During the 1930's and into the beginning war years, all officer candidates completing their exams were entitled to purchase a sword to wear with their dress uniform. Many Solingen firms produced swords, and each had a number of hilt and blade patterns that were available. Some examples were more expensive than others, and the choice of a model was left to the taste and the pocket book of the purchaser.

The collecting of swords is quite satisfying as they make great wall displays and for the more common types, the prices are still quite reasonable, leaving good room for investment potential. There are some collectors that specialize in swords, whole others enjoy adding a few to accent a dagger collection. The below swords available represent the majority of types and qualities available during the period.

SWDSOTH3 #47792C Army Lion Head With Fallschirmjäger Eagle In Hilt By E. Pack

This E. Pack sword is listed in their catalog and it is a sword which we very seldom see.

The sword consists of a standard lion head format at the pommel. The cat has excellent detail throughout his whiskers brow and mane which runs a portion down the backstrap. The cat is fitted with two red faceted glass eyes. The backstrap is interesting as it has a more floral design and has lots of hand enhancing and punches to the symbols.

The P guard is extremely interesting as it also has a floral pattern with high detail to the leaves and then in the center of the guard is a Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger style eagle. The eagle is extremely detailed flying to the viewer’s left and clutching a swastika in its talons. It is believed that this sword form was used as a possible sale item to army personnel associated with Fallschirmjäger duties, but you can take this kind of collector speculation with a grain of salt. The catalog does not list the purpose of the sword so we can’t say anything for sure. The crossguard features an open winged eagle having excellent detail to its wings breast feathering and wreath. The quillon ends in a curl with a floral device above it.

The carved wood grip is covered with black celluloid still being in perfect condition. The grip is tightly wrapped with twisted brass wire the center being slightly larger.

The scabbard is a fine example still being straight throughout and having outstanding original black paint. The paint still has its luster and other than a couple of wearing signs toward the lower area the paint is in near mint condition.

The 32 inch blade is absolutely outstanding with high quality nickel plating and complete mint surfaces. It is stamped on the reverse with the early Pack trademark featuring the Siegfried Waffen symbol with the firm’s name and location beneath E. Pack & Söhne Solingen. The original blade washer is in place.

This is a very rarely seen sword and in my opinion is highly desirable.

Excellent Plus. $2,995.00

SWDSOTH3 #47628 Army Dove Head by Alcoso

This Alcoso dove head is a basic model of which this firm sold quite a few of them. It is a all brass base having raised laurel leaves as opposed to oak leaves and also some acorns that they mixed in with the design. They also have pebbled the backgrounds. The P guard has the same laurel leaf look with acorns and pebbling. The ferrule features oak leaves joined together running around. The crossguard has small oak leaves that are punched into the center areas of the length ending in a teardrop quillon which has a large oak leaf punched into iot. The reverse langet is plain whereas the obverse features a raised half open wing Wehrmacht style eagle. The eagle has nice hand enhancing and clutches a swastika. The wood turned base is covered with black celluloid still being in mint condition. The celluloid is tightly wrapped with triple twisted wire the center wire being of slightly larger proportion. The original scabbard paint is in very fine condition showing only just the slightest of age crazing but overall this paint is extremely nice and still remains bright. The 32 inch long blade has outstanding nickel plated surfaces and remains in full mint condition. On the reverse it is marked with the logo used from 37 to 1939 being the scales having the block letters “ALCOSO” above in an arch. The original blade weather ris in place. A very fine dove head example here.

Excellent Plus. $595.00

SWDSOTH3 #47667 Army NCO’s Sword

This basic Army NCO’s sword has a plain nickel hilt. The nickel shows some modest wear, but for the most part remains in good shape.

The grip of the sword is made of carved wood covered in celluloid, which has a small crack just below the pommel. No material is missing, however, and the coating looks to be sound. This grip is wrapped with a skein of three twisted nickel wires, the center strand being of a thicker gauge. This wire is a bit loose but remains totally intact.

The scabbard is slightly wider to accommodate the blade, which is a slightly wider cavalry style. It remains straight and has good original paint, showing only some minor attic crazing on both sides. The ring is securely attached to the scabbard band in the immobile NCO style.

The wide blade measures thirty-one inches long, with a matte finish. This is not age and it was fabricated in this manner. The original felt blade buffer is in place.

A solid, basic Army NCO sword here.

Excellent. $275.00

SWDSOTH3 #46853 Army Lion Head Sword by WKC

This sword has a hilt of good quality. It is sold brass and does have quite a bit of of the original gilt finish remaining throughout.

The lion head is the style with long jaw and the cat is equipped with two faceted red eyes. There is good detail to the whiskers brown and mane that runs partially down the backstrap. The backstrap portrays floral designs with a oval area in the center with the designs extending out to the grip tabs. The P guard is a fine example with excellent raised oak leaves and acorns and random pebbling in between.

The crossguard obverse langet portrays the Wehrmacht style closed wing eagle clutching a swastika. There is lots of hand work rendered to the feathering as well as the breast area and head of this bird. The quillon ends with a pawed ball. The reverse langet has a raised seal with floral decorations. The ferrule is the typical oak leaf and acorn type.

The carved wooden base grip is covered with very fine celluloid which is wrapped with triple twisted brass wire the center being of larger proportion.

The scabbard although dent free does have quite a bit of rust in the paint being more on the reverse than the obverse.

The blade of this example is extremely long being the largest size that was offered by most manufacturers. It measures 25 inches in length and retains its original fine nickel plated surfaces. This blade still remains in mint condition. It is marked on the obverse ricasso with the knight head and the WKC initials below. The original blade buffer is in place.

This sword is a good deal for the money especially if the next owner would like to do something about the scabbard. It would make all the difference in the world and this would be quite a nice piece after being restored.

Excellent. $550.00

SWDSOTH3 #46602 Army Dove Head Sword by Alcoso

This dove head sword is of all brass construction. It is a relatively simple design and Alcoso sold quite a few of them as I have seen many of these swords over the years.

The doeve head pommel and backstrap have raised out oak leaves and acorns which continue in the grip tabs. The P guard also has oak leaves and acorns and extends into the crossguard which has stamped acorns and ends in a teardrop quillon. At the center langet is a Wehrmacht style closed wing eagle. The eagle is nicely defined clutching a swastika.

The carved wood grip is covered with celluloid although I see that there is a chip in the upper section just below the area of the pommel. A shame but it is there. The grip is wrapped with triple brass wire the center being of large proportion.

The scabbard is a good example being completely straight and having excellent original paint. The paint still has some good luster to it.

The blade is an extremely long example being 36 inches. Since most manufacturers limited blade length to 35 inches this blade must have been custom ordered by this very tall officer. The blade is marked with the 1937 throughout 38 Alcoso scales trademark and the original blade washer is in place.

A very long sword here for those out there that go for length.

Excellent Plus. $695.00

SWDSOTH #45945C Dove Head Army Sword with Triple Etched Blade by WKC

This army sword has an all brass shilt having maybe 60 percent of the original gilded finish. It is the WKC pattern number 1055.

The dove head hilt features all engraved oak leaves and acorns. The ferrule is also engraved with oak leaves and acorns. The P guard has a panel which features oak leaves and acorns and a floral device at the bottom area. The crossguard is beaded ending in a curlicue at the quillon and in the center features a highly raised out closed wing Wehrmacht style eagle clutching a swastika. The detail is outstanding to the eagle's breast and wing feathering. The reverse langet is plain.

The grip is a carved wood base covered with black celluloid. The celluloid remains in perfect condition. It is wrapped with triple twisted brass wire the center being of large proportion.

The scabbard is straight throughout and has fairly good original paint. The paint shows some usage but overall rates at about 90 percent.

The 33 inch blade is a beauty being triple etched. The obverse etch features floral style designs and then there is a center panel which has crossed swords. On the obverse it also has the floral designs with military implements in the center area featuring crossed cannons standartes et cetera. The frosting in the backgrounds is absolutely 100 percent. The blade spine is also etched with laurel leaves. This blade is easily in full mint condition. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the knight head trademark and “WKC” beneath. The brown leather buffer is in place.

A very nice etched sword here which would look great displayed on a cradle.

Excellent Plus. $1,495.00

SWDSOTH3 #44722C Prison Official's Sword - Alcoso

The hilt of this prison official's sword is most likely produced by Eickhorn as it appears to be their particular style and ordinarily we do not see prison official's swords by Alcoso. Obviously Alcoso had an order for this sword and in order to fulfill it simply purchased the hilt from the Eickhorn factory.

The hilt is of all brass construction. It features a great looking side view of an eagle with his beak partially open accepting the end of the D guard into it. The detail to the bird is outstanding with a wide brow that hovers over his well defined eye. The beak area is also accented with hand engraving. The top of the bird's head is smooth and as the backstrap begins there is fine feathering which overlaps and runs down the whole surface area. At the grip tabs there are three curled devices which lie within the shape of a cloverleaf. The D guard duplicates the same style feathering that is on the backstrap. This is also the case with the ferrule having raised feathering going around its circumference.

The crossguard is in the shape of a open winged eagle. The eagle is raised out and on the obverse looks to the viewer's left. His wings are open with fine detail throughout his head breast and wing area talons wreath and raised mobile swastika. The areas around the legs and wreath have been pebbled. The bird on the reverse is identical except for the fact that the eagle's head faces the viewer's right. This is one of the consistencies we see with prison and justice official's sabers. The grip of carved wood having a black celluloid coating. The celluloid remains in perfect condition and the ribs are decorated with triple brass wire. The center wire is twisted to give it a more dramatic effect. The scabbard is straight throughout. The scabbard is slightly wider than most scabbards as the blade used in this example is also a wider style that we sometimes see on cavalry officer blades.

The scabbard is completely dent free and is done in a matte finish black paint. The paint is in perfect condition throughout although because it is matte finish it does not have a shine to it. The throat is retained by two dome head steel screws.

The wide blade is a 33 inch long example. It has outstanding nickel plated surfaces and remains in pristine mint condition right down to the needlelike tip. The reverse of the blade is stamped with the trademark used from 1937 through 1939. It consists of scales having the firm's initials ACS interspersed. Above the scales the firm's name "Alcoso" appears in block letters in an arch form. Below is the location city of Solingen. The original leather washer is in place deep within the crossguard recesses.

As most collectors know justice official's swords are very difficult to locate and it is a real pleasure to be able to offer one once in a while. This is the first time I have has an Alcoso marked piece but it is completely authentic and as I say above was obviously made for order an Alcoso customer. A great opportunity here to acquire and extremely rare and desirable sword.

Excellent Plus. $3,895.00

SWDSOTH3 #45498 Shooting Club Official's Ceremonial Sword - E. & F. Hörster

The leaders of larger Shooting Clubs throughout Germany wore elaborate para-military dress swords with their uniforms and also presented them occasionally for winners of competitions. I have found with these swords that they will usually be lion heads and the scabbards are generally nickel plated, having two carrying rings instead of the normally seen single example.This sword is in magnificent new-like condition and does not appear to have been worn. The Hörster trademark would tend to date the example about 1938 or 1939.

The hilt is composed of a very striking lion head design. The gild-over-brass finish throughout the mint hilt remains in 100% condition. The cat differs from the standard variety, as the area where the mane begins behind the head rises more sharply than is normally seen. It gives the feline a very stylized look. Additionally, the cat is fitted with two fairly large red faceted stones. The hand details to the head areas are impressive with accents to the lower jaw, nasal and brow areas, which also follow throughout the cat's mane areas. The backstrap features laurel leaf designs with berries, while the "P" guard has raised oak leaves and acorns. The ferrule features raised oak leaves around the circumference. The cross guard follows through the langet areas and the quilon ends with a roaring lion head. The languet reverse is plain with a raised shield and the obverse features crossed cannon - suitable for a shooting club piece. As great as this work is throughout the hilt, though, the grip is really a work of art. It is a carved wood covered with black celluloid and has the standard triple silver wire wrap on the obverse. On the reverse of the grip, however, the wire takes a 45 degree upward approach, giving a most unique look to the grip. Extremely well-done stuff here.

The curved scabbard has straight surfaces throughout and sports a mint-condition nickel-plated surface. In addition to the fine nickeling, the scabbard is equipped with applied gild brass mounts - there are three of them to include the center example. Each mount has scalloped edges, and on the obverse only, there are featured handsome floral designs within bordered panels. The two scabbard eyelets have dual serrations with flair-outs on both edges to reduce wear. These mounts are all retained by headless screws mounted on the respective right edges.

The 32 inch long blade has the finest nickel-plated finish. It is triple-etched with an interesting arabesque floral pattern design on both sides as well as the spine. The E. & F. Hörster trademark is etched on the reverse ricasso. It is the style with dual ovals which contain the firm's name and location, "E. & F. Hörster / Solingen", The brown leather blade buffer is in place.

A glorious-looking sword here and maybe if you are looking for just one sword to head-up your collection display, this Shooting example would more than set the proper scene. It would look awesome in a cradle with the blade out. You just do not see period swords still in this finest of condition.

Mint, Mint Mint. $1,995.00

SWDSOTH3 #28450C Robert Klaas-Produced Sword with Rare Slant Grip

This sword motif is rarely seen and was designed and produced by the Klaas firm in 1939. With the war breaking out, there were not many of these swords sold, so they are a nice addition to a sword collection. There is a photograph in the Angolia Sword Book on Page 104, that shows this interesting piece. The hilt is a brass dove head type. The brass has a fine patina to it. The pommel and backstrap are decorated with raised floral designs which are rather unique. The "p" guard is also turned to the flat side, which is not seen often and gives a different look to the hilt. It too, has fine floral designs that are not the norm. The ferrule also is different in that it is decorated with two lines of raised dots around the surface. The langet is plain on the reverse and has a fine closed-wing Wehrmacht style eagle with clutched swastika on the obverse. The grip style though, is where the real interest lays on this sword. The grip is a wood base covered with black celluloid, however, the ribs have been slanted in an upward position in about a 45 degree angle. The grip is wrapped with triple aluminum wire, however, a couple of rows are missing one of the wires. A great looking hilt here.

The scabbard is straight throughout having fairly good original paint. The paint shows some age and usage , but by and large, it is mostly all there, being about 95%.

The blade is a fairly long 34 inch example. There is a little age in the nickel-plated surfaces in a couple of areas, but the blade still rates at excellent plus. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the "kissing cranes" within the Robt Klaas oval. The leather washer is gone to time.

Not a mint piece, but still a very interesting example and a nice addition to an advanced sword collection which is.priced reasonably.

Excellent Plus. $995.00

SWDSOTH3 #43986 Art Deco "Panther" Head Army Sword - WMW

This pattern of Army Sword is one of the rarest types made during the period. The design is just outstanding, being hight Art Deco. It is constructed with aluminum hilt fittings and I believe this to be the only way they were made. The original gilded finish shows hand wear at the pommel and some is e gone from the edges of the backstrap, but the rest is mainly intact.

It features a "panther" head pommel, with a long snout and deeply set glass eyes. The detailing is different on this cat than any other you've likely to have seen. The backstrap has fine, raised-out oak leaves and acorns.

The "D" guard is very unique, covered in raised bunches of oak leaves set at a 45 degree angle. Each oak leaf shows hand enhancement. This "D" guard enters the ferrule area and is indeed one piece, eliminate the need for a separate ferrule. The guard continues with more oak leaves and ends in a detailed acorn quillon. The guard itself features a closed-wing Army style eagle which occupies the entire ferrule and langet area. This eagle also has nice hand enhancement and clutches a mobile swastika. The reverse of the guard has a similar design although the eagle is replaced by a raised oval design to accept a monogram, which in the case of this sword has been utilized. The monogram reads, "HK".

The grip is carved wood coated with black celluloid. This celluloid remains in perfect condition tightly wrapped with a skein of three brass wires, the center strand being twisted. It is interesting to note that the grip is short and has fewer ribs than standard Army types.

The scabbard is straight throughout and has fairly good paint from the carrying band down. The paint around the band shows wear caused by the original suspension rigging. I'd say overall the paint is about 90% intact. The built-in drag is quite large.

The blade is a beauty, with high quality nickel plating and easily in mint condition. It measures 32 inches long. The reverse ricasso is marked "WMW Waffen" and the original brown leather washer is in place.

These Art Deco swords are ultra-rare. If you are not familiar with the design you can see one on page 149 of Tom Johnson's Volume 1. A great opportunity to acquire a very rare and beautiful sword here, one you will enjoy for many, many years.

Excellent. $3,495.00

SWDSOTH3 #43434 Model 89 Infantry Degen with Third Reich Dedication - Clemen & Junge

This Model 89 Degen is in the traditional Imperial style, however since it has a Third Reich dedication on the blade it can be assumed it was made about 1935.

The hilt is a fine brass style with the typical Model 89 pommel. The pommel is plain at the top with good detail to the cap's edges. The portion that flows downward over the grip is unusual and has great detail featuring raised oak leaf sprigs which surround a raised oval object with a flower beneath and more floral device under that. Quite an effective design here.

The "D" guard is also quite beautiful with raised crossed swords and floral details. They are raised out more than we would normally see.

The clamshell is a hinged folding type and it has a horizontally placed Prussian Imperial eagle which is pierced. The eagle is very nicely done with long crown and holding a scepter and sword in each of the claws respectively with the WII raised out of his breast. The clamshell also has a nice pebbled border which goes around it.

The grip itself is like the Imperial type being a good sharkskin. It still retains its blue color and is good condition throughout with no rot. The grip is tightly wrapped with triple silver wire the center being twisted.

The scabbard is a straight example having original black paint but it does show age in the paint which is evenly spread throughout.

The blade is a 31 inch long example having double fullers that run the length. The nickel plating is still quite good throughout it and the blade rates in about mint condition. The reverse of the blade is etched with floral designs which are very well done. The obverse blade has floral designs which flank a two line dedication. The dedication reads "Unserm Altbewahrten Orts/Gruppenführer Major Freiherr von Ronninghausen zum 13/11/35 R. D. O. Ortsgruppe Verdingen "Rhine". This means something like, "Our tried-and-tested local group leader Major Freiherr von Ronninghausen..." although the end portion I can't quite make out. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the Z trademark of Clemen & Junge.

An interesting sword here that might reward some research into the mysterious Freiherr von Ronninghausen.

Excellent. $1,395.00

SWDSOTH3 #38476 Army Ordnance Sword – Alexander Koppel

This Army Ordnance Sword is a great example for those of you out there that love to see lots of stampings and markings.

The hilt is solid brass in a plain, dove head design. At the pommel top there is a spanner-like nut which acts to retain the tang of the blade. The spanner has a waffenamt stamped into it.

The grip is of fine black celluloid over a base of carved wood. It has a couple of rubs on the lower area, possibly caused by a portepee, but they are not bad. There is also a tiny hole in the celluloid on the top reverse, also not threatening and very minor. This grip is tightly wrapped with heavy gauge brass wires twisted in an opposed fashion.

Below the ferrule of the hilt is a leather finger loop which remains intact. The lower portion of the hilt is stamped with a waffenamt; a stick bird over the number “82”. Below this is “4244”. On the other side of the blade hilt is “AC/G” and another waffenamt. The upper part of the obverse scabbard, beneath the throat, is also stamped “4244”. The reverse side is marked “AC/G”, also with a waffenamt. There are lots of numbers and stampings to study here!

The scabbard of this sword is blued, something we see on Ordnance pieces. This bluing is just about 100%, showing only the most modest of wear. This scabbard is completely straight throughout.

The blade of this sword measures 32 inches. It is in nice condition, having good nickel-plating. There are some age spots here and there, but if anything they really don't detract from the condition, instead hinting at the age of the piece. The reverse ricasso is marked with the Scales logo of the Koppel firm. It is also interesting to note that the ricasso edges are also stamped with a waffenamt on one side and “2” on the other. The original leather blade washer is in place.

A fine sword here, with lots to look at and plenty of character.

Excellent. $650.00

SWDSOTH3 #31359 Long Bladed Army Lion Head Sword- Alcoso

This Army Lionhead Sword is probably the longest army example I have seen. I think it probably was issued to a high NCO, perhaps in the Cavalry. It would have been this NCO's job to lead his regiment in parade with the sword drawn. Chances are this sword would have been worn attached to a horse's saddle, due to its length.

This lionhead sword hilt is the Alcoso Model #116. It features an outstanding feline head which is the type without faceted eyes. I believe that the eye arrangement could have been something reserved for officers. An any rate, the features of this lion's head have been nicely hand rendered to the bottom of the jaw, the whiskers, the eyelids and the mane which runs backward slightly down the sword. Prior to the center area, there is some nice clamshell type renderings which have hand accenting as well as hand pebbled surfaces. The "D" guard has raised out oak leafing as does the ferrule.

The crossguard has a typical Alcoso style open winged eagle which looks to the viewer's right. The breast area of this eagle, as well as the legs and the wreath enclosing the swastika, have all been hand enhanced. Nice looking hilt here reflecting approximately 95-98% gilded finish.

The scabbard of this example still has good original factory paint. This paint remains bright and is easily excellent plus, plus to near mint condition. There is a minor ding about 5 inches from the chape, but considering the length of this example, it is surprising that this scabbard has remained in this good of a condition.

The grip is an outstanding black celluloid-over-wood base. It is tightly wrapped with triple-twisted brass wire, the center being slightly larger. The blade of this example is really something. It is so long I can hardly withdraw it from the scabbard with my short fat arms. This blade is a highest quality nickel-plated example still remaining bright and in mint condition. The blade measures 38 inches in length! Factory catalogs specify blades were available up to 35 inches, so no doubt this was a special order piece. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the trademark used from 1937-1939. It depicts the scales with the firm's initials, "ACS" interspersed. Above is the firm's name, "Alcoso" arch shaped and below the town of business, "Solingen".

A very rare sword here and a nice addition to any advanced sword collection.

Near Mint $995.00

SWDSOTH3 #33461C Third Reich Army Dove Head Re-Hilt of Imperial Damascus Blade – W. & Co. Solingen

This fantastic Army Dove Head Sword was owned by an Imperial Army officer who had it re-hilted with a Nazi period hilt after Hitler came to power. The hilt is a most beautiful Alcoso dove head being the model number 119. This dove head is of all brass and has lots of hand chiseled work which would not be seen on an ordinary Alcoso piece. The dove head has a pommel which features an oak leaf sprig. At the bottom border rounded area there are random dots. The back strap and grip tabs have very fine oak leaf and acorn work with deep accent grooves. The “P” guard also has outstanding raised oak leaf and acorns. The crossguard features an Alcoso style open-winged army eagle which looks to the viewer’s left. This bird has hand detail to his eyes, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath and mobile swastika. The wreath has separate grooves to give the look of ribbons at the quadrants. Beneath the wings and next to the talons is a raised oak leaf on each side. The gilt finish throughout this hilt is about 85-90%. A very imposing hilt here.

The grip is a black celluloid having a good sheen to the finish and in perfect condition. This grip is tightly wrapped with triple twisted wire, the center being of slightly larger proportion.

There is a very fine officer’s portepee attached to the hilt. The portepee is the standard green leather type stitched with twin rows of bullion. The slide is a woven leather with bullion highlights. The flat stem has the metal beneath with crochet-like bullion covering. The oval lower ball is of all yarn-like bullion having a gray thread insert. This portepee is in mint condition.

The scabbard of this example is straight as an arrow. It has very fine original paint which still retains its original factory brightness. There are a few signs of wear throughout the paint but overall this paint is easily 98%.

The blade of this example is a real killer. This blade is produced of hand forged “band” Damascus and is nearly 34-inches in length. The band pattern is still in choice perfect mint condition and really jumps off of the blade’s surfaces. This blade is the imperial type having twin fullers which run nearly the full length. The obverse of the blade has a panel which is flanked with gilded raised floral designs. Within the panel is the raised single line, “Kriegsjahre 1914-16”. This of course means War Year 1914 through 1916. The reverse blade has the same style gilded raised floral engraving with a panel containing the original owner’s last name. The name is, “Heinen”. The gilded work on both sides of the blade panels is in choice condition rating near 100%.

This is a very beautiful sword. We see these imperial blades rehilted from time to time. Obviously the original owner was in the German Imperial army and was also in the Third Reich army. Rather than purchase a new sword he merely had his beautiful presented Damascus blade rehilted to reflect the Third Reich association. This was quite commonly done when there was a blade of special meaning or a blade of high cost. This is a great opportunity to research this former officer as “Heinen” is not a common name and should be fairly easy to find. It is also an opportunity to have a hand forged Damascus blade of untold beauty. The obverse ricasso of this blade is stamped with an elliptical circle having a two line maker mark, “W&Co / Solingen”. Assumedly this was a Damascus maker from the imperial time. A great sword here!

Mint Minus. $6,495.00

SWDSOTH3 #31275 Army Dove Head Sword with Flat Knuckle Bow

This Dove Head Army Officer's Sword can be seen in the Angolia book on page 138, lower left.

The hilt is of all brass construction and has quite a bit of the original gilding that remains. The gilt is worn on the normal handhold places. The sword features a motif of oak leaves and acorns which run from the pommel down the back strap and are continued on the flat knuckle bow surfaces. There is hand-enhancing to the veins and the engraver also put some fine random pebbling in the backgrounds. The ferrule has an oak leaf sprig motif. The cross guard features a langet with Wehrmacht style eagle. The eagle has the half-open wings and clutches a swastika. There is good hand done detail to the breast feathering and wing feathering as well as the eye on the bird's head.

The grip is the standard black celluloid over wood base. This grip is in perfect condition and is wrapped with triple twisted brass wire.

The scabbard is mostly straight throughout, having just a couple of minor dings down toward the bottom. The original paint has normal wearing signs and a little bit of crazing and rates at about 90%.

The blade is a high quality nickel plated example that is 31 inches in length. The finish is nice and bright and this blade rates in mint condition. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the knight head trademark and beneath the logo is the firm's initials "WKC". The leather washer is in place recessed into the hilt.

A good, basic example here which shows some usage but is priced accordingly.

Excellent. $495.00

SWDSOTH3 #34450 Dove Head Army Officer's Sword

This all brass Army Dove Head Sword is the style that has the details engraved into the brass rather than being part of the casting. The pommel, backstrap and “P” guard, as well as the ferrule all have oak leaf and acorn designs. They are very nicely done and have pebbling over the vein work. The crossguard features a Wehrmacht style eagle, the type of which I have not seen before. I was unable to find this sword in any of the books, so I do not know who made it.

This eagle looks to the viewer’s left having half open wings and clutching a double scribed swastika. Quite an interesting design here and definitely something for those of you out there that collect rarely seen sword models. The grip of this example is over carved wood having perfect black celluloid coating. This celluloid is tightly wrapped with triple brass wire the center being twisted. Very nice hilt here which does not look to have been cleaned in many, many years but has a nice patination not dirt.

The scabbard shell is perfect throughout with no dents. The original black paint still has its original sheen and is in nice condition rating at least 95%.

The 31 inch blade is a fine example with outstanding nickel-plated surfaces. This blade is easily in mint condition. The blade is protected by the original brown leather washer which is still in place. A nice sword here and a good one for someone just get started, someone on a budget, or for someone looking for odd unmarked swords.

Excellent Plus. $550.00

SWDSOTH3 #34519 Jawless Lion Head Artillery Sword with Monogram and Triple Etched Blade – WKC

This WKC produced early Nazi period sword is all in brass construction. It features the jawless lion head pommel being the same as is shown in the Angolia Book on page 140, upper.

This lion is fitted with large faceted red eyes which gives him a great docile look. The lion has lots of hand enhancing throughout his whiskers, brow and mane. His mane runs a short distance down the backstrap where the area becomes plain and in the center area around the grip tabs features floral devices with a pinwheel-like figure in the center. There are rivets at the tabs which hold the hilt to the blade. The ferrule has a cross design on the obverse and reverse and there are acorns on the upper and lower portion of the cross and oak leaves on the side portions. The “P” guard is interesting as it shows some crossed standards over a pair of cannon with cannon balls in the center. Above the standards is an Iron Cross raised out. Below this depiction there is floral designs. The crossguard obverse features a set of crossed canons with laurel leaves in between. On the reverse langet there is a raised shield which has the original owner’s monogram, “KH”. The quillon carries over to a teardrop which is in the form of a floral device holding a ball.

The grip is a black celluloid type, being in perfect condition and it is tied with triple twisted silver wire. The center wire is of larger proportion.

The scabbard of this example is straight throughout but honestly it could use a new paint job. This scabbard only has about 50% of the original paint and shows quite a bit of age.

The 32 inch blade is really quite spectacular. This blade has outstanding high quality nickel-plated finish and it is etched with floral style etches having military themes in the center of both sides. These consist of crossed swords on one side and crossed cannon on the other. The spine is covered with raised laurel leaves. This blade was an extra cost item obviously and is certainly something that pleases collector today. With a little cleaning up to the hilt, as well as a new paint job to the scabbard, this sword could be a real crowd pleaser sitting on a cradle. All of the frosting is still in the backgrounds of the etch giving it a great look. The obverse ricasso is marked with the knighthead logo having the firm’s initials beneath, “WKC” which puts it into the early Nazi period. A great opportunity here to have a really nice sword for a pretty reasonable price.

Excellent Plus. $1,495.00

SWDSOTH3 #36331 Army Dove Head Sword – E&F Hörster

This Hörster Dove Head sword is of all brass construction. Despite the fact that it is a Hörster sword it looks identical to the Robert Klaas example that is shown in the Angolia Book on page 100. I wonder whether Angolia possibly made a mistake here as this page follows the E&F Hörster section. At any rate, at least you can look at the picture and see what the sword looks like.

This brass example is entirely engraved throughout. The pommel and backstrap area feature nicely done oak leaves and acorns having hand pebbling over the leaves and the veins all hand accented. The same is true of the oak leaves and acorns on the “P” guard. The grip tabs have two acorns which go around the rivet area. The crossguard has a series of box devices running throughout the length ending in a teardrop with an engraved swirl. The obverse langet features a Wehrmacht-style half opened wing eagle, which is facing to the viewer’s left. This bird clutches a mobile swastika. As with all of the above decoration this eagle is entirely hand carved into the brass. The ferrule above has a cross motif on the obverse and reverse with more oak leaves and acorns. The grip is a black celluloid over a carved wood base. The celluloid remains in perfect condition and is tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire. Much of the original gilt still remains throughout the hilt of this piece – maybe 85%.

The scabbard is straight throughout. This scabbard has excellent original black paint. The paint is mostly all there showing nominal signs of usage but still in excellent condition. The 32 inch long blade is in choice condition having high quality nickel-plated finish and retaining its needlelike tip. This blade is easily in full mint condition. The obverse ricasso is marked with the E&F Hörster double ovals. The ovals contain the firm’s name and the Solingen location. The center area features the large “H” letter with the smaller “H” and “S” letters that are pierced by a sword. The original brown leather washer is in place. A good, basic, early Army sword here.

Excellent Plus. $595.00

SWDSOTH3 #36167 Army Dove Head Sword – Robert Klaas

This Army Dove Head Sword is the Model 232 and can be seen in the Angolia Book on page 100, upper left.

The sword is composed of all brass mounts. The details are all engraved on this piece and are of a oak leaf and acorn motif. The engravings begin at the upper pommel showing excellent hand rendering to the veins and acorn caps as well as to the leaves and small flower which decorate the grip tabs. The piece differs from the Angolia Book piece in that the book piece has rivets going through the tabs whereas this example is peened over at the top and having a flush mounted plug. The “P” guard also has oak leaves and acorns throughout. The ferrule has a set of crossed bars on either side with oak leaves running around the rest of the areas. The crossguard features a series of square-like decorations that run the length and end in a teardrop which is swirled.

The “Wehrmacht” style eagle is all hand done having a nice look to it. This eagle almost looks like a bat as the shoulder tips of the wings are pointed. The breast and wing feathering as well as the eye, beak and swastika are obviously all hand enhanced. A neat looking hand done depiction here. The grip is a carved wood base having a celluloid covering. There was a small crack in the upper portion of the celluloid but we managed to repair this successfully. This grip is tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire. The wire also is slightly on a down turned angle when looking at the grip from the reverse side. From the obverse side the grip wire looks straight throughout. A very nice effect here.

The scabbard is straight throughout. The original paint, although still mostly all there has dulled over the years and could use some cleaning and perhaps a wax job. I’m sure though that it will come up quite a bit. The blade is a very long example being almost 35 inches in length. It still has bright nickel-plated finish and is in near full mint condition with needlelike tip. The reverse of the blade is marked with the kissing cranes trademark and the firm’s name and location appear below, “Robert Klaas Solingen”. The original brown leather blade buffer is in place. A good solid example here.

Excellent. $595.00

SWDSOTH3 #36332 Army Dove Head Sword – Alcoso

This Army Dove head Sword is produced with an iron base and features very large Art Deco style hand enhanced oak leaves. These oak leaves are formed starting on the pommel and riding down the entire backstrap area. They branch out onto the grip tabs also. The same leaves are depicted on the “P” guard as well as the ferrule. This large leaf design was also used on the Blumberg Honor Sword and is a depiction which is only attributable to Alcoso. The crossguard area is relatively plain running to a curled quillon. The obverse langet features a raised out Wehrmacht eagle which clutches a plain mobile swastika. The hand detailing also extends to the eagle’s breast and wing feathering. The gilt on this piece is beginning to wear around the pommel area and also somewhat on the high edges around the sword. Overall though the gilding is at least 90%. The grip is a hand carved wood which is covered with a black celluloid. This celluloid is in perfect condition and is tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire. A depiction of this sword can be seen in the Angolia Book on page 67, lower.

The scabbard is straight throughout. This scabbard has good original black paint showing wear of the period in the surfaces and also a little bit of rust at the lower chape where the sword may have been sitting on a cellar floor for some time. Overall though this paint would easily come up with a little work and some wax.

The 33 inch blade is a fine example having highest quality nickel-plated surfaces with needlelike tip. This blade remains in mint condition. It is marked on the reverse ricasso with the trademark used from 1937-39. It features the scales with the firm’s initials, “ACS” interspersed. Above the scales sin a downward arch is the firm’s block lettered name, “Alcoso” and beneath is the location city of, “Solingen”. The original brown leather blade washer is in place. This is a sword that is not encountered frequently and does have some unusual good looks to its hilt design.

Excellent. $595.00

SWDSOTH3 #36330 Army Dove Head Sword – Alcoso

This Army Dove Head Sword is of all brass construction and it does not appear to have been cleaned since the war. There appears to be some gilt left beneath the dirt on this hilt and a little cleaning with some sudsy ammonia would probably do wonders here. The sword is the common Alcoso type, being pictured on page 65, lower left of the Angolia Book.

The sword features raised oak leaves and acorns that flow from the pommel down the backstrap and also into the grip tabs. The “P” guard also features a similar motif with obvious hand enhancing throughout. The ferrule also features overlapping oak leaves with pebbling in the background. Oak leaves also appear on the crossguard and run into the curled teardrop. The langet features a Wehrmacht style eagle with closed wings clutching an immobile swastika. The grip is a carved wood base having black celluloid coating. The celluloid is in perfect condition throughout. It is wrapped with triple twisted brass wire. A couple of the wires are a little loose under the grip tab area but this is easy to fix with a little crazy glue and some patience.

The scabbard is straight throughout. This scabbard has all original black paint which shows age and usage. A little work though and this paint should come up quite well as it does appear to be at least 95%. The blade is 33½ inches in length and still has its bright nickel-plated finish and is in near full mint condition having only some mild scratches from in and out wear. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the 1937-39 trademark. It features the scales having the firm’s initials, “ACS” interspersed. Above the scales is the block lettered name of the firm in a downward arch shape “Alcoso”. Beneath is the location city of “Solingen”. The original leather blade buffer is in place.

A good sword here if you enjoy the rewards of cleaning up a weapon that has not been touched since the war.

Excellent. $595.00

SWDSOTH3 #26608 Army Dove Head Sword with Distributor Marking - E. & F. Hörster

This Dove Head example is a good, solid brass piece and has lots of the original gilded finish still throughout its surfaces. I would estimate the gild to be about 70%. This sword is very similar to the one shown in the Angolia book on Page 99, lower, except that it has a closed-wing engraved eagle at the langet instead of the open one shown in the book.

The rest of the piece is similar to a Roon example, as it has oak leaves and acorns engraved into the surfaces. The engraving is very nice and there has been pebbled surfaces applied over it. The ferrule also has a similar design. As indicated, the langet features a closed-wing Wehrmacht eagle. This eagle is all engraved and looks to the left, clutching a mobile swastika. The grip is a black celluloid over wood base. It is in perfect condition, having small triple wrapped twisted brass wire.

The blade of this example is a high-quality piece, measuring 31½ inches in length. It has a mirror-finish nickel surface. and easily in full Mint condition. The reverse of the blade ricasso is stamped with the early Hörster style trademark which only has the firm's initials and not the circles around it. The opposite side of the ricasso is stamped with a distributor mark. The stamping looks to be “Fahnen re (with the rest being illegible) from Münster”.

Obviously, this sword was sold by a distributor retail store to an Army Officer early on in the Nazi period. The original blade washer is in place. This is a fine sword and a rarely seen pattern. The scabbard is straight throughout. This scabbard has nice, original black paint except at the lower area at the chape, where it does show some rust. This is a normally seen occurrence when a sword was left on a cellar floor. Other than this, though, the paint is nearly all there and rates in near mint condition. A fine example here.

Near Mint. $895.00

SWDSOTH3 #35970A Army Officer's Dove Head Sword – E&F Hörster

This Hörster Dove Head Sword is of all brass construction, and was probably produced fairly early on in the period. The sword has all plain mounts with engraving done to make the decorations. The pommel, backstrap and grip tabs all have oak leaf and acorn designs engraved with pebbling over the surfaces to bring them out. The same is true of the “P” guard. The ferrule has two oak leaves being back to back on each side and there is an “X” figure in the center separating the leaves. The crossguard on both sides has designs with pebble features within and the engraving is cut to a swirl at the quillon end. The reverse langet is blank whereas the obverse langet has an engraved Wehrmacht style eagle clutching a mobile swastika. The feathering, head and breast areas are all done by hand. An interesting sword here that was really quite a bit of work when the details are examined. The carved wood grip is covered with black celluloid and is in perfect condition. The grip is tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire. I don’t see this particular Hörster design listed in the Angolia Book which is another reason I think that it is an early sword.

The scabbard is an excellent example being straight throughout and having nearly 100% of the original black paint. This paint still has good luster to it and only shows minor signs of carrying. The blade measures slightly over 32-inches. This blade has good nickel plating showing just a slight amount of age in the surfaces but it still rates in near mint condition. The Hörster trademark is stamped on the obverse ricasso and there is quite a bit of old dirt and smudge over the area but if you look hard you can see it is the standard double circles with the firm’s “H” and “HS” inside with the downward pointing sword. The original brown leather blade buffer is in place. An interesting sword here that probably is a fairly rarely seen motif.

Excellent. $595.00

SWDSOTH3 #36000C Army Officer's Dove Head Sword – Alcoso

This all brass Dove Head Sword is the same as is shown in the Angolia Book at the upper of page 63. The pommel and backstrap area consists of raised overlapping oak leaves and acorns. The same is true of the “P” guard. The ferrule has engraved oak leaves and acorns which run around the circumference. The crossguard on both sides features stamped in oak leaves with a sprig stamped into the curved teardrop quillon end. The reverse langet is blank and the obverse depicts a Wehrmacht style half open-winged eagle clutching a mobile swastika. The eagle looks to the viewer’s left and reflects hand enhancing to the bird’s eye, breast feathering and wing feathering. The area is surrounded by pebbling. The wood base grip is covered with black celluloid which is in good condition. The grip is wrapped with triple wire the center being twisted for contrast.

The scabbard is nice and straight throughout. This scabbard reflects excellent original black paint still having most of the factory luster. There are some minor carrying signs in the paint but still this paint overall, rates at about 95%. The carrying band and the ring have wear to them showing the white base metal beneath. The blade measures 33½ inches long. It has the later matte finish that we see a lot on wartime swords saving the nickel used to plate earlier examples for the war effort. This example is marked on the reverse ricasso with the scales having the firm’s initials, “AWS” interspersed. To the right of the scales is the firm’s name in script, “Alcoso” and below the location city of “Solingen”. This trademark was used after 1941. The leather blade washer is in place.

Excellent Plus. $795.00

SWDSOTH3 #35430 Army Dovehead Sword - Alcoso

This Army Dovehead is a nice sword, having all engraved motif rather than the raised out scenes that we see on most sword hilts. The sword is completely decorated with engraved oak leaves and acorns which run throughout the pommel backstrap, grip tabs, "P" guard, and the ferrule. The crossguard features an engraved shield, which displays a Wehrmacht style half open winged eagle. This eagle has terrific detail to the feathering, definitely all hand done, and the swastika which is retained in the bird's talons has a plain surface, which contrasts nicely with all of the feathered detail. An all brass hilt here, which has some of the original gilt, but most of it has all gone to time, and now has a fine patinated surface. This sword is identical to the example which is shown on page 66 upper, of the Angolia book.

The carved wood grip is covered with black celluloid. The celluloid is still in perfect condition, and is tightly wrapped with triple twisted wire. The scabbard is straight throughout. This scabbard shows some period wear and has a little spidering, and also a spot on the obverse about 2/3 down where there is some missing paint. Overall though, the paint of this scabbard is about 85-90%, and still has a fairly good luster. This paint should clean up quite well. The blade is a 32 inch long example, having quality nickel plating and being in near full mint condition. The blade ricasso is marked on the reverse with the scales trademark having the letters, "ACS" interspersed. Above the scales is the block lettered firm name, "ALCOSO" and below the location city, "SOLINGEN". The original brown blade buffer is in place. A good early Alcoso sword here.

Excellent. $495.00

SWDSOTH3 #31371 Army Officer's Dove Head Sword - Unmarked E. Pack

Although there is no marking on the blade of this quality example, it is a Pack product. It looks identical to the example shown on Page 112, upper. The hilt is a cast brass design having outstanding gilding. The cast design features lots of oak leaves and acorn mix throughout the pommel, backstrap, "P" guard and ferrule. The designs are quite attractive as they have a frosted finish which contrast effectively with highlighted bright areas separating the panels. The quillon ends with swirled designs. The obverse langet features an open-winged eagle which clutches a wreathed swastika. The eagle is well detailed, having decorative leaves flanking its legs. The reverse langet is also attractive having oak leafing and a raised round panel. It looks similar to the example shown in Angolia Sword Book, Page 116. There is a stylized "Z" letter artistically scratched into this surface - no doubt the original owner's monogram. The fine blade is a beauty, being finished in a matte style. It is in mint condition. It belonged to a very tall man as this blade measures 34 inches - pretty long, as 35 inches was about as long as blades come. The scabbard is straight throughout. It has bright original paint, showing almost no age and rating in near mint condition. A very fine sword here. A fairly rare pattern.

Mint Minus. $675.00