connected. This dagger and accompanying hangers are complete with the original wooden box which was made to house them by the original returning veteran. The box is made of thin wood which appears to have been cut from an old painting palette as it has various shade of old paint on the inner areas as well as the lid. Additionally, the box has some old tape residue where tape was wrapped around it to keep it closed. The original finish nail holes are also still in the box. This outstanding dagger comes with the veteran’s original letter and additionally is 100% guaranteed to be of pre-1945 construction. An outstanding piece here which is virtually one-of-a-kind.

   Near Mint. $7,995.00
   
   

10. SPO #28562C DELUXE 50TH ANNIVERSARY DEDICATED FORESTRY CUTLASS – Alcoso

    This beautiful forestry cutlass is of the highest quality that could be produced at the time. It is a Third Reich presented piece having a date of 1934. The gilded brass hilt is really quite lovely to examine as it has outstanding relief to the motif throughout. The “D”-guard is fashioned with hooves at both ends. But in the areas of in between there are overlapping oak leaves which are positioned on both sides of the “D”-ring traveling from the top of the upper hoof throughout the crossguard and to the bottom quillon of the lower hoof. At the central area of the guard there is a crossed ribbon depiction. These oak leaves are still extremely crisp and have outstanding hand enhancement throughout. The ferrule of this piece has fine lined ribbing and the central example has a vertical fluted decoration running completely around the ferrule providing a fine contrast with the smooth ribbed areas. At the lower is a beautiful clamshell device which at the right side has an upward pointing quillon with a curve and at the left side the quillon goes up much higher and sweeps to the left with a curved end. This clamshell has the effect of scales cut into its surfaces but I believe it really is some sort of a floral design – quite beautiful indeed! The grip plates of this piece are of genuine ivory. They have toned to a golden color, the reverse being darker than the obverse. In addition to the beautiful color there is a fine graining in the surfaces which tends to swirl about the in place decorative acorns. On both sides there are matching gilded acorns with two leaves at the top and a fairly long stem. Like the rest of the piece these acorns also seem to have extra handwork, particularly at the caps and the veining of the leaves. These grip plates and acorns are as nice as you will ever see. Absolute top, top craftsmanship and finest of materials here! The scabbard shell is of black leather. This leather is still in first rate condition showing little age and having the usual twin line decoration on both sides. The reverse is sewn up the center area in the usual manner. The scabbard mounts are of a fine gilded brass exactly matching the hilt. These mounts have scalloped edges where they meet the leather. The upper mount is plain having an acorn / lug which is very detailed and hand-enhanced. The lower mount is plain on the reverse and on the obverse has an extremely decorative panel. The panel depicts hunting implements consisting of a game bag with shot gun, horn and Hirschfanger. There are also oak leaves which surround the depiction. At the top area of the scabbard mount there is a small panel featuring oak leaf sprigs. These mounts are in perfect condition and are held in place with a staple in the usual manner. It is possible to see that there is a number beneath the staple. As beautiful as the outside of this cutlass is, the best part though is the blade. The blade is in mint condition and is of a 13-inch length. This blade is of absolute highest quality and is triple etched. On the obverse there is a panel in the center. The panel depicts the purpose and date of the piece in three raised lines, “Zum 50 jährigen Dienstjubiläum / 1. IV. / 1884-1934”. This dedication translates to, “Given for 50 years of outstanding service, April 1 1884-1934”. There is a darker background to highlight these letters in relief. They are done in the old Gothic type script and are very impressive. Flanking the center panel is a small scene of a deer and a dove under two trees. At the ricasso area and at the end there is a floral scene which encompasses two game birds in the grass. The reverse of the blade has a very similar motif and the panel in the center has the name of the presenter of this cutlass. It is in relief, “Graf Schulenburg- / Wolfsburg”. The presenting man’s name was Count Schulenburg-Wolfsburg”. Flanking the center panel at the ricasso area is a dog attacking a wild boar under a tree and at the end there is a howling wolf beneath a couple of trees in a forest. The spine features oak leaves running the length. This blade is in full mint condition and on the reverse has the stamped logo of the Alcoso firm, “ACS”, interspersed within a set of scales. The original off-red felt buffer is in place. Accompanying the cutlass is a fine green dress portepee. This portepee has green textured strapping with stem and slide featuring green “V” weave with bullion background. The round style ball has a cap with green and gold yarn-like material with a gold lower ball. The stuffing in the ball is green. Getting to the elite of this cutlass and its importance as a collectible is the fact that the original presenter and the recipient have been researched by professional Rob McDivitt. In looking through the information uncovered by Mr. McDivitt it seems that Count Guenther Reichsgraf von der Schulenburg-Wolfsburg was the owner of a large estate in which it was necessary to have a forester to keep track of the health of the vegetation as well as the animals within. Schulenburg was in the imperial cavalry and was a war hero during the Great War and stayed attached to the cavalry all his life having died in 1985. The cutlass was presented to the forester Robert Schomburg by Schulenburg for 50 years of faithful service. The presentation in April of 1934 is accompanied by a photo of this event. In the photograph the forester, Schomburg, is pictured with his wife and family along with the owner of the estate and his staff making the presentation. Additionally, there is a photograph of Count Schulenburg on his horse. He appears to be in his seventies in this photograph. It is interesting to note that when the forester Schomburg died the armor cutlass was turned over to his son. Unfortunately, the estate was taken over by allied troops and the cutlass subsequently disappeared explaining its surfacing in the United States some 60 years later. There is still research that can be done on this elegant cutlass as well as with the aristocratic family as Schulenburg’s son still is alive and lives on the estate. This is a grand opportunity to own a very beautiful and important historical German forestry cutlass. This piece could easily be the highlight of a hunting forestry collection. This is a true art form with great prospects for additional research.

    Near Mint. $7,295.00
    
    

11. SPO #28559C KNIGHTS CROSS WITH NECK RIBBON

    This Knight’s Cross is a most impressive example which was produced by the firm, “Steinhauer & Lück”. This firm was the preeminent manufacturer of Knight’s Crosses, and I am very pleased to offer this excellent example. On the reverse, just below the small loop is stamped the silver percentage, “800”. This is the only marking on the cross. The loop above is exactly the way it is supposed to be for this producer and this cross is identical to the example as shown in the Previtera Book, “The Iron Time”. It looks identical to the example pictured on page 342. The upper loop of the cross also is attached to the cross itself just as the photo in the book shows. The ribbon that comes with the cross is the type that was worn around the neck and having two short straps attached for tying in the reverse. The ribbon, of course, has the red center with white and black accent border lines. This cross has good serrations which are still crisp and the silver borders are mostly bright. The steel inside section of the Knight’s Cross has all of the background blackening. The large swastika in the center however, does lack some of the blackening and where it has worn off some of the center areas. It is still dark however, and is hard to notice this minor wear. The reverse of the cross has 100% of the blackening even to the 1813 date. If you have ever been yearning for an original knight’s cross now is your opportunity to buy a fully warranted example. This is your chance to acquire an original. A fine looking Knight’s Cross here, not mint, but it will go nicely with anyone looking for realism of the time and true sense of history to add to their collection. Original Knight’s Crosses have done nothing but go up in value over the years. This one is fairly priced for its condition. Unfortunately, I do not have an original case for it but it currently rests in a metal box which was used for some type of a Mercedes part. This will have to do for now until the next owner can possibly find an original presentation case.

    Excellent Plus. $9,995.00
    
    

12. SPO #28436C EAGLE FINIAL FOR SS REITER / NSKK / NSFK STANDARTES

    This Eagle Top Finial is easily one of the most beautiful and rarest of all 3rd Reich artifacts. The standartes, which were carried by the SS Reiter/NSKK and NSFK, were different than the normal Deutschland Erwache standartes in that they were carried horizontally rather than draped downward. Because of this horizontal carrying method, it was necessary to secure the rod for the upper part of the standarte through a cylindrical opening on the finial itself. Therefore, this finial not only has the cylinder equipped for the standard pole top mount, but there is also a smaller cylinder fitting which comes out of the reverse area for accommodating the top pole of the colorful silk standarte. This cylindrical main piece has a cone-shaped top. Stamped into the edge area of the cone is the maker name, location, and date, “Gahr Münchn/1935”. Otto Gahr was the jewelry firm based in Munich that was favored by Hitler, and this firm produced all of the Deutschland Erwache pole top finials. Above the cylinder hardware is a most beautiful silvered wreath of overlapping oak leaves with open mobile swastika. The wreath has lots of detail, and the swastika is also most impressive with its open look. The wreath, as well as the swastika, still have some of the original silver frosting clinging here and there. At the top, clutching the oak leaf wreath, is a most impressive eagle with wings at about the top of the flight motion. These wings are beautifully feathered, both at the upper and lower areas. The bird has an impressive tail, also with fine feathering. His head, breast, leg, and talon areas are also extremely well detailed. This entire bird is gilded throughout, as is the cylindrical lower fitting. The gilding throughout this piece appears to be easily near 100%. This eagle finial matches exactly with the color photos shown on page 458 and 459 of the excellent book, “Deutschland Erwache”, by Ulric of England. I do not know how many of these pole top finials exist, but this is the first opportunity I have had to handle one. I must say this is a very impressive 3rd Reich artifact, especially when you realize its importance. I don’t know how many of these finials could have survived the war, but this one certainly did so in regal fashion. A very, very, beautiful item here, and if you have one of these ultra-rare SS Reiter/NSKK or NSFK standartes, this would certainly make a great addition to complete your retirement package! An outstanding original artifact here.

    Mint. $49,950.00
    
    

13. SPO #28366C LARGE REICHSALDER

    This large bronze color eagle certainly must have been on one of the prominent 3rd Reich buildings. It is a most impressive bird, measuring 5 feet in width and approximately 3 feet in height. The eagle is a very beautiful bronze color, and has the appearance of being a solid very heavy structure. Actually, it is fairly lightweight, as it is pressed out of probably copper or brass sheet metal and then hand hammered for a very beautiful effect. The bird is in the National Eagle form and he looks to the viewer’s right with open wings. The bird clutches a wreathed mobile swastika. It is interesting to note, though, that the wreath and swastika are separate pieces and positioned directly into the bird’s talons. The reverse of the bird is fitted with a bar and brackets for hanging onto a wall. The bird has outstanding detail throughout, and close examination shows lots of hand hammering work and relief work to give the feathering a look of realism. The bird’s head itself is extremely noble with a high brow extending over the eye, and the beak being crisp and pointing downward. This bird would be a phenomenal wall display for someone with a large recreation room, particularly with a higher ceiling so that the eagle could be positioned well up on a wall for a good view from below. If you are looking for just the right touch for your militaria exhibition, I can’t imagine there is a better looking 3rd Reich eagle out there. This bird shows a little bit of green patination here and there, but there are no dings, dents, kinks, or any problems whatsoever. This bird remains in absolute perfect condition, despite its 70 years of storage after the fact. An amazing investment quality piece here, that if treated properly, will literally last for the ages.

    Near Mint. $10,000.00
    
    

14. SPO #28329C 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 form 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.

    *New Price!!* Near Mint. $11,995.oo
    
    

15. SPO #27920 MODEL 1933 SS DAGGER WITH FULL RÖHM INSCRIPTION - Carl Eickhorn

     This has to be one of the best conditioned full SS Röhm daggers in existence. It is certainly the finest example I have ever had to offer, and it is perfect for those out there who demand the finest and can afford to pay for it. This dagger is a classic example throughout. The cross guards and tang nut are the early nickel variety. The tang nut appears to have no wrench marks on it, but it is loose so that the admirer can view the tang and interior of the parts if desired. The cross guards have good, smooth surfaces, nice crisp edges and have the typical hand done deep accent grooves we normally see with this maker’s product. The lower reverse cross guard is roman numeral stamped with the district marking “I”. The cross guards are internally marked “H.E” which indicates that they were made in-house by the Eickhorn firm. The grip is a very fine ebony wood. The obverse is still crisp, having medium contour ridge construction. Other than the most minor of flaking just where the lower hedge meets the cross guard, the grip is perfect. The reverse grip has a couple of minor hits, most likely caused by the short hanger and there is also a tiny flake just where the grip meets the reverse top guard and also at the lower cross guard. These flakes, though, are nothing and are attributable to the hardness of this ebony wood. They are by no means chips, and are almost natural occurrences that we often accept as part of collecting. This fine grip nicely fits the cross guards, being perfect on both right sides and having just the tiniest of gaps on both left sides - again, a normal occurrence, especially with Eickhorn pieces. The runes button is in perfect condition, having choice enamel surfaces. The SS runes and the double circle are beautifully silvered. The grip eagle is the “high-necked” version and it has full detail throughout its beak, eye, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and raised swastika. The condition of this grip eagle is a testament to the true condition of this fine dagger. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. This shell has absolutely 100% of the original anodized surfaces. It is extremely beautiful, as about 99% of the original factory protective lacquer is also still there. It is a rare sight indeed to see a scabbard in this condition. The scabbard mounts are the typical solid nickel type. They are in perfect condition to include the never-dropped lower ball. These mounts have a slight gold tone to their metal color and this is consistent with daggers of this vintage. The Himmler daggers also have this same toning. The original nickel screws are all present and are unturned. The dagger is equipped with its original short hanger. This leather retains its suppleness with good black color and is complete with the original small retainer loop. The hardware nicely matches the mild patination throughout the rest of the dagger. The snap clip is the unmarked type with narrow snout ending. An outstanding scabbard here. As nice as the rest of the dagger is though, the blade is even better. This beautiful blade is completely bright throughout. It has all of its original cross graining and the original needlelike tip is like it just came out of the factory. Other than the normal runner marks, this blade is in full mint condition. The SS motto “Meine Ehre heisst Treue” is deeply etched and has 100% of the original factory darkening in the backgrounds. Turning the blade over is a remarkable sight indeed! As a fully intact Röehm inscription is all there, having the matching background darkening and the full crisp lettering. This inscription is slightly titled to the left but when the blade is turned over, the same application applies to the SS motto. These etchings were done at the same time, so the etches should reflect the same angles, the same depth and the same background coloring. In this case, they certainly do! The trademark consists of the early small double ovals. The ovals contain the firm’s name and location “Carl Eickhorn Solingen”. Inside is a seated squirrel having a smooth tail. The blade shoulders fit the lower cross guard nicely. This dagger appears to be in the same condition as the example I show in my SS book on Page 66. A fantastic original example here, being the best of the best and certainly a dagger you can put your hard-earned money into and know that you have made a good investment. A pristine example here and no advanced collection is complete without one of these ultra-rare, very desirable SS daggers.
    Mint. $32,995.00
    
    

16. SPO #28117 HERMANN GÖRING COLOR PORTRAIT ON PORCELAIN - Rosenthal

     This portrait on porcelain of Hermann Göring is a fantastic work of art. It was produced by the famous Rosenthal porcelain company and is in a beautiful color format. The portrait itself measures about 10 inches by 12.5 inches, and in its modern day frame is about 12 inches by 15 inches overall. The portrait depicts Göring from the left side dressed as a Luftwaffe Field Marshall. The detail to Hermann’s blue eyes, hair and facial features is second to none. Hermann was handsome man and Rosenthal has really captured his best side! Hermann is dressed in the great coat of a Luftwaffe Field Marshall, which places the date of the work at about 1938 or 1939. The Luftwaffe great coat, of course, is a gray-blue in color, having the white lapels designated for general officers and Field Marshalls. The collar taps also are most interesting, featuring a beautiful oak leaf wreath with an eagle in flight over the top area of the depiction. Below is a swastika positioned over what appears to be a pair of cross Marshall’s batons. The collar tabs are in white, matching the lapels. The shoulder boards are the heavy braided type, having a set of crossed batons at the top left. There is a hint of Göring’s Blue Max showing at his collar, but since the portrait is in profile it is not really identifiable. On Göring’s left breast there is some sort of a very high Order, which has a star burst style background with a round center. In the background there is sort of a muted drape or some other treatment that enhances the colors and artistic feeling of the personage portrayed. I do not know how many of these portraits were produced by Rosenthal but this is the first one that I have seen portraying Hermann Göring. A wonderful work of art here that would be stupendous gracing the proper collecting room wall. I doubt that Rosenthal would own up to actually making this portrait, but, let’s face it, it indeed was their work and history is history, regardless of the principles involved. A beautiful, investment quality artifact.
    Mint. $2,995.00
    
    

17. SPO #27137C 2ND MODEL TRANSITIONAL NAVAL WITH DAMASCUS BLADE - WKC

     This choice dagger with Damascus blade appears in full color in my Naval book on Pages 385 and 386. The fittings are of good quality brass and show some usage. In fact, most of the gilt has worn off of them, but they still have good detail throughout. The pommel most likely at one time was a ball top, but it has been changed up to a standard WKC style 2nd pommel featuring the closed-wing eagle clutching a swastika in his talons. The detail is good throughout the bird’s head, eye, breast feathering, talons, wreath and raised swastika. The cross guard is nicely matching, having excellent depiction to the center block anchors. The quillon arms go outward with acanthus leaves and the button ends are nicely slotted with standard nipple quillons. The grip is a standard off-white celluloid-over-wood base. This grip is in excellent condition with no cracks or problems. It is tightly wrapped with twisted brass wire. This grip speaks well of the time the dagger was carried. The original aluminum style portepee is in place. The knot has a little bit of fraying where it comes out of the tie. The lower insert is the style with cat’s anus construction and it is a darker color gray than that of the aluminum bullion. This knot has been in the naval double reef tie for many years and is very set in place. The scabbard of this example is an early WKC variety, having good pebbled surfaces. This hammering is deeply done and the scabbard is straight throughout. The bands have outstanding overlapping oak leaf and acorn construction. The eyelets have also been hammered to match. The throat is retained by two headless side screws. The lower chape button is also hammered to match. A very fine scabbard here! The best part of this dagger, though, has to be the beautiful Damascus blade. This Damascus is rendered in a highly defined maidenhair pattern. It is in complete mint condition with needlelike tip and crisp dual fuller design. This beautiful blade is etched on the obverse ricasso “Deutscher/Offizier Verein/Berlin”. Obviously, this etching was the name of a retail store in Berlin where this naval officer chose to purchase his dagger. No doubt, this store also handled the naval uniform. The reverse of the blade is stamped with the WKC knight head, but the initials of the firm are not below it. This would indicate a vintage of perhaps 1929. The blade is protected by an in-place leather washer. Taking the grip off, I took a look at the tang, and the Damast blade is stamped with the number “10”. I did not see other numbers on the fittings. It is also possible that other stampings that may have been on this blade tang were ground off during the fitting process. An outstanding Naval dagger here, which will give much pleasure to the next owner.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $9,495.00
    
    

18. SPO #26976C NATIONAL HUNTING ASSOCIATION CUTLASS - Carl Eickhorn

     This beautiful Hunting cutlass is one of three that were brought into my office by a Philadelphia couple. They explained to me that the man who lived next door was going to Florida and gave them the three cutlasses, as he did not want to take them with him. They brought them in here to me and I was thrilled to get them. All three were by Carl Eickhorn and all three have the over-the-shoulder stamped trademark which is almost never seen on these pieces. Two of them were Forestry types and the third, which I am offering here, is a National Hunting Association cutlass. The other two Forestries were sold at a recent show. This Eickhorn example is in new-like condition. It reflects fine silvered fittings throughout which still have most of their brightness as all of the original factory lacquer appears intact. This is quite a sight to see on one of these cutlasses some 60 years later. The pommel cap is the same as is seen in the Eickhorn catalogue for Model No. 1692, which this piece represents. The cap has a center positioned round nut which acts as a tang nut. There is a factory hole drilled through the center of this nut which acts as a device to hang a string or rawhide. The cap flares out with decorative fluting, and at its sides has decorative lines running around. The matching ferrule has two center raised lines for decoration. The cross guard is the up and down style and it features deer’s legs with hooves and the hair of the animal has been beautifully hand-detailed. It is interesting to note that a darker patination was applied by the factory at the areas where the hair is to give an antique look. Below the cross guard is a clamshell which is beautifully fluted, also having factory darkening in its depths. The grip is an outstanding piece of genuine antler. The antler has been chosen specifically for its size, as there was little cutting necessary to install this grip within the pommel and ferrule. The grip has fine brown and golden hues to the raised out grain. It is very beautiful and totally perfect condition. Pinned at the center of the grip is a National Hunting Association insignia. This insignia is silvered with dark backgrounds to match the fittings. It portrays a stag head with large antlers. Between the antlers is a cross with rays and in the center is a mobile swastika. On either side of the deer’s head, respectively, are the initials of the National Hunting Association “DJ”. The scabbard shell of this piece is a composition material beneath which is covered with a beautiful grained green leather. This leather is in totally perfect condition, having the decorative trim lines on the edges of both sides. This green leather is the best I have seen. The shell is fitted with silvered mounts. These mounts have all of their factory applied lacquer, as virtually no air has penetrated them. A very rare sight indeed! Both mounts are decorated with scallop edges where they meet the leather and they are retained with staples in the usual manner. The upper lug is in the shape of a fine acorn with darkened cap. The blade of this example is also a beauty. It is still factory fresh, having choice 100% frosting in the backgrounds of the raised triple etches. This blade measures 13 inches in length and retains its original needlelike tip. The scenes of the animals are spectacular, being in full mint condition. The obverse is the scene with a kneeling hunter aiming a rifle at a large stag and doe who are jumping over a log in a forest glen. After this main scene is a small area which depicts a capercaillie, which was a large game bird prominent in European hunting. The bird is sitting on an oak branch and appears to be tweeting. The reverse scene is the popular one featuring the hunter with cutlass in one hand and rifle in the other chasing after a ferocious boar who is in the midst of being attacked by hunting dogs. There are dogs all over the boar and also dogs flying around in the glen area. After this scene is a large hummingbird. The top spine is etched with oak leaves which run nearly the whole length. At the beginning area is the well known etching of the Eickhorn distributor “W.Michovius Cottbus”. This distributor must have handled a large number of hunting and forestry cutlasses for the Carl Eickhorn firm, as we frequently see their name included on the blade. To date, also as a bonus, this marking has never been reproduced. The blade would be a total mint were there not a couple of very minor age marks that appear on the top spine and a couple on the lower blade edge. They are nothing though, and this blade still rates in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the rarely seen over-the-shoulder trademark used by Carl Eickhorn in 1941. It features a squirrel in more of a “stick” form looking behind him. Beneath is the firm’s name and location “Eickhorn Solingen”. The original green felt buffer is perfect and is in place. This is an opportunity to acquire an outstanding Hunting Association cutlass which, in my opinion, was most likely taken out of a store or the Eickhorn factory. It is the best conditioned example I have seen to date.

    Mint. $2,995.00 (#042908)
    
    

19. SPO #27180C ARMY OFFICER WITH DAMASCUS BLADE

     This Army Officer has an outstanding all-black patina throughout. The fittings are the generic “B” style and they are identical to the examples I show on Page 99 of my Army book. The generic “B” fittings normally come with the type of pommel that has a threaded stem inside. This is the case here, and the pommel itself shows no hits along the outside rim and the upper area has a smooth surface throughout with mirror black sheen. The standing oak leaves are all positioned along the outside perimeter, separated by acorns. A good looking pommel here! The cross guard is also outstanding, depicting the noble eagle looking to the viewer’s left. All details are clear in the bird’s head, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised out swastika. Like the pommel, this cross guard has the same attractive, shiny patination. The grip on this example is a pretty tangerine orange color, maybe being just the slightest tone lighter on the reverse. The grip is completely pristine and in crisp condition. Wrapped about the hilt is what appears to be the original Army 42cm portepee. This portepee is in perfect condition, showing only the most nominal of age. It is the style aluminum portepee which has the slide attached to the stem. The lower ball is also nicely fabricated, being just a little bit narrower than most of the examples we see. An outstanding Army portepee here! The scabbard of this piece is also a fine example. It has perfect silvering throughout and has taken on the same matching patina as the hilt fittings. The bands are nicely done, having hand work noticeable to the overlapping oak leaves and acorns. In fact, it is possible to see the original chiseling outlining the acorns on these bands to highlight them. At the top and lower edges of the bands, this engraver has also added some nice touches to the work. This kind of treatment is nice to see on a dagger that is equipped with an unmarked Damascus blade. The mint-conditioned scabbard has a thicker style throat and it is retained by two side screws which are headless and flush mount. Outstanding scabbard here! The blade of this example is a genuine Damascus hand-forged type. The tang is perfectly formed as to threads, blade shoulders, shape, etc. It has a hole drilled through the lower area which was probably used to suspend the blade in the acid bath which was necessary to bring out the pattern. The blade itself is absolutely beautiful. It has a very fine maidenhair style to it and it seems to have tighter grains than we normally see with most Damascus blades. This tip is needlelike and the center segment of the blade is also extremely well done, being positioned perfectly. This is definitely an old blade and not something modern made. It is a shame that it has no maker mark on the tang, but the stampings which identified the Damascus smith were often ground off during the fitting process. This blade, in my opinion, is an original Third Reich example. It is quite beautiful to examine and remains in complete mint condition. I am sure that the next owner will enjoy looking at this blade for many years to come. It is protected by an in-place, smaller style leather washer. A fine Army Officer’s dagger here.

    Mint. $5,495.00 (#062408)
    
    

20. SPO #27179C PERSONALIZED ARISTOCRATS ARMY OFFICER - Carl Eickhorn

     This beautiful Army dagger is a most exciting piece. It belonged to an aristocrat who may have been a Knights Cross winner as well as an Army General, but we will get to this in a minute. The dagger itself is a choice-conditioned example which rates mint throughout. The fittings on this dagger are the early 2nd style. The early 2nd style cross guard is slightly different from what I show in my Army book on Page 25, being a progression of the 1st style which is shown on Page 24. The cross guard itself depicts a choice eagle design with breast checkering, which is slightly finer than Page 25, but, yet not as fine as Page 24. This is the prime difference between these eagles. The eagle, though, is in fantastic condition and clutches a wreathed raised out swastika. Even the talons have been hand-enhanced on this bird. The pommel is a fine 2nd style type having 12 oak leaves around the perimeter. The ferrule is the 2nd type, being exactly like I show on Page 25. The grip of this example is a beautiful darker orange color and the tones are the same throughout. This grip is in totally perfect condition. Now we want to get to the engravings that present themselves on this choice dagger. At the pommel top, taking up almost the complete surface is the engraved family crest of this original owner. The crest is in a shield shape being split into four quadrants. Two of the four quadrants each depict the same scenes and are positioned opposite each other. At the ten o’clock and four o’clock quadrant are depicted what appears to be two powder horns. The backgrounds of these depictions have been nicely lined for a shaded effect. On the other two quadrants which would run from two o’clock to eight o’clock, there is a scene of a prancing stag with a good set of racks. The backgrounds here have a series of random pebbled designs to give them relief. It is quite rare to see a family crest on the top of a pommel. On the reverse of the cross guard is a beautifully engraved five-point crown. Beneath the crown are the letters “v.N-W.”. These initials and crown belong to the aristocratic family of “von Nostitz-Wallwitz”. Unfortunately, there is no first initial in this personalization, so it is difficult to determine which of the von Nostitz-Wallwitz family members owned this dagger. There has been research conducted which accompanies the dagger. The research shows five members of the von Nostitz-Wallwitz family who could have owned this piece. One of them was in the foreign service, so it probably would not be him. Two other younger members were both First Lieutenants and it is doubtful that the dagger belonged to either of these two. The two oldest members of the family “Eckhard von Nostitz-Wallwitz” and “Gustav Adolf von Nostitz-Wallwitz” were the two oldest and likely one of these was the owner of the dagger. Eckhard was a First Lieutenant in 1936 and went on in the war to be associated with a Panzer regiment. He was killed in Russia in 1943. Gustav Adolf, on the other hand, was a First Lieutenant in 1930 and became a Major in 1937. 1937 would most likely be the date that Eickhorn produced this 2nd style variation cross guard, so there is a good chance that when Gustav Adolf von Nostitz-Wallwitz achieved this rank, he purchased the dagger. After this, he became a Lieutenant Colonel with an artillery regiment in 1940 and in 1941, became a Panzer commander, winning the German Cross in gold. In 1942, he was in Russia and was involved with the Stalingrad fiasco. In 1944, he was with Panzer Artillery Regiment 89. At this time, he won the Knight’s Cross and was promoted to General Major. In 1945, he was killed on 31 May. So, there is a better than even chance here that this personalized dagger belonged to a Wehrmacht General and Knight’s Cross winner. It would be up to the next owner to conclusively prove this ownership. This is a very exciting piece, indeed. Getting to the rest of the description, the scabbard is a standard 2nd style Eickhorn example, having good pebbled surfaces. The scabbard shows just hints of frosting in the protected areas around the carrying bands and the throat area. The thicker throat is retained by a center placed screw in the reverse. The blade of this example is as nice as they come. It has a full mirror mint surface with 100% of the original graining. The needlelike tip is in place and this dagger blade easily rates in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the 1935-41 squirrel design. The original small brown leather washer is in place protecting this fine blade. This is a grand opportunity to obtain an outstanding dagger. If the original owner was indeed the Knight’s Cross winner, this dagger could be worth far more than its advertised price. If he was not, it is still a fantastic piece which would be the highlight of most collections. It is very rare to find an Army dagger with this aristocratic family Wappen along with the crown and family name. Very rare offering here and guaranteed original dagger.

    Mint. $5,995.00
    
    

21. SPO #20717 DEDICATED TRIPLE ETCHED ARMY LEOPARD HEAD SABER - Unmarked Richard Abr. Herder

     This beautiful saber has the identical hilt as is designated as an honor piece illustrated in Johnson Volume I, page 146 left. The all brass hilt consists of a finely detailed leopard head cat with oak leaf backstrap and "P" guard. The cat is fitted with blood red faceted eyes. He has fine hand done detail throughout his whiskers, chin, and the jowl areas. The handwork is beautifully rendered throughout this brass. The backstrap consists of raised out oak leaves with a single leaf flowing into the side tabs. The "D" guard also features raised out oak leaves and there is handwork evident on the checkering of the acorns accompanying these leaves. The ferrule is one of the straight-edged-border types frequently seen on E. Pack pieces. You can see an identical ferrule on page 113 of the Angolia Book. I like this particular ferrule and I think other producer's did also, as it is seen on higher quality examples occasionally. The crossguard consists of an open-winged, art deco style eagle. The eagle on this piece looks to the viewer's left. It is highly detailed featuring lots of hand accenting. It faces opposite from both the Herder pieces shown in Angolia on page 86, lower and the Johnson piece on page 146. The gilding throughout this brass hilt appears to be approximately 90%. The hilt gilding, however, is nice and even, and is very pleasing. The grip is composed of black celluloid over wood. It is in perfect condition and it is wrapped in an unusual attractive style. It features two plain wires, and in the center, is springy aluminum wire. Really looks good and is the same as the wrap shown on Johnson page 146 left. This hilt has a deluxe quality about it, which tends to hint of the delight to come when the blade is withdrawn. This blade measures 31 ½-inches in length and is completely pristine, featuring highest quality nickel-plated surfaces. The blade features the unique Richard Herder etch pattern which almost looks like spaghetti to me. It is immediately recognizable, as it is a series of twisted rounded cording joined together and raised out. The pattern may be seen on page 46 of Johnson Volume I, as well as on page 86, of the Angolia Sword Book. The pattern is also shown on page 43 of Angolia, four down from the top. The obverse blade features a centered panel between the spaghetti etch. This panel has beautiful frosted backgrounds being 100%. Raised out of the panel, is the nickel-plated facsimile signature of the blade's owner. Other than the first name which appears to be "Franz", the last name I am unable to decipher. The signature appears to be done in the popular Sütterlin script which was used during the time. Perhaps this signature could be translated by someone more knowledgeable, and thus, a research project could be instituted on this outstanding example. The reverse blade is also a fantastic thing. It has the same spaghetti etch with a panel in the center featuring frosted backgrounds. This panel depicts a highly stylized, open-winged eagle. The eagle does not clutch a wreathed swastika but rather the swastika is positioned where the bird's talons normally would be. This makes for an outstanding look. You may see this detail on page 43 of Angolia. This eagle really is exciting when you first pull out the blade, as most collectors have never seen this style bird before. This is really a stimulating blade and definitely would be the highlight of a sword collector's passion. The accompanying scabbard is nice and straight and has good original black paint. There is quite a bit of crazing and spidering in the paint surfaces, but overall, it still looks good, and with a little cleaning up should easily rate at excellent plus to near mint. A great sword which deserves to be researched and then displayed on a cradle with the results! This is your chance to really obtain a fine, fine piece for your collection. Not cheap, but quality Third Reich swords of this caliber and importance are rarely offered today.

    Mint Minus. $7,495.00
    
    

22. SPO #24481 IMPERIAL CASED KAISER TABLE AWARD

     The case of this beautiful Kaiser award is as impressve as the prize itself. This case measures about 8 ½-inches by 9 ½-inches and is about 2-inches in depth. It has rounded corners, and is covered in a rich, deep brown-colored leather that appears to be a reptilian skin. The texture of it appears to be scales rather than the grain we see with standard animals. The corners of the case are all curved. There are two brass hook and lock devices which keep the case closed. They are mounted on the left and right of the obverse edges. Centered in the top face of the case, is a Kaiser cipher. The cipher is embossed in gold and features a highly detailed Imperial German crown. All of the crown’s details can be seen in the embossing, including the domed panels, which depict alternating crosses and Prussian eagles. The top of the crown has open finials which retain an orb with cross at the top. A wonderful rendering here which can not be overstated. Below the crown, is an extremely fancy “W” which has he Roman numeral, “II” in the center. This cipher embossed into the leather, indicates that this prize is a personal gift from Kaiser Wilhelm himself. The leather covering is still in choice condition, showing very little usage or age. Very beautiful indeed! When the lid is opened, the inner upper section is covered with padded blue silk. The impression of the prize resting inside, has been forever silhouetted into this inner lid. The surface area of the inside box has been covered in matching regal blue purple velvet. The velvet features a raised-out center, which has been sculpted to accept the prize device. The prize consists of a gilded round medallion having a diameter of approximately 6 ½-inches. The gilding is completely perfect around the border areas of this disk. At the top, is a heraldic angel having attractively done face, wings, and halo style backing. The inner area of this ringed decoration features a purple velvet. The inside of the prize is a large, blue medallion which measures 4-inches in diameter. The medallion features the raised-out head of Kaiser Wilhelm, complete with mustache having upturned ends. The Kaiser is shown from the side. Around the perimeter of the medallion is, “WILHELM. II. IMPr. REX.”. This medallion is extremely striking and beautiful. I don’t know what the purpose of the award would have been, but I’m sure that the Kaiser limited the amount of awards given out in this extreme caliber. This was an expensive item, even when new! Taking the award out of the case, is interesting to note, that the same cipher embossing which appears on the leather case top, has been engraved into the reverse. It features a detailed Imperial crown over the cipher, “W”, over the Roman numeral, “II”. This is definitely an award given by the Kaiser himself. It would be very interesting to learn the purpose of this award. Unfortunately, I do not know, but I do know that whoever received it must have done something that the Kaiser really liked. This is a great opportunity to acquire a stand out piece to really show off your Imperial collection or highlight your Imperial swords. Highest quality item here. Very, very elegant and tasteful.

    Near Mint. $2,495.00
    
    

23. SPO #15338 18TH CENTURY GERMAN HUNTING CUTLASS WITH IVORY GRIP AND SKINNER

     I am sure this Hunting Cutlass should be in a museum. This cutlass surfaced about five years ago in central Pennsylvania. I was lucky enough to acquire it at a MAX show. I have had it for a number of years now, but it is time to pass it on for others to enjoy. The grip of this hunting cutlass is absolutely outstanding and representative of the best carved ivory art of the period. The grip is fashioned of solid ivory. The grip has raised out carved hunting figures throughout each of its five surfaces. The obverse surface features an oak tree on the outer edge. There are two large stags and a resting doe shown in the clearing next to the tree. In the background can be seen some small hills and the steeple of a church within a nearby hamlet. The carved detail to these figures is phenomenal. The left edge shows a pointing dog in a forest scene tracking a large sneering boar. The boar looks very displease with the situation. The manner in which fir trees have been raised out and carved is a great art study. The reverse grip depicts what may be a hunting lodge at the left side, and then there are three deer in the center area, resting next to a stump. The large stag in the picture has a huge rack and great detail. There is a tree and fence next to this animal. The other edge depicts a hunter with his dog stalking a large buck. The backgrounds show hills and wood depictions. The pommel area, which is separated by a decoratively lined silver rim, features a resting stag. The stag is resting on leaves and there are lined designs in the background. I can not emphasize the great work demonstrated on these carvings. Despite some 250 years, the ivory does not show a lot of wear. The lower ferrule matches the silver piece separating the pommel from the grip. The crossguard has straight quillon ends, but has a curved design in the center. The guard is engraved with swirl-like designs. The guard is a black patinated silver. The snake-like designs have gilding applied to the backgrounds. The gilding either was never applied, or has been worn from the reverse of the crossguard, but it does have the same engraved designs. The upper arms of the crossguard have an engraved name that most likely belonged to the original owner. The engravings have white backgrounds, so that they may be read against the patinated blackness. I can not make out the names, but I can make out the word, “Fürst”. I know that this word represents an appointed prince in Germany. For instance, Bismark was ordained a “Fürst”, by Kaiser Wilhelm the First. The Kaiser, in effect, made a noble man out of someone who was not born with a title. This would indicate that this cutlass was owned by a very high ranking personage of the German aristocracy. There is a small clamshell device which is located beneath the center block of the obverse crossguard. This device is round and has sun like rays which go outward from the round beaded border. In the center is a beveled gold coin. The coin depicts a Maltese-like cross. In the center of the cross, is the depiction of Saint Hubertus kneeling before a stag with a cross between its horns. This sign, of course, has been used by German hunters for centuries. It is even used on the German liquor served in bars today known as, “Jagermeister”. Surrounding the Saint Hubertus depiction is the word, “KRAAR SOLN”. I could be wrong about what these letters are, but that’s what it looks like. Above the cross, is a royal crown. On either side of the crown is the date of this gold coin which is, “1750”. Below the cross are the initials, “AK”, which most likely are those of the man that designed the gold coin. The scabbard of this example measures about 15 ½-inches overall. It is a black leather shell which probably has wood beneath. The leather is still in fairly good condition and is sewn up the rear. This scabbard has mounts at the top and the bottom. The leather shell is more bulbous at the top as the upper mount is formed to accept a skinning knife which is still present. This skinner is approximately 7-inches in length. It has a short blade which is only about 3-inches in length and is very sharp. It was meant to do the skinning job not just look good. This blade is in fairly good condition, still retaining its brightness and having a false edge at the top. The blade is stamped with the word, ‘Riefling”. This would represent the manufacturer of this piece, I would think. The grip of the skinning knife is made with antler plates. They too, are in good shape but show some age. The upper mount itself, is a patinated steel example which has engraved designs matching those of the crossguard. The edges which meet the leather have serrated points. The lower mount also has matching decorative designs and the original gilded backgrounds still remain. This mount is scalloped, where it meets the scabbard shell. The blade of this example is 14 ½-inches in length. It shows sharpening and usage being a slab side example. It has no ricasso with a single edge. There is a false edge which comes backwards up the spine to about one-third of the way. This hunting cutlass was obviously meant to be both decorative as well as utilitarian. There are no visible etchings on the blade and it still remains nice and bright. It shows lots of age, but no abuse. This outstanding cutlass is quite impressive and could be the highlight of a hunting / forestry collection. I don’t know how items of this age surface today, or how they made it all these years, but here is your opportunity to really buy something nice for your hunting collection.

    Excellent Plus $4,995.00
    
    

24. SPO #22368 UNIQUE NUREMBERG 1929 BADGE OF HONOR WITH HITLER DEDICATION TO JULIUS STREICHER

    This non-portable award originally was issued in a leatherette case with velvet recessed bottom. The case is currently missing from this piece. The award is a "900" marked silver example. It is identical to the piece which is shown in the Forman III edition page 251, bottom. The non-portable Badge of Honor award was given to high ranking political and NSDAP leaders. The 1929 Nuremberg rallies were very important to Hitler. So much so, the pin which participants wore during this rally continued to be worn throughout the Third Reich period. The rallies prior to 1929 were not well attended, and this was the first time some one hundred thousand people took part. The rally included a patriotic ceremony for the dead of World War I and was also know for its number of violent clashes with Communists. It was the rally when German industrialists also realized that Hitler was a political factor to contend with and started donating money to the NSDAP. For these reasons, the 1929 rally was very important to Hitler's cause. This beautiful award measures approximately 3 ½-inches in length and 1 ½-inches in width. It is a shield shape. At the top of the award are the distinctive medieval castle structures which act as the logo for the city of Nuremberg. Below these, the name of the city is printed in large letters, "NÜRNBERG". Below this, a Stahlhelm style helmet is vaulted outward with a Prussian style eagle on the top. The bird grasps a wreathed swastika in its talons. Next to the bird are the dates, "1914", and, "1919 NSDAP". Below the helmet are the raised out purpose of the award, "Partei / Tag / 1929". The reverse of the award is stamped by the maker, "F. Hoffstätter / Bonn". Beneath this maker stamping is the hallmark of, "800", the silver content. But the best part of the award is yet to come! The reverse of the award has outstanding custom engraving which is almost enough to give the true collector the shivers of thrill. It is engraved, "Herrn / Stadtrat u. M.d.L. / Julius Streicher / in Würdigung / der Verdienste / um Nürnberg / herzlichst". The engraving is absolutely fantastic, done in the gothic manner, and following the width format of the badge borders. Beneath the professional engraving is the facsimile signature of, "Adolf Hitler". Roughly translated this inscription means, "To city leader Julius Streicher, in appreciation for heartfelt service in Nuremberg, Adolf Hitler". The initials, "Md. L." are an abbreviation of "Mitglied des Landtages," which means "Member of Parliament." Streicher was a member of the Bavarian Parliament from 1924 to 1932. (Info supplied by Bernd Thorborg). Most collectors may know that Streicher was directly responsible for bringing Hitler and the NSDAP to Nuremberg for their rallies. It was the perfect city for such occasions due to its medieval architecture, narrow streets and the fact that many railroads converged on Nuremberg from throughout Germany. Streicher also participated in the original 1923 Putch, standing next to Hitler during the famous march. Hitler, known for his unwavering loyalty throughout his life, never gave up on Streicher despite the repulsiveness of the man. Streicher was a publisher of a pornographic and anti-Semitic newspaper which Hitler read religiously, despite the fact that Streicher was universally hated by members of the Party. Streicher was a man who wanted to settle affairs first with violence, often taking pleasure in beating people in the presence of witnesses. He was a thoroughly obnoxious sadist who's sexual appetite bordered on the psychopathic. He once charged that Hermann Goring's daughter, Edda, was conceived by artificial insemination! Although, Hitler was forced to dismiss Streicher from Party posts, he never removed his title as Gauleiter and was loyal to him to the end. This Nuremberg Badge of Honor is a great example of how Hitler felt about Streicher. It is extremely rare to find any objects which are personally dedicated by the Führer. This item is absolutely guaranteed to be authentic and is one of the most important artifacts I have turned up in years! If I am able to find an appropriate case for this badge I will include it with its sale. A great opportunity for an advanced collector to acquire something really great for his collection! Special thanks to Bernd Thorborg for his contribution to this description.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $9,995.00
    
    

25. SPO #17196 MINERS BLUE AND GILD DRESS HAMMER WITH DEDICATION - J.A. Henckel

    This Miner’s dress hammer was most likely presented to a coal miner upon his retirement, or possibly an anniversary year. The hammer has a head which measures approximately six and one-quarter inches across. This head is a steel base, which has been nickel plated, and then gilded. The one side of the hammer has a standard flat end snout, and the opposite end comes to a point, which would have been used for picking into stone. Each of these extending arms has been decorated with double rows of gilt and blue oak leafing. This oak leafing is quite beautiful, featuring sporadic acorns. The leaves have all been enhanced with hand-done veining. The surfaces have had a pebbling applied to bring about relief. The gold is highlighted by beautiful blue lined backgrounds and marked lines of gilt. Nice work here! The flat end of the hammer is decorated with a raised out, “E”. The letter has a blued background and the border around it has little decorative circles. These are the kind of decorations we often see applied to areas of carrying bands, to cover casting flaws. The center block of the hammer is almost square, but is slightly thinner on the bottom area. The obverse center block is decorated with oak leaves and acorns, which are bordered by the little circular effects. The center of this block has a set of crossed miners’ hammers. The slogan for miners appears on either side of the hammers “Glück Auf!” This motto means “Good Luck” which seems to be a properly applied motto for an organization having the risk of coal miners. The other side of the center block is done in the same manner with blued backgrounds, gilded border lines and more of the little circles. It has a raised out four line expression or dedication which in German is “WO KUOLEN LIFGET/UN EKEL’L WASST/DO WASST OK LÜ/DE DCBI BASST”. I do not know what this dedication means, but it may be a slogan which applies to mining organizations. It is very interesting to note that, below the hammering end of this device, on the side of the center block, is the logo of the J.A. Henckel firm, being the twins. The twins logo is in blue, and the area around it, is gilded. This hammer shows a little bit of wear and some minor age here and there, but, overall, it is still all there, and is a great looking artifact. The handle itself is made out of a type of hardwood. It is a brown color and appears to be teak or some other type of hard wood. This is a great item to accent a beautiful Miner’s Sword, or something to start a collection around. A beautiful, one-of-a-kind item.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $2,495.00
    
    

26. SPO #25440 2ND MODEL LUFTWAFFE WITH IVORY GRIP AND DOUBLE-ETCH BLADE - Emil Voos

    This Second Model Luftwaffe is the classic Voos, with Ivory Grip and Double-Etched Blade. These daggers are an absolute “must”, for any advanced collector, or for those who just want to have something beautiful to look at, and always have a steady rising investment. These daggers, I believe, are the highlight of any interesting collection. This example is just as beautiful, if not more so, than the piece I show in color, in my Luftwaffe book, on page 167. The hilt fittings are the generic variety. They have received a heavy silver plating, and therefore, are a near black color, being brighter on the high points. The pommel is the same as page 167, except the silver plating has given it much more depth. The crossguard is also identical, having the same black recesses. The pommel has the pebbled background style leafing, and both swastikas are nicely raised out. The crossguard displays the bird flying to the viewer’s left. The top of his wings are cantilevered over, slightly. This bird shows no wear, and has great detail to his beak, brow, eye, breast feathering, talons, wing feathering, and clutched swastika. The reverse of the bird has the large pebble pattern design in the panel. It is identical to the example shown on page 166, by Tiger. The pommel has all of the silvering still intact, whereas there is one minor flake to the lower quillon arm, beneath the bird depiction. This flake does not show at all while viewing the upper areas. This crossguard is the style having the cast-in-oak leaves at the upper quillon arms. These oak leaf and acorn designs are the same as is shown on page 149, center. The ferrule is also the silver-plated version, exactly matching the other hilt mounts. Setting the richly patinated fittings off, is an outstanding ivory grip. This ivory has turned a golden color throughout, having beautiful grains running through every millimeter of this grip surface. There are attractive cracks, which run down both edges. It is a fantastic piece of ivory, being more beautiful, than page 167. There are no chips anywhere in this ivory, and it is tightly wrapped with the original “springy” grip wire. An outstanding, beautiful hilt here! The scabbard is a very choice airplane gray-style, having 100% coating. This full mint scabbard could not be any nicer. It has crisp pebbling to all of the panels, and the bands are also totally perfect. These bands are the generic type. The throat is an unplated style, and it is thin, being retained by two flush-mount side screws. A beautiful scabbard here, which is accompanied with a great set of hanging straps. These hangers have perfect blue/purple brocade fronts, and the velvet backs show no wear whatsoever. These straps are equipped with the deluxe fittings, having the raised-out oak leafing to the snap clip, the rectangular buckles, the slides, and also to the push-up style, oak leafed snap clips. The straps are retained by fold-over metal tabs, which are riveted to the brocade. These tabs are both, “DLGM” marked, as well as having stamped-in oak leaf and acorn decoration. There is also some golden hues to the metal parts throughout these hangers, which most likely is caused by old lacquer coating. Beautiful straps here, matching a beautiful dagger. These straps are the same as is shown, second from the top, on page 329. But the best part of these Voos daggers has to be the blade. This example is, in a word, “magnificent”. The nickel plating is 100% throughout, to include even the tip area. The tip also remains needle-like. This nickel plating is double etched, with both sides having 100% frosted background. This frosting really sets off the raised-out, floral arabesque, patterns. Just beautiful! The center obverse area features a Luftwaffe eagle, flying to the right, clutching a mobile swastika. Beneath each wing, is a sprig of laurel leaves. The reverse is all arabesque floral design, and the blade etch is the style which ends with no dots. This blade etch appears on Pages 236 and 237. The Voos blade typically has short shoulders below the tang. This example does also but, fortunately there is no slippage of the grip, something we frequently see on these ivory gripped examples. The reverse ricasso is etched with the familiar trademark. It consists of an oval, which inside, has the snake-around-stump logo. The snake is flicking his tongue. Around the inside of the oval perimeter is the firm’s name and location block-lettered, “Emil Voos Solingen”. The original pebbled brown leather washer is in place. This is a full mint example of investment quality condition. One of the best Voos’ I have handled over the years.

    Mint. $11,995.00
    
    

27. SPO #25585 SPECIAL GILT BRASS PEENED LINK HANGING STRAPS OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN

    This set of original period hanging straps is most unusual and could have been worn possibly with some sort of a Naval dagger or even with a First Model Luftwaffe. I do not know the origin of these straps, but they are so well made, they must have been designated for a very special dagger. The chain links are similar to gorget links, except they are much better made. Each link has a peened surface made of brass, and there is a wire device attaching the links to each other. There are 26 brass links at the long strap, and 20 links at the shorter strap. The overall length at the longest strap is approximately 9.5 inches. At the bottom are heavy-duty special brass snaps which are the exact width of the peened links. The upper catch is quite beautiful, being made of brass hardware, which has an applied, double laurel leaf being around a Luftwaffe style, sun wheel swastika. This sun wheel swastika is the same medallion as would have been used in the pommel of an early Fist Model Luftwaffe example. Above the sun wheel swastika is a closed bracket for connecting to a snap clip. In our pictured illustration, I have placed this set of hangers with a peened scabbard Navy dagger as well as with a First Model Luftwaffe. You can make the judgment as to which piece you think these should be worn with, or if they, in fact, were made for something completely different. I do not know, but I absolutely 100% guarantee these hanging straps to be of the period. A great chance to acquire something really different for your collection. These hangers are of highest quality and were produced by a jeweler/craftsman.

    Near Mint. $1,995.00
    
    

28. SPO #27173C ARMY OFFICER PERSONALIZED TO A BARON - WKC

    This Army officer is an outstanding example having all black patination. It is a fine-conditioned dagger having textbook WKC mounts and scabbard. These mounts are identical to the example I show in my Army book on Pages 63, left and 64, left. The cross guard is identical to Page 66. The mounts have all silvering intact. The pommel depicts the 12 standing oak leaves around its perimeter. These leaves are in excellent condition, having black backgrounding. The rim of this pommel shows some minor hand wear, but no hits or flaws to its edges. The top has just a little bit of age under the plating, but the plating itself is intact. The pommel is darker in the recessed areas and lighter at the curvature of the top. This makes for a nice effect. The cross guard is black throughout, having slightly lighter features at the highest points. The cross guard features the “hatchet beaked” eagle typical of WKC. This eagle has great detail to his eye, checkered breast feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised out swastika. The depiction is as good as you will ever see. The ferrule above is also the same as is shown on Page 64. The interesting part about this dagger, though, is on the reverse cross guard and we will get to that later on in the description. The grip of this example is a dark pumpkin orange color. It is perfect throughout, maybe being just the slightest bit darker on the obverse than the reverse. The hilt also has a fine original bullion portepee. This portepee remains in the Army tie and is the style that has the slide built into the stem. This portepee shows no fraying and is in mint condition. The WKC scabbard shows the same band design as Page 64. The pebble patterns are also crisp. The edges of this fine scabbard have much of the original silver frosting clinging beneath the lacquer. This is always a welcome site to collectors! The throat is a fairly thick variety and it is retained in the WKC fashion with one flathead side screw at the right. This scabbard is in full mint condition. The blade is also a beauty. It is completely mirror bright, having 100% of the cross graining. Its tip is needlelike. You will not see a finer blade. The reverse of this blade is etched with the knight head trademark which is positioned above the firm’s initials and location “WKC Solingen”. The blade has been protected by the in-place large size brown leather buffer. Now, to the real meat of this otherwise mint dagger! Affixed most likely with solder to the reverse of the cross guard is a silvered oval disc. This disc has the personalization of its original wearer. It features a most complicated design of a 9-prong German crown. The crown is positioned above an elaborate capital letter “L”. The engravings of this personalization are the best you will see. It is amazing that such high detail could be inserted in such a small area. Beautiful indeed. It is up to the next owner of this dagger to determine who this Baron “L” was. Chances are, the last name would surely be Leopold, but not being a genetic researcher, I do not know. What I do know, though, is that an engraving of this quality has to indicate an original owner of some importance. An absolute stunner here regarding the dagger as well as the personalization. I wish the next owner lots of luck with figuring out the puzzle.

    Mint. $2,495.00 (#052708)
    
    

29. SPO #26064C ARMY OFFICER DAGGER PRESENTED TO AFRIKA KORPS PANZER COMMANDER OBERST JOHANN MICKL - PD Luneschloss

    This Army Officer’s dagger has all-silvered fittings and they are the generic “B” variety, being identical to the style I show in my Army book on Page 99. The pommel is the usual type we see with the “B” generic cross guard, being the style with threaded stem inside, and having 14 leaves running around its perimeter. The cross guard eagle is an extremely good-looking example, having noble head, excellent breast and wing feathering, fine detail to the wreath and a highly-vaulted swastika. The grip is a beautiful egg-yolk yellow type, being in perfect condition. There is a 42 cm portepee in the proper tie wrapped about the hilt. The scabbard is a standard generic variety being identical to Page 120. The blade of this example is in pristine, mint condition, having the standard sword-piercing-helmet, double ellipse trademark, used by the P.D. Lüneschlöss firm. However, all of this is of little consequence, as it is the presentation appearing between the scabbard bands on the reverse that is of astounding nature. It is interesting to note the engraver removed the pebbled surfaces of the paneled area between the bands so that the four-line engraving could be easily read. This engraved dedication is “UNSEREM KOMANDEUR/OBERST J.MICKL HERZLICHEN/GLÜCKWUNSCH ZUM RITTERKREUZ/DIE STOLZEN 155 er”. This dedication basically translates to “TO OUR COMMANDER COLONEL J. MICKL WITH HEARTFELT BEST WISHES ON THE KNIGHT’S CROSS AWARD FROM THE PROUD 155 er”. Oberst Mickl was one of Rommel’s Panzer commanders and was instrumental in Rommel’s fight against Tobruk in North Africa. He won the Knight’s Cross for his outstanding leadership, and as the Allies were soon to learn, Rommel and his Panzer generals were huge adversaries despite their smaller numbers. Mickl went on to win the oak leaves for operations in Russia on 6 Marz 1943. At that time, he was the commander of the 25th Panzer Greniedere regiment. He was later killed on 10 April 1945, while commanding the 392nd Croatian Infantry division. At that time, he had been promoted to General Leutnant and had been wounded five times. This dagger was owned by one of the great German Panzer commanders who, to this day, were responsible for the reputation which will live on through history of these fantastic trained troops. He was a career officer, having served in both wars. This is a grand opportunity to own a dagger in which a whole display could be built around. This dagger comes with a large dossier detailing Mickl’s career. It is a wonderful artifact and would make even the most advanced collectors in our community smile. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!

    Mint Minus. $9,995.00
    
    

30. SPO #27136C 2ND MODEL NAVAL WITH IVORY GRIP AND DAMASCUS BLADE

    This 2nd Model Naval Dagger really has everything. It is in top condition throughout, is equipped with genuine ivory grip, and has a most beautiful Damascus blade produced by Carl Wester. The dagger appears to have Hörster-style fittings throughout, to include the generic style scabbard that Hörster often used. The pommel and crossguard are the same as I show in my Navy book, on page 284, left. This pommel has good detail to the eagle looking to the viewer’s left. The breast feathering is crisp throughout, as are the talons holding the fine wreath. And inside, is an outstanding raised-out swastika. The crossguard is a nice matching example, having some center blocks featuring fouled anchors. The crossguard arms are rendered with fine acanthus leaves, and the quillon end buttons are nicely fluted. At the end of the quillons are long nipple extensions, typical of this maker. The gilt on these fittings appears to be about 90%. The grip as mentioned above, is an outstanding ivory. This ivory has been beautifully hand cut, and has a most appealing golden tone running throughout its surfaces. There is also varying grains and slightly lighter and darker shades, which capture the admiring eye. This grip is in totally perfect condition, and is tightly wrapped with twisted brass wire. An outstanding Naval grip here, which would bring a smile to even the most seasoned collectors out there. The hilt is equipped with an aluminum Naval style portepee. This portepee is nicely set in place in the wreath knot tie, and it has no fray. The lower insert is the cat’s anus style, we associate with Naval designated knots. An outstanding hilt here! The scabbard is a lightening bolt style, being straight as an arrow. This scabbard is the style that has the very large eyelets. These eyelets are equipped with triple serrated surfaces, and the bands are also a high-off-the-surface variety. If you are not familiar with this type of scabbard, it can be seen on the example on page 284, left. The lightening bolt designs, the ermine feet, and the acanthus leaves below, are also outstanding, being deeply cut into the brass surfaces. This scabbard also has about 90% of the original gilt. The throat is nicely overlapping all the way around, and it exactly meets up with the dimensions of the butt plate. This throat is retained by two domehead screws, which are in place, and appear unturned. The blade is a most beautiful hand forged Damascus. This Damascus almost appears to have combinations of a “band” pattern, as well as a “birds eye” pattern, mixed in. The result of the two patterns together is extremely inspiring, and most appealing. This blade is easily in mint condition with its needle-like tip and double fuller construction. I took a look of the tang of this example, and it was made by the Mastersmith, Carl Wester. This blade is stamped into the tang surfaces, “Echter Damascener C.W.”. The blade is buffered by a leather washer. This is one of the nicest daggers I have seen. If you are looking for an outstanding Naval to act as a highlight of your collection, this piece should easily fill the bill.

    Near Mint. $9,995.00
    
    

31. SPO #23091 SS GERMANIC RUNES OF LIFE NECKLACE

    This beautiful all-silver necklace was handmade by Karolina Gahr for members of the "NS-Frauenwarte", which was the National Socialists Women's Guard. I do not know how large of an organization this was, but I suspect there were very few members, and I also presume that this necklace may be unique. The same piece appears in the Don Boyle SS Ring Book, "SS Totenkopf Himmler Honor Ring 1933-1945". This necklace consists of a series of SS runic symbols which are positioned with silver borders which are triangular shaped. The runes depictions consist of many of the same symbols we see portrayed on SS Honor rings and other SS items pertaining to life, death and marriage. There are two birth runes; one on each end. These are in the shape of a "Y". There are also two death runes. These are in the shape of a "Y" with a line extended through the middle area of the letter. There are also two symbols which look almost like “figure eights”. Then there are two symbols which are the same asterisk-like form that we see on SS rings. The runic symbol in the center (in which there is only one) is a floating sunwheel swastika. These runic symbols are unmistakable as being part of SS mystique. They are completely black patinated and have never been cleaned, nor has the accompanying chain. Each runic symbol is separated by two silver, bead-like devices. The life symbol at the right end of the necklace is hallmarked on the back, "K. Gahr München". Stamped above the maker name is the silver content mark, "835". This necklace is a very important SS item. For those who do not know the Gahr jeweler family - they were the personal friends of Adolf Hitler and produced many of the original Nazi Party artifacts which were used so successfully during Hitler's campaign to power. In fact, the Gahr family made the original Deutschland Erwacht eagle standartes- with-wreathed-swastika which were used as pole tops for the Party Standartes. Additionally, they produced the SS Honor rings, and also made the silver parts and fittings for the SS Honor chain daggers, as well as the silver hilts for the Himmler damascus Birthday Presentation degens. This family were expert craftsman and the beauty of their work is well known. I believe this necklace to be an important SS artifact and also feel it would make a great addition to any serious advanced SS collection. It is unconditionally guaranteed as to authenticity. This necklace originally comes from the Don Boyle collection.

    Uncleaned. Near Mint. $21,995.00