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FIELD MARSHALL SERIES AND OTHER EICKHORN SWORDS

REGARDING THE BELOW SWORDS - Swords in general, are beginning to escalate as the availability of Dress Daggers gets tougher. Although the prices of swords are still relatively cheap, this is changing drastically with the introduction of LTC (Ret.) Jack Angolia's new sword book. The Angolia Book, "Swords of Germany 1900/1945" is available at the back of this catalog.

SWDSFMEK - 005 - 26609 - ROON PATTERN - CARL EICKHORN

This Roon pattern sword is about as nice as you will ever see. It is identical to the example that is shown on Page 80 of the Angolia sword book. This hilt is fashioned of quality brass base metal. Nearly all of the original fire gilded surfaces remain throughout. The sword is really a good looker! The hilt on the Roon model is embellished with engraved-in oak leaves as opposed to the raised out type seen on most examples. The oak leaf engraving is extremely deep and has much hand-enhancing, including pebbled surfaces applied over the leaves. This tends to give them a more muted effect against the bright fire gilt of the unembellished areas. Really looks good! The lower portion of the sword containing the cross guard and quillon end has stamped-in acorns which have beautifully checkered caps. The ferrule is also a nicely done item having engraved oak leaves with more pebbling. The langet of this Field Marshall pattern features a closed-wing Wehrmacht eagle. This eagle looks to the viewer’s left. He has fantastic detail to his beak, eye, and feathering throughout, and also to the plain mobile swastika, which he clutches. The grip is a celluloid over wood. The black celluloid is in perfect condition and is tightly wrapped with triple aluminum wire, the center being twisted. This particular Eickhorn pattern was not stamped on the bottom of the hilt like others were. The scabbard of this piece is straight throughout. It is nice and bright with good, original black paint. It shows some minor scuffs here and there, but, overall, the paint is at least 95% and is in excellent plus plus to near mint condition. The blade of this Roon sword is as nice as they come. It is 34 inches in length and reflects outstanding nickel plated surfaces. This blade is in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the 1935-41 squirrel trademark. The original leather blade washer is in place. A fine Roon pattern here and a difficult sword to find anymore, especially in this condition.
Mint Minus. $1,095.00

SWDSFMEK - 009 - 25884 – “WranglePattern by Carl Eickhorn

The “Wrangle” pattern Field Marshall sword was quite popular with Army officers, and we see quite a few of these. It is a dovehead style sword, and it is identical to the example shown on page 77, upper left, of the Angolia book. This example is a heavy quality piece, having a hilt of solid brass. The brass is nicely gilded, and appears to have about 95% of the original gilded finish throughout. This dovehead sword has a motif of oak leaf sprigs throughout. This includes a large single leaf at the pommel top, and the back strap has flowing leaves, which also extend into the grip tabs. The “P” guard also has oak leaves, as does the ferrule. The crossguard area features an art deco-style, open winged Army eagle. This eagle has good detail to his head and breast feathering, and his claws are clutching a wreathed, raised-out, mobile swastika. On either side of the wreath are additional oak leaves. The lower portion of the hilt is patent pending stamped, “Ges.Geschutzt”. The grip is a fine black celluloid material, over a carved wood base. This grip is triple wrapped with brass twisted wire, the center being slightly larger. Fine hilt here! The blade is a mirror finished, high quality nickel, example. It measures 30 ½ niches, and is easily in full mint condition. This is one of the brightest blades you will see! The reverse ricasso of this mint blade is stamped with the Eickhorn trademark, used from 1935 through 1941. The scabbard, which accompanies the sword, is nice and straight throughout. This scabbard has been repainted at some time in the past, and it currently reflects a fine 100% matte finish, black paint job. This paint does not detract from the sword, as I would much rather see a nicely painted sword scabbard, than one which was all scratched up, and I’m sure you collectors would agree. This is a fine overall example and would make a nice addition to any Field Marshall sword collection.
Excellent, Plus $695.00

SWDSFMEK - 010 - 25730 - FREIHERR VON STEIN PATTERN

This Freiherr Von Stein pattern is about as nice as they come. It features a solid brass base with beautiful gilded finish. The gilding covers almost all of the hilt, with only the very high spots lacking. The detail is extraordinary throughout the sword having the raised designs identical to the example shown in the Angolia book on Page 79, center. The Von Stein sword features raised out oak leaves and acorns which run from the top of the dove head pommel down the back strap, into the two side tabs, and continue all the way down, picking up once again in the ferrule design. There are also oak leaves and acorns raised out of the “P” guard design. The cross guard area has just simply decoration and ends in a quillon of swirls. The langet features a closed-wing Wehrmacht eagle. This eagle is nicely detailed with his half-closed wings and talons which clutch an unencumbered mobile swastika. The area beneath is marked “Ges. Gesch”, indicating there was a patent pending on this design. The black celluloid-over-wood grip is shiny and in perfect condition. This grip is wrapped with triple aluminum wire, the center being twisted . The scabbard is as nice as the hilt. The scabbard is dent-free and has outstanding original, bright black paint. This black paint still has its factory shine and other than a few chips here and there caused by natural wear, it is still in mint condition. It is unusual to see a sword scabbard in this fine of a preserved state. The blade is a 33.5 inch long example. It has been quality nickel plated and retains its nice, mint finish. The blade is marked on the reverse with the 1935-41 squirrel trademark. The original leather washer is in place. This is a very fine Field Marshall series Von Stein.
Near Mint. $995.00

SWDSFMEK - 012 - 25377 - NAVAL SABER MODEL NO. 1670 - No Maker (Carl Eickhorn)

This Naval saber is of all-brass construction and most likely was produced during the Weimar period after the first war. The sword is the standard Eickhorn model no. 1670, despite the fact that it is not marked. The sword may have been made on a contract basis for the Navy, thus the reason for no producer markings. The hilt of this example has a fine, highly detailed lion head, being the type with no glass eyes. This sword has not been cleaned in many years, but it is easy to see that there is still quite a bit of gilded finish which remains beneath the old patination. This lion has fine details to his whiskers, eyebrows and flowing mane which continues throughout the entire back strap. There is lots of hand-enhancing rendered to these depictions. The “D” guard has the typical naval designs and there is random pebbling in the center areas. The obverse clam shell is the type which folds. This clam shell depicts a vertically positioned fouled anchor which is in relief. The detail to the anchor is exceptional and in the backgrounds is also random pebbling. The edge of the clam shell is rendered in crashing waves and, at the lower portion, has a series of seaplant-like floral devices. The ferrule for this piece depicts oak leaves and acorns. The grip is an off-white celluloid type which has turned a golden color. This grip remains in perfect condition throughout, being celluloid over a wood base. The grip is tightly wrapped with triple twisted gilded brass wire, the center being just slightly larger for contrast. The reverse of the hilt also has a folding guard with hole. This acts as a blade lock when positioned over the male prong on the upper reverse scabbard fitting. Highlighting the beautiful design is an original silver buillon sword portepee. This portepee has patinated over the years and has a choice gold tone throughout. It is wrapped in about eight loops which begin at the lion’s mouth and go downward to about the halfway point of the “D” guard. The remainder is about eight inches of cord, which hangs down with a “v” design stem and a yarnlike buillon ball with buillon stuffing. There is little to no wear on this portepee, just nice age. An outstanding hilt here, which would really clean up if someone so desired. The scabbard shell consists of a black leather. This shell has the traditional decorative lines on the edges of the obverse and reverse and it is sewn up the rear. The shell has brass scabbard mounts which are chiseled in the traditional Naval designs. These mouths are retained by staples in the normal way and the number beneath, “19", is visible in some instances beneath the staple. The leather shows some mild age, but, basically, it is still sound and would clean up nicely. It is interesting to note that this sword has both property and vintage markings. The upper portion of the reverse scabbard is stamped “N.92.”. This matches the stamping which appears on the folding blade lock. This would indicate that this sword comes from the “Nordsee” harbor which would be that of Wilhelmshaven. In addition to these property stampings, the Naval vintage markings appear stamped into the blade and into the lower chape area of the scabbard fitting. This stamping is a “M” appearing over an anchor. The stampings are identical to those which I show in my Navy book on Page 482. This stamping indicates that this sword was produced for officers beginning around 1921. This is a very historical example, as the German navy at that time was extremely small and limited, due to the restrictions of the Versailles Treaty. The design of the hilt can be seen on Page 485 of my Navy book. This design was retained right through the Kreig’s Marine period, as evidenced by the same design being shown in my book on Pages 489 and 490. The curved blade of this saber is a fine example, being the style having quillback end. The blade is finished with a high-quality nickel plating and remains in full mint condition. It is a plain blade, as one would expect, given the fact that it has property markings. The off-red felt buffer has protected it nicely, as this blade easily grades in near full mint condition. The blade stamping on this saber can also be seen in the outstanding German naval sword book by Klaus and Dirk Stefanski on Page 139, upper left. A very interesting sword for the ardent Naval collector here, and a good one to add to any collection if you are just looking for an interesting piece. Excellent Plus Plus. $1,995.00

SWDSFMEK - 013 - TRIPLE-ETCHED LIONHEAD CAVALRY MOTIF SABER - Carl Eickhorn.

This example was probably produced about 1928 or 1929. It was made right before the 3rd Reich came to power, but surely it was carried during Hitler's time. The hilt is an all-brass variety, having fine original gilded finish. The gilding appears to be nearly all there, just showing wear on the prominent positions. The lionhead pommel is a beauty, having all kinds of hand enhancing evident throughout the cat's whiskers, chin, brow and upper mane. This feline was not fit with glass eyes, having only factory hand-done "dots" to see the world through. Looks good, though. The lion's mane ends abruptly on the backstrap, turning into a smoothed area, where a diamond-like floral trimmed design picks up. The diamond and floral trim motif is also raised out on the "P" guard, with more plain areas at the lower portion. This sword hilt is the Eickhorn Model Nr. 1324. It can be seen in the Angolia Sword Book, Page 76. A tasteful hilt here, without the usual almost buffoon appeal some of these designs purveyed. The quillon ends with another lionhead, albeit a small example, however, highly hand enhanced also. The langet features a set of crossed sabers. The swords are wreathed by floraling and there are some pebbled areas in the background. The grip is a black celluloid over wood base. The celluloid is in perfect condition. The grip is beautifully wire wrapped with triple twisted silvered wire, the center being slightly larger. The scabbard is straight throughout. It looks like it could be an old professionally done repaint. The paint is still excellent, having good brightness and covering at 98%. It is very interesting to note that at the places on the shell where the paint is scratched or missing, the finish seems to be nickel-plated below. In fact, the throat itself has little paint, and is definitely a nickeled example. Might to fun to remove this paint, as I'll bet there is a super nickeled finish below - the worse that could happen would be the need for another paint job. If we acknowledge a nickeled surface below, it is also interesting to note that the scabbard is also equipped with two carrying rings. Over the years I have found scabbards which have had these characteristics (nickel finished scabbards with dual carrying rings) were often used for prize pieces won at shooting competitions and the like. Perhaps this is the derivation of this sword. It is also possible, Eickhorn was just using up existing materials, as the economic business climate at the time this sword was produced, was equivalent to needing buckets of money to buy a loaf of bread. The blade is an incredible triple etched variety, being the etch pattern Nr. 3237. There is a beautiful illustration of this etch appearing in the circa 1939 Kundendienst, indicating the etch was also available to officers of the 3rd Reich. This blade has further appeal in that it is the style blade of slightly larger proportion, being more substantial than the norm. The beautiful blade has a wider fuller, and fabulous nickel-plated surfaces. The bright nickeling contrasts beautifully with the 100% frosted backgrounds. The raised etch designs literally jump off this blade - gorgeous. The etch designs are a floraled arabesque, with each blade side having panels depicting various military themes. There are crossed cannons at the ricasso of both sides. Other panels depict clusters of weapons, standartes, helmets. drums, etc. Beautiful work here, and a great example to set out on a cradle on top of your TV and enjoy the blade view during commercials while watching CNN, CNBC, FOX News or even MTV - better put it away though, when Tony Soprano is on, as you don't want to be distracted by anything during the fastest hour on TV......you gotta love this show! This blade is in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with a small single ovaled squirrel having the initials, "CE", beneath the serrated tailed animal. This circa of this single oval trademark is thought to have been the late 1920's/early 1930s - just before the 3rd Reich. The good part about this, is you, the collector get to enjoy the same blade you would see on a 3rd Reich piece, but for about half of the price! This would easily be a $2500 sword, if the trademark were the small double oval squirrel. So, enjoy for cheap! Near Mint (17857) $1295.00


SWDSFMEK - 023 - "DERFFLINGER" PATTERN SWORD - Carl Eickhorn

This all brass high quality "Derfflinger" is a good looker. If you do not know what these swords look like you can see an example on page 82 of the Angolia Sword Book. This example still has bright highlights throughout and has a large percentage of the original gilding remaining. It looks to be at least 95%. The "Derfflinger" pattern features a series of raised dots which follow the border edges of the sword. The knuckle bow itself is a flat style. The beading goes around the langet which features a raised out Wehrmacht eagle clutching a swastika. The quillon is curled with the beading continuing throughout the design. The black celluloid grip is a beauty being in perfect condition and tightly wrapped with triple aluminum wire, the center being twisted. This is a good looking hilt here. The hilt is stamped below with the patent pending words, "Ges. Gesch.". The long quality blade is a 34-inch example. It has fine nickel-plated surfaces and is still in near full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the 1935-41 trademark. The scabbard is nice and straight and has an excellent paint job, which looks to have been done a number of years ago. This paint was done in the matte black finish but if you wanted to make it shinier it is just a matter of waxing it up. This scabbard is straight throughout and really compliments the overall look of this fairly scarce sword. These "Derfflingers" are highly collectible and getting difficult to find.
Excellent Plus, Plus (22650) $895.00

SWDSFMEK - 028 - "DERFFLINGER" PATTERN - Carl Eickhorn

This Derfflinger pattern sword is a fine solid brass example. It is of highest quality and has signs of the original gild still clinging throughout the recessed areas. There is about 50% of the original gild remaining. This sword design has a flat knucklebow and most of the areas feature a pebbled swirl design following the borders. This sword variety can be seen on page 82, upper, of the Angolia Sword Book. The swirl designs appear throughout the pommel, backstrap, "D" guard and the crossguard and quillon. The langet features a typical Wehrmacht closed winged raised eagle clutching a swastika. The grip is a standard black celluloid type still in perfect condition. This grip is tightly wrapped with triple-twisted brass wire, the center wire being slightly larger. The underside of this hilt is marked with the patent pending stamping, "Ges. Gesch.". The scabbard is completely straight. This fine scabbard also has good original black paint. This black paint shows a little minor age and wearing time, but overall, it is still near 100% and looks great. The 32-inch blade is a good bright example featuring quality nickel plating. It has just a few slight nicks around the center, but they are not bad, and are hard to see. Otherwise, this blade is in near full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the 1935-41 logo and the brown leather washer is in place. A good collectible example.
Excellent Plus, Plus (23792) $895.00

SWDSFMEK - 034 - 22150R - "FRIEHERR VON STEIN" FIELD MARSHALL SWORD - Carl Eickhorn

This fine "Von Stein" example has excellent gilded finish over aluminum base. The gilding throughout is just about at 100%. It is a good-looking hilt indeed. The "Von Stein" pattern was fairly popular with Army Officers and we therefore, see a good number of these. This example is identical to the one shown in the Angolia Sword Book on page 79, lower. The pommel and backstrap feature raised out oak leaf and acorn motif. The "P-guard" has the same. There is evidence of hand-enhancing to the veins of the leaves and there's a pebbled background throughout. The ferrule also has oak leaf and acorn motif around the perimeter. The crossguard has small circles which run throughout its length and it ends in a curl. There is a nice floral treatment at the upper part of the quillon. The langet features a closed winged Wehrmacht eagle which clutches a swastika. This bird has outstanding detail throughout. Around the area on either side of his head are some fine accent lines. The celluloid grip is in perfect condition. This grip is tightly wrapped with triple aluminum wire, the center being twisted. The hilt is stamped underneath, "Ges. Gesch.", indicating Eickhorn has applied for a patent on this design. The 33 ½-inch long blade is a beauty. It is mirror bright throughout having outstanding nickel-plated finish. This blade is in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the 1935-41 squirrel trademark. The brown leather blade washer is in place. The scabbard is nice and straight throughout and has good original black paint. The paint has spidering mostly throughout the finish but none is missing and it still has good luster. It does not really detract from the sword. This is a good example.
Near Mint (22150) $750.00

SWDSFMEK - 036 - 22190R - "FREIHERR VON STEIN" FIELD MARSHALL - Carl Eickhorn

This "Freiherr von Stein" model is a very fine early example being produced in solid brass with good gilded finish. The gilding looks to be approximately 90% throughout this hilt. The "von Stein" pattern is a dove head example having raised out oak leaves and acorns which extend throughout the pommel, backstrap, "P-guard" and ferrule. The crossguard presents a raised out Wehrmacht closed winged eagle which clutches a swastika. The detail is outstanding to this eagle. This sword is stamped on the lower hilt, "Ges. Gesch.". The celluloid grip is in excellent condition throughout and it is wrapped with early triple brass twisted wire. The center wire is slightly larger for contrast. The blade is a 30 ½-inch long example having fine bright nickel plating. This blade has an outstanding finish showing only the most modest signs of any age, but still rating at close to near full mint. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the 1935-41 squirrel logo. The brown leather washer is in place. The accompanying scabbard is nice and straight having really fine original black paint. This paint is easily in near full mint condition and adds greatly to the looks of this fine conditioned sword.
Near Mint (22190) $895.00

SWDSFMEK - 037 - 26945C - PRINZ EUGEN PATTERN - CARL EICKHORN

This Prinz Eugen pattern is a much better conditioned sword than we normally see, as it truly has most of the original gilded finish intact. For those not familiar with the Prinz Eugen pattern, it can be seen on Page 82, lower, of the Angolia sword book. The hilts of the Prinz Eugen were made of a white metal, so, after they were gilded, it gives them a rather odd look. The gold metal actually has a bit of a greenish tinge to it. This piece literally has about 95% of the original gilt. This is rare to see on this pattern, as the gilding easily wore off of the white metal finish. The only places where there is base metal showing is the top back strap area, the cross guard quillon area, the “p” guard edges and also a little at the reverse langet. These areas, though, are only worn at the high points. The rest of the gilt is really good and is a real pleasure to gaze upon. The Prinz Eugen pattern features two eagle and swastika designs, making it very popular with collectors. The top pommel area features a closed-winged Wehrmacht eagle which is highly detailed throughout and clutches a mobile, raised out swastika in its talons. At the cross guard is an open-winged eagle, which also has outstanding detail throughout its head, breast feathering, wing feathering, large wreath and raised out mobile swastika. The back strap is relatively plain, just having large leaves at the two center tab areas and also at the lower area where it goes into the ferrule. The ferrule is also a simple design, having half plain and half the area with raised leaves. The “p” guard only has two leaves, and these are in the center area with the rest being left plain. The reverse langet is also plain. These contrasts of smooth finish with raised floral devices really adds some zing to the look of this piece. The grip is the standard black celluloid over a wood base. This grip is in perfect condition. It is triple-wrapped with brass wire, the center being twisted for further effect. The scabbard of this example is also a fine one. It is straight throughout and has outstanding original black paint. This paint only shows a couple of normal wearing signs, but still easily rates at 99%. The original luster is still in its finish and, with a little cleaning, this scabbard would easily come up to near full mint. The choice blade is a 32-inch example. This blade has highest quality nickel plated finish and is easily in a full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the 1935-41 Eickhorn squirrel which features the animal holding a downward pointing sword. The original reddish color leather washer is also in place. This is about as nice of a Prinz Eugen as you are likely to see today. It will go very nicely in a Field Marshall collection. Near Mint. $1,695.00

SWDSFMEK - 038 - 26801 - WRANGLE PATTERN - CARL EICKHORN

This Wrangle pattern Field Marshall sword is in very choice condition. It is the style with aluminum base metal, however, it has outstanding gilded finish. There are only a couple of places where the gilt is beginning to thin and in these areas, it is easy to see that the base metal was flashed with copper, resulting in this fine finish still being there. The gilt on this example is about 99%. The Wrangle pattern was a popular offering with German Army Officers and we see it quite a bit. We do not see many really nice examples, however! The Wrangle pattern can be seen on Page 77 of the Angolia book at the top left. The design features raised out oak leaf and acorn work being positioned throughout the dove head hilt. The back strap has beautiful oak leaf designs, as does the “p” guard. The ferrule continues in the same manner. The cross guard presents an interesting raised out art-deco eagle. This eagle looks to the viewer’s left and has straight style wings. The breast feathering, wreath and raised out mobile swastika have outstanding detail. The reverse langet has an oval design which would have been suitable for the owner’s monogram. The plain oval is surrounded by oak leaves and acorns. Beneath the sword, it is stamped “ges. gesch.”. This stamping means that a patent had been applied for the design of this sword. The grip is a choice black celluloid over wood. This celluloid is in perfect condition and still has a fine shine to its finish. The celluloid is tightly wrapped with triple aluminum wire, the center being twisted. The scabbard of this example is as nice as you will see. It has 100% of the original factory paint which still remains nice and bright, having its original shine. There is only the most minor amounts of spidering in the paint, but, if anything, it just gives a “realness” to this scabbard. This scabbard paint is easily in near full mint condition. As we would hope, the blade of this sword is also a choice example. It measures an extremely long 34½ inches. This blade has been plated with highest quality nickel and it remains in full mint, mirror condition. The beautiful blade is maker marked with the 1935-41 stamped Eickhorn squirrel design. The original, new-like leather washer is in place. An outstanding Wrangle pattern here, just waiting to be added to your Field Marshall collection. Mint Minus. $1,295.00

SWDSFMEK - 039 -27213 - “SCHARNHORST” PATTERN WITH DEDICATION - CARL EICKHORN

This Scharnhorst example is in outstanding condition throughout. It is an aluminum base, having outstanding gilt covering. The gilt shows only the most minor of age, but is nearly 100% throughout. The Scharnhorst pattern was quite popular with German army officers and for the same reasons, collectors also like its looks. If you are not familiar with it, a Scharnhorst can be seen in the Angolia sword book on Page 78, lower. This example has a panther head at the pommel top. The cat has a look of a lioness to me. It is somehow fierce from the side but, from the front view, has a quite kind expression on its face. The whiskers around the mouth, brow and lower jaw area have been hand enhanced. This feline is equipped with faceted pink/purple color eyes. The mane does not go outward like that of a lion and it runs nicely down the partial back strap. It turns into a sprig of oak leaves which continue throughout the back strap as well as the center grip tabs. The details to these oak leaves and acorns are hand-enhanced. The “p” guard has the same motif of oak leaves and acorns. This is true also of the ferrule design. The langet on the obverse features a Wehrmacht style eagle. This closed-wing eagle looks to the viewer’s left and clutches a mobile swastika. The langet on the reverse has been engraved with a six-line dedication. The engraving is so small and precise, it is necessary to look through a loupe to read it. It is always amazing to me to witness the skill of these period engravers. It is unimaginable to me how something so small could have been done with this outstanding workmanship. The dedication is all done in capital letters. It reads as follows: “DEM/HAUPTFLTW./WIEGENSTEIN/DAS/OFFZKORPS/F.L.35". It seems to me that the dedication was made to a Feldwebel by the name of “Wiegenstein”. There is probably enough here to do a research project, but, if not, it is really something nice just to show the skill of German engravers coupled with a fine-conditioned German officer’s Scharnhorst sword. The grip is a fine example, being a wood base and having a black celluloid coating. The celluloid is perfect throughout, having a fine sheen. It is tightly wrapped with triple aluminum wire, the center being twisted. The lower part of the sword is stamped with the patent pending words “Ges. Gesch.” The scabbard is straight throughout and has good original black paint. This paint shows a few signs of carrying, but it is not bad and grades at about 98%. The paint also has its original luster in the surfaces and would clean up nicely with a little bit of car wax. The 33-inch long blade is a choice, mint example. The finish is completely mirror, reflecting highest quality nickel plated surfaces. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the 1935-41 squirrel trademark. The original leather washer is in place. It is quite rare to encounter swords with dedications, and this one has excellent condition to go with it. A good, collectible piece and an outstanding addition if you are assembling a Field Marshall collection. Near Mint. $1,495.00

SWDSFMEK - 040 -26124C - POSTAL PROTECTION LION HEAD - CARL EICKHORN

This is a most unusual lion head sword that apparently was used by a Postal official to wear with his dress uniform. The motif is the early Eickhorn lion head Model No. 1324. This lion head can be seen in the Angolia sword book on Page 76. The 1324 model is very distinguishable, as the lion head has a slight “slouch” to his posture. This cat almost looks like he is developing neck trouble to be reckoned with in future wars. At any rate, the detail throughout the head is absolutely outstanding. This sword is of solid brass construction, having fine gilded surfaces. The gilding is about 85% throughout this example. This cat has lots of hand enhancement throughout his features. The lower jaw, the whiskers, the brows and much of the mane shows a chiseler’s skill. The cat is fitted with large pink color faceted eyes. They really look terrific against the interesting designs of the feline features. The mane flows only a short way down the back strap where the area becomes plain. At the center portion where the side tabs enter the grip, there is a diamond shape surrounded with floral decorations. This could have been used for a monogram. The “p” guard has similar designs, also with a diamond shape in the center. The ferrule has a series of floral designs raised out. The cross guard area depicts a pair of crossed sabers exactly as in the Angolia book. This is indicative, of course, of a Calvary officer’s piece. However, there has been a golden Postal horn applied directly over the crossed Calvary design. The Postal horn has been riveted through and peened over on the inside of the langet. This is a very rare sword, being the first one that I have seen. Many times, the blade producers would not find it practical to make a sword for a one off order, so it was easy to merely alter existing inventory to suit the need of the purchaser. This is the case here. The grip of this example is a wood base and it is covered with a fine black celluloid still being in perfect condition. The celluloid is tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire, the center being slightly larger. An outstanding hilt here and a very rare original design. The scabbard of this example is also in good condition. There is one tiny ding near the bottom of the obverse and a little bit in the same area in the reverse, but they are extremely minor and not noticeable. Other than this, the original scabbard paint is in nice condition and rates at about 99%. This paint still has its original luster and would come up nicely if someone wanted to take some car wax to it. The Postal official that carried this saber was no small man. The blade measures an incredible 35 inches in length. It is also a larger proportioned style blade and is extremely substantial. This beautiful blade has a high quality nickel plated surface. It is mirror bright and remains in complete mint condition. The ricasso is stamped with the double oval small trademark used by the Eickhorn firm from 1933-1935. The ovals trap the firm’s name “Carl Eickhorn Solingen” and inside is a seated squirrel. The original leather washer is also in place. A great sword here for those collecting unusual types. Excellent Plus Plus. $995.00