I feel this section of my website represents the best hobby bargains today. For almost all collectors are aware swords such as the Field Marshall Series and SS/Police degens have experienced dramatic price escalation in recent years. It is almost a forgone conclusion, that "normal" Army and Luftwaffe swords have to be close behind. The Angolia sword book has also done much to popularize the regular sword market, as for the first time, collectors are now able to view a "like example" in a book - the value of this to collectors is obvious. These swords reflect every bit of the quality and workmanship we enjoy with other edged weapons - yet, the prices, in my opinion, are still quite reasonable.

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1.  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

2.  SWDSOTH3 #33552C Army Dove Head Sword with Presented Damascus Blade – Paul Weyersberg

   The hilt of this fine Army Dove Head Sword is an all brass style being similar to what we call the rune pattern. The brass has all engraved detail which includes acorns and oak leaves throughout the pommel, backstrap, grip tabs, “P” guard, ferrule and also to the langet. The brass has a nice color tone to it and no doubt has a small amount of gilt still remaining in the surfaces. The detail to the oak leaves has all been enhanced by hand pebbling on the surfaces as well as hand cut lining to the veins. A very nice quality job here. The grip is a black celluloid. There was a small chip missing in the grip beneath the pommel area but a small piece has been filled to match and it only shows slightly. The grip is wrapped with double twisted copper wire of the same size. The hilt is decorated with a fine army officer portepee. This portepee is of green leather strapping decorated with dual aluminum bullion stitching. There is a woven slide with bullion highlights and a flat stem covered with crochet-like bullion. The lower acorn ball is made of yarn-like bullion covering with an insert of textured bullion. A fine hilt here. The scabbard is nice and straight throughout. The scabbard paint appears to have been redone a number of years ago. The paint is professional in every way and is quite good looking having only a couple of small hits here and there. Overall though this paint rates at 99%.

   The most beautiful part of this sword though is the fine Damascus blade and long three-line dedication. The blade is a band pattern and is in beautiful mint condition with details which just jump off the blade. A very fine high quality hand forged Damascus in full mint condition. The three line dedication is all raised and has some old gilt work which is starting to wear slightly but still gives a nice bit of “glitz” to the dedication. The dedication reads, “Obermusikmeister Steinkopff zur Erinnerung / an die 60 jährige Jubelfeier an 10, u, 17, Juni 1934. gewidmet / Höhcheider Kriegerverein”. Basically, this means that the sword was presented to the music master Steinkopff in memory of his 60 years service on the 16 and 17 of June 1934. The sword was given by the war club of “Höhscheider”. Apparently Steinkopff served for sixty years which would have placed his beginning service time right after the Franco Prussian war in 1874. This sword makes an outstanding tribute to a musician who was a very important member of a German military band. A great piece here to put on a cradle and admire in your collecting room. The reverse ricasso has the raised out double oval trademark of the Paul Weyersberg and Company. It features the sword within two wheat shafts in the center. A very nice edged weapon here.

   Near Mint. $4,995.00

3.  SWDSOTH3 #33411 Army Panther Head Sword – Puma

   This Army Panther Head Sword is an aluminum based type having good gilt finish. The Puma finish seems to be brighter than most that we see. This example is in excellent condition having at least 95% of the original gilt. This sword hilt can be seen in the Angolia book on page 120, upper. The cat is fitted with red faceted eyes and has a great snarl around his jaw. The lion’s mane is nicely hand enhanced as is his whiskers and brow. The backstrap features raised out oak leaves and acorns having fine hand detail. The same is true of the “P” guard. The ferrule has a set of oak leaves and acorns which go around the circumference. The crossguard has very small overlapping oak leaves and acorns which end in a swirl at the quillon. The langet features the Wehrmacht eagle looking to the viewer’s left. This bird has nice detail to his head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons and raised mobile swastika. The areas that surround the bird have been hand pebbled. The black grip is a fine celluloid-over-wood base. It is in perfect condition. The grip wire is a triple twisted aluminum, the center being slightly larger proportion. After the center ribs location one of the grip wires is missing but it does not really reveal itself as the wire is still nice and tight. Not a bad hilt here. The scabbard of this example is straight throughout. Instead of the normally black painted finish this scabbard has a fine blued finish. The bluing is all there showing only modest age here and there. A very nice scabbard here.

   The bright blade is slightly over 33-inches in length. This blade shows some extremely minor signs of some sharpening but it only appears on the backside and is very slight. The rest of the blade is still bright and has nearly all of its original nickel-plated surfaces. This blade grades at excellent plus, plus. The reverse ricasso is marked with the diamond trademark which has the head of the cat inside with the firm’s name, “Puma” below the cat. Under the diamond is the location town of “Solingen”. The original blade washer is missing from this sword. A pretty nice example here which should go quite well in a collection for someone that is not ultra fussy.

   Excellent Plus. $650.00

4.  SWDSOTH3 #33584 Weimar Period Naval Sword – Carl Kaiser

   This Weimar Naval Sword must have been made right after World War I ended, as the firm of Carl Kaiser went out of business in 1919. We primarily see there products from the imperial period so this example would have been one of the last swords this company produced. The sword is a slightly larger hilt having a wide proportioned blade. It is a substantial weapon and is made very well. The hilt is an extremely fine brass casting not having any gilt remaining, at least that I can see, but the details are still quite fine to the lion head motif. This cat has excellent hand enhancing to the jaw area, the whiskers, the brow an also to the mane. This cat’s mane flows completely down the backstrap. The cat is fitted with fairly large faceted red and green eyes following the nautical theme of buoy markers. The “D” guard is a traditional type having floral leaf decorations with a panel of random pebbled curls. The ferrule features designs I have not seen in the past based on a floral motif. It is interesting to note that the inside of the “D” guard also has some nice random pebbling as well as a raised floral motif. This is not seen on most naval swords. The clamshell of this example is the folding hinged type. It depicts a fouled anchor in the center with some leaf design over the anchor. On either side of the clamshell it is flanked with breaking waves. Below the fouled anchor is what appears to be sea plants. The areas around the anchor are random hand pebbled. The grip of this example is a real beauty. It is a fine piece of nicely toned ivory which remains in perfect condition with no chips or cracks. It has turned golden on the obverse with attractive graining and on the reverse it is even slightly darker. This grip is tightly wrapped with triple wire, the center being a springy type with smaller wires on each side. Quite a beautiful ivory grip here.

   The scabbard is also a fine example being of larger proportion as mentioned above. The leather shell shows age but there is not shrinkage and no problems in the surfaces. This leather is decorated with the usual twin accent lines that run down the edges on all sides. The matching brass scabbard mounts have the traditional engravings and these mounts are in good shape throughout. There is a small ding on the obverse but it is negligible. These mounts are retained by rivets on the right edge which is a little different from most. The lower mount seems to be missing the rivet but it certainly is not going anywhere. The eyelets have dual raised serrated edges with traditional smooth brass rings. The blade of this sword is of much wider proportion than normal. It does not have a false edge at the bottom and is of traditional shape otherwise having wide fuller running about 7/8 of the length. There is a little bit of sharpening that can be seen confined to the edge only and it is not bad at all. The blade is bright throughout, clean but showing few age spots. It features a triple etch which on the obverse features a fouled anchor in the center. At the end portion there is a floral arrangement with a drum, crossed cannon, helmet, oars and a standarte. Below this is a fully rigged sailing ship cruising directly at the viewer. The ship is floating atop a smooth ocean. Below are more floral motifs. The reverse blade features the same fouled anchor in the center and the motif at the end is slightly different but still features crossed cannon, oars, swords and a standarte. The lower area features a sailing ship again only the super structure is concealed by floral motif and only the fully masted sails with flying ensign visible. The beginning area has floral devices. The spine is etched with laurel leaf motif. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the logo of the Carl Kaiser firm. It features a crown over crossed swords with the initials, “C.K.” and the abbreviation, “Co” beneath the crossed swords. The original leather washer is in place showing age but still all there. A very fine naval sword here that is of highest quality and should clean up very nicely.

   Excellent. $2,195.00

5. SWDSOTH3 #33240C Unissued NCO Nickel Hilt with Original Paper Scabbard Wrap – WKC

   This NCO Sword is in pristine, unissued condition. As was the style for wear by NCOs the hilt of this example is produced of plain nickel-plated steel. The nickel plating throughout the hilt is absolutely 100% and in beautiful mint condition. The grip is a celluloid over a carved wood base. The celluloid still has all of its original sheen throughout. This perfect conditioned grip is tightly wrapped with triple brass twisted wire. The center wire is of slightly larger proportion. The scabbard of this example still has its original factory paper shipping wrapping. The past owner has preserved this wrapping through the installation of a saran wrap type covering so that the paper can not come off of the scabbard. Looking at the portions of the scabbard which show – some at the base, some at the throat area and some of the band and ring areas – this paint is still 100% mint. The paper is a brown manila color. In the center area is the original WKC identification seal. It is shaped in the form of a diamond having a red border with black trim lines. Printed in the border are the words, “WKC Waffenfabrik Solingen”. In the center the area is black at the top and bottom diamond area and in the center area there is lighter colored paper for insertion of the swords model number and its length. There are no insertions in these spaces. The black diamond area above the description lines contains a red knighthead logo. Below this is the wording, “Ganze Länge”. These words would translate to “Entire Length”. As indicated above the length was not inserted in the blank but the area ends with the printed abbreviation for centimeters, “cm”. The remarkable blade measures about 29 ½-inches. This blade is in total pristine mint condition.

   It is a high quality nickel-plated example. The blade’s ricasso has the knighthead stamping with the firm’s initials below, “WKC”. This stamping appears on the obverse which is traditional for this firm. The new-like brown leather blade washer is in place. This is a great opportunity to own a very rarely seen unissued sword still having its original wrapping paper. I wish that this sword were a grand conditioned lion head officer’s model but it is what it is. A great addition to any sword collection. A great example of time standing still!

   Unissued Mint. $1,495.00

6. SWDSOTH3 #33368 Untouched Early Luftwaffe Officer’s Sword – SMF

   This early, initial production Luftwaffe Officer's Sword is about as nice as they come. It remains in its complete untouched condition and appears to be never cleaned since the war. The mounts are the early nickel variety having fine silvered finish. The patina throughout is fairly even and the sword is quite dark but not as black as we see some of them. The edges of the pommel are crisp throughout. They reflect deeply stamped oak leaves which run around the top surfaces. The obverse and reverse pommel have the medallion insert featuring gilded brass sunwheels. These sunwheels are still quite crisp and easily have 100% of the silvering remaining between their legs. The sunwheels at the center block are in the same choice condition. The crossguard quillon arms curve downward and are beautifully treated with engraved lines to simulate feathering. The carved wood grip is covered with the original Moroccan blue leather. This leather shows very little usage to the surfaces and in fact has almost all of the original grain in place. It is very rare to see this on an early Luftwaffe sword. The grip is tightly wrapped with twin rows of silvered springy-style wire. The ferrule below nicely matches the patination of the rest of the sword. The scabbard shell is straight as an arrow. It too reflects outstanding original blue Moroccan. This leather is in totally perfect condition having little to no wearing signs and absolutely no bruises, cuts or nips anywhere. The grain is 100% throughout the surfaces. The scabbard mounts exactly match the patination of the hilt. These mounts are in choice condition to include the lower example. The mounts are retained by untouched flush mount screws, one on each of the edges.

   The original matching Moroccan crescent hanger is in place. Other than a little dust in the backgrounds this hanger is pristine throughout complete with its closed style box clip at the top. A great outside here and exactly the type of sword that many of you would like to add to your collection. I doubt that this piece is upgradable. The blade of this example is about 26 ½-inches in length. It is an absolute beauty having highest quality nickel plating and mirror finish throughout with needlelike tip. This blade is easily in full mint, new-like condition. The reverse ricasso bears a waffen amt stamping. The waffen amt is the early style stick bird and it appears to have the number, “8” beneath it. This number is not seen very often as most of the time it is a “5”. Below the waffen amt is the logo consisting of the seated king holding an upward pointing sword. The king is sitting on the firm’s initials, “SMF”. Beneath the initials in an upward arch form are the capital letters of the location city, “Solingen”. The original leather washer is in place exactly matching the color and texture of the other leather of this sword. A great example here and extremely rare to see one in this untouched state.

   Mint Minus. $2,495.00

7. SWDSOTH3 #33297 Uncleaned Early Luftwaffe Officer’s Sword – Paul Weyersberg

   This early, all nickel Luftwaffe Officer's Sword has not been cleaned since the war. The patination throughout the nickel parts has turned to a black color. The two rims around the pommel show little wear and no hits. The sunwheel swastikas are the medallion insert type. The brass on these swastikas is still outstanding being a dull color but still having all of the silvering between the sunwheel legs. The same is true of the crossguard center block sunwheels. The crossguard arms gently slope downward having fine deep feathering cut into their surfaces. The carved wood grip is covered with original Moroccan leather. The leather shows only minor usage mostly on the obverse surface, the reverse area still being in perfect condition. This grip has nearly all of its original grain remaining in the surfaces. The grip is tightly wrapped with twin rows of springy style brass wire. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. It is covered with matching original Moroccan still having most of its grain throughout. There are a few wear signs throughout the leather and one little nip on the upper portion of the left edge but it is virtually nothing. This leather is still quite outstanding. The scabbard mounts are patinated exactly matching the hilt. These mounts are in fine condition throughout with all four headless flush mount screws in place and unturned. The original crescent hanger is in place.

   The hanger shows a little wear to the rear area and a couple of nips on the obverse area where the center block of the hilt has rubbed against it. Overall though this crescent hanger is in excellent sound condition complete with its matching nickel closed box clip. The 26 ½-inch blade is in choice mirror bright condition. The blade is mint ending in a needlelike tip. Paul Weyersberg did a great job with the production of these Luftwaffe swords. The reverse ricasso is etched with the double oval logo. The double ovals contain the firm’s name and location, “Paul Weyersberg & Co. Solingen”. In the center area is a downward pointing sword resting between two wheat shafts. Below the trademark there is an early stick bird waffen amt having the numeral “5” in its belly. The matching Moroccan leather washer is in place. If you are a fan of edged weapons being in the same state as they came back from Europe this example should suit you. It is in choice untouched condition throughout. If you are the type of person that would clean this sword I would prefer that you look further on our website as I personally would rather see this sword left as is.

   Untouched Near Mint. $1,995.00

8. SWDSOTH3 #33367 Aluminum Luftwaffe Officer’s Sword – E. & F. Hörster

   This aluminum Luftwaffe Officer’s Sword has a fantastic outside. The aluminum mounts still have a complete new-like look throughout their finish. The pommel is still mostly crisp with deeply stamped oak leaves and acorns running around the outside edge. The sunwheel swastikas have absolutely 100% of the original gild still in place. The gild is extremely bright typical of the Hörster style. The same is true of the sunwheel swastikas on the crossguard center blocks. The downward curving quillons are the triple surface type having fine engravings to simulate feathering. The carved wood grip is covered with original blue Moroccan leather. This leather is in choice pristine condition with no hits anywhere and still reflecting full 100% grain. This grip is in new-like condition. The grip is tightly wrapped with twin aluminum springy wire. A very fine hilt here! The scabbard shell is straight throughout. The shell is covered with matching blue Moroccan. This leather shows one or two bumps in the surface, one at the upper obverse right which shows a little bit but there are no cuts in the leather and overall this is an extremely nice shell.

   The scabbard mounts are matching aluminum also being in perfect condition. All mounts have the original flathead flush mount screws which hare unbuggered. The original matching Moroccan crescent hanger is in place. This crescent hanger is in very fine condition and is complete with the matching aluminum closed style box clip. The blade is a 27 ½-inch long example. It is in near full mint condition being nice and bright throughout. There are a couple of extremely minor age signs on the reverse area stemming from the ricasso up to maybe a third of the blade but these could be lessened with some work with semi chrome and a good soft towel. Overall though the blade is easily in near mint condition with a needlelike tip. The reverse ricasso is etched with the double oval trademark of this firm. The ovals trap the firm’s name and location, “E&F Hörster Solingen”. Inside is a downward pointing sword which pierces a large letter, “H”. Inside of the “H” is an additional smaller “H” positioned over an “S”. The blade is waffen amt below the trademark being a stick bird symbol with the number “5” in his belly. The original blue Moroccan leather washer is in place. An extremely fine sword here and a great looker.

   Excellent Plus, Plus. $1,495.00

9. SWDSOTH3 #33338 Aluminum Luftwaffe Officer’s Sword

   This aluminum Luftwaffe Officer’s Sword is in nice condition throughout. When we acquired the sword there was no leather on the scabbard and we recovered it. The scabbard leather is the exact type Moroccan that was used during the period and the color is also the right blue. I doubt if you would know the scabbard has been recovered if we did not tell you. At any rate, this sword has outstanding aluminum mounts throughout. The pommel edges are still nice and crisp and the flat surfaces going around the pommel have deeply stamped oak leaf and acorn sprigs. These oak leaves have been further enhanced with pebbled surfaces. The sunwheel swastikas on both the pommel and the crossguard areas are 100%. The gilded finish is that very bright style which you can see across the room. The wood base carved grip is covered with the original Moroccan leather. There are a few scuffs mostly on the reverse side but we covered these pretty much with blue Meltonian shoe cream so they really don’t show. We did not feel it was necessary to recover the grip leather. This leather still has most of its graining and it is tightly wrapped with twin springy aluminum grip wire.

   The scabbard shell is nice and straight and per my statement above has been recovered. The scabbard mounts are in excellent condition nicely matching the aluminum hilt. These mounts are retained by flush mount headless side screws which are all in place and are unbuggered. The crescent hanger on this scabbard unfortunately has gone to time. The 27-inch long blade is a beauty having high quality mirror mint nickel plating and needlelike tip. This blade is in near full mint condition. It is unusual to see a Luftwaffe sword with an unmarked blade and I assume this particular example was made well after the war was being waged. The original Moroccan leather blade washer is in place. It shows some wear and tear around the edges but most of it is still there. This is a nice looking sword which is reasonably priced due to the restorations. It is a good example to put into your collection for a reasonable price.

   Excellent Plus, Plus. $1,095.00(#020312)

10. SWDSOTH3 #33227 Unusual Art Deco Panther Head Sword – WMW Waffen

    This Panther Head Sword is one of the most striking designs produced during the Third Reich time. The art deco motif is absolutely outstanding. The design is not shown in the Angolia Sword Book but if you have a Johnson Volume I you can see it on page 148. Apparently the WMW firm introduced the sword most probably after the war had all ready begun and therefore this pattern experienced extremely scant sales. The hilt is produced of cast aluminum and it has a gilded finish. As luck would have it the gilding throughout this hilt is nearly 100%. I can’t really tell you how great looking it is unless you can hold it in your hand. This is a very stimulating sword which should be desirable by not just sword collectors but by anyone who appreciates the high art deco fashion that was abundant at this time. The pommel features a panther head which has its features stretched to reflect design rather than actual image. The head is extremely appealing having squared off nostril and brow area with deep set pink color faceted brass eyes. The whiskers are hand cut on a base which resembles more that of a dog than of a cat. The cat’s mane goes only to the end of the pommel where it features three sections of separated fur with a borderline which begins the backstrap area. The backstrap has great high-off-the-surface oak leaves which are larger than normal and have very deep hand cut veins. There are also a few hand done acorns mixed in the designs. The areas around the oak leaf motif are peppered with hand done random pebbling. The “D” guard is also a most curious design jutting upward at the turning area where the guard attaches to the leopards mouth. This upward flow design adds much zest to the sword’s looks. The “D” guard is more of a flat knuckle bow type than it is standard. It features heavily hand enhanced oak leaves all raised out and set on a forty five degree angle. Very beautiful indeed! These same oak leaves continue downward through the crossguard, ferrule and quillon area which is a one piece unit. (There is no separate ferrule on this design.) The crossguard itself is an incredible looking Wehrmacht eagle. This bird is extremely large and somewhat narrow looking compared to most. The bird has the half opened wings and looks to the viewer’s left clutching a mobile swastika. The detail though to this eagle is phenomenal. It has incredible minutiae obvious to the bird’s head, breast feathering, talons, legs and wing feathering. Just a great looking thing here! Surrounding the Wehrmacht eagle is more random dots. The reverse langet features a raised out plain oval disk. The disk has beads which runs around its circumference. The gilt has worn off slightly on the langet surfaces giving it an appealing copper surface. The grip of this example has only six ribs also making for a unique effect. The grip is a carved wood base and is covered with shiny black celluloid. The celluloid is tightly wire wrapped with triple twisted silver wire, the center being slightly larger proportion. A magnificent hilt here! The scabbard is also in the same condition as the hilt. The original paint is as nice as you will see still having its factory brightness. This scabbard paint is easily in mint condition. To add to the enjoyment of this sword the blade is a long 34-inches. It is a very high quality example having the best nickel plating you will see. It is easily mirror mint throughout ending in a needlelike tip. A beautiful blade here! The reverse ricasso is stamped with the producer’s marking, “WMW Waffen”. The original new-like tan leather washer is in place. A fabulous Third Reich sword investment here. This design is ultra rare and I can honestly say it is the first example that I have seen that still retains its original plated surfaces. I had one of these in the past but most of the plating was gone. This sword would easily make a highlight for an advanced sword collection.

    Near Mint. $3,795.00 (#112111)

11. SWDSOTH3 #33357 Army Panther Head Brass Sword – F.W. Höller

    This Panther Head Sword is the Höller pattern number 22. It is slightly different from the example shown in the Angolia Book on page 92 being that the grip tabs have a slightly different design. I think however it is the same model number 22 or a slight variation. The gilded finish throughout this sword is still quite good being at about 98%. The leopard is a great looking cat having much detail in the form of hand enhancing throughout. The handwork is visible beneath the jaw, on the jaw, on the cat’s whisker, brow and also throughout his mane which runs only partially down the backstrap. This beautiful cat is equipped with bright red faceted glass eyes. The backstrap is decorated with raised out oak leaf and acorn sprigs. They too reflect hand enhancing. The areas around the leaves have been hand pebbled. The “P” guard also features oak leaves and acorns and has the same pebbling and handwork. The lower “P” guard is decorated with floral design. The ferrule features raised out oak leaf sprigs. The crossguard has a series of dots which run along either side of the open-winged crossguard eagle. This eagle has outstanding detail to his eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, legs, talons, wreath and raised mobile swastika. The quillon ends in a swirl design. The eagle has the traditional diamonds on either side of the bird’s legs. This is a Höller trademark. If you get used to noticing this you will be able to see a Höller sword from across the room. The grip is a carved wood base with black celluloid coating. The celluloid is in perfect condition and it is tightly wire wrapped with triple brass wire, the center being the springy type wire. The springy wire is another Höller trademark which can be easily seen on most Höller pieces. The scabbard is nice and straight. This scabbard has fine original black paint. There are some scratches here and there in the surfaces but overall it is about 95% and looks really good. The blade of this example is 32-inches in length. It features a needlelike tip and an outstanding mirror mint nickel finish. This blade is easily in full mint condition which is a lucky thing as the family I acquired this sword from told me that their father used the sword to cut his wedding cake! Fortunately he wiped the blade off afterwards or it would not be in this condition. The reverse ricasso has the double oval trademark featuring the firm’s name and location trapped in the center, “F.W. Höller Solingen”. The center area has just a trace of the thermometer but the stamping does not hit correctly so this famous logo is actually missing from the center area. I believe that this is the first time I have ever seen this anomaly with Höller workmanship. The new-like brown leather blade buffer is in place. A very nice sword here!

    Near Mint. $995.00

12. SWDSOTH3 #33333 Panther Head Army Officer’s Sword – Puma

    This Army Officer’s Sword is an aluminum base metal hilt having a fine gilded finish. The Puma as well as the Clemen and Jung plating is easy to spot as it is much brighter than other brands. This may be because of the base metal but it is a fact that it looks different than other swords. This Puma sword is the same as is shown in the Angolia Book on page 120, upper. The pommel features a growling panther cat having much detail throughout and lots of snarling teeth which show from both sides. The fur of the cat as well as the head details have been nicely hand enhanced. This cat is fitted with two red faceted eyes. The motif is very good looking. The backstrap features oak leaf and acorn sprigs which extend onto the side tabs. The “P” guard also features oak leaf and acorns and there is fine hand enhancing here also. The plain areas have been factory pebbled. The crossguard area features a bordered overlapping group of oak leaves which run the length of both sides and end in a curved quillon. The obverse crossguard features a Wehrmacht eagle design clutching a mobile swastika. This bird has outstanding detail to his head, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, legs, talons and plain raised swastika. The area around the swastika as well as the bird’s head has also been pebbled. The reverse langet features a raised plain area for the use of a monogram. The ferrule is a traditional style having oak leaf sprigs running around the circumference. The grip is a carved wood base having perfect condition black celluloid covering. This celluloid is tightly triple wrapped with aluminum wire having a twisted center. An extremely nice hilt here! The scabbard is nice and straight throughout. It reflects outstanding original black paint showing a few usage signs but overall this paint is in near mint condition. The 31 ½-inch long blade is a fine quality example. The nickel plating is completely bright throughout with good tip. This blade is in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with a cat head and to the right is the firm’s name and location, “Puma Solingen”. The original washer is gone to time. A very fine sword here in a near mint state.

    Near Mint. $995.00

13. SWDSOTH3 #33187 Armistice Lion Head Sword – Paul Weyersberg

    This Armistice Sword is in very choice condition throughout having beautiful triple-etched blade. The hilt is composed of all high quality brass base featuring a beautiful lion head pommel motif. The gilding throughout this hilt is nearly 100%. The lion head has much hand work evident throughout his long jaw, whiskers, brow and also his mane. Not only is there fur lines, but there is also pebbling to enhance the beautiful workmanship. The reverse of the mane ends in a floral design and in the center there is a small oval blank spot for initials if so desired. The grip tabs have a flower-like motif. The “p” guard features raised out laurel leaves with lots of berries. These laurel leaves are also beautifully detailed as to their veining. The areas around the laurel leaves and berries have random pebbling. The ferrule features a floral motif all the way around with a beaded border on both sides. The cross guard features a dotted pattern within a border and ends with a quillon featuring another lion head. The reverse langet has a shield device and bears the original owner’s monogram within the shield “hw”. The lettering is quite beautiful, done with shading inside of the lines. The obverse langet features the armistice flying dove carrying what appears to be an olive branch. The detail to this langet is quite beautiful, also having much hand work evident. The grip is a fine black celluloid over a carved wood base. It features twin rows of twisted brass wire. A beautiful hilt here. The scabbard is a fine example, being basically dent free except for a couple of dings right at the chape ending area. They are not bad, however, and are not noticeable. The rest of the scabbard is nice and straight and features outstanding original black paint. With a little work, this paint could come up to very near mint as it shows only mild scratches here and there. The choice blade is 31” in length. This fabulous blade features high-quality nickel plated surfaces and it is triple-etched. These etches are a neutral style military theme, both sides having floral motif with a panel of crossed swords on the obverse and a panel of standartes and crossed cannons on the reverse. The spine features laurel leaves running about halfway down. This beautiful blade remains in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is marked with the double oval trademark. This trademark traps the firm’s name and location “Paul Weyersberg & Co. Solingen”. The ovals are etched with a downward pointing sword placed between two wheat shafts. The original blade washer is in place. A fine example of an armistice sword. The true purpose of these swords has yet to be determined. They are shown in the Angolia book but to me they do not seem to make much sense, as there was no intention through Hitler to have any kind of an armistice. I think that the name of these swords should be something other than this. Whatever their true purpose though, these sword are absolutely of Third Reich period.

    Mint. $3,495.00(#112111)

14. SWDSOTH3 #33177C Kriegsmarine Naval Sword – WKC

    This Kriegsmarine Sword has an excellent outside, being of solid brass construction with very fine fire gilded surfaces. The gilding still remains throughout the hilt and the scabbard mounts at about 95%. The gilt is only worn on the high areas. The sword features a fine lion head which has hand-enhancing throughout his whiskers, brow and mane. This outstanding cat is fitted with large red and green faceted eyes. This red and green features follows the nautical theme established with the international buoy system. The mane comes slightly to the back strap and then there is a pattern of raised floral leaves. In the center is an open oval area intended for a monogram and the grip tabs both have swirls on them. The “D” guard features raised out oak leaves and acorns. Again, the hand detailing to the veins of the oak leaves and the caps of the acorns is outstanding. The areas which surround the leaves have been hand-pebbled. The clamshell is the folding type. This clamshell features an oval in the center with a raised out fouled anchor. Again, there is pebbling around the anchor. Flanking the oval are oak leaves and acorns having fine hand-engraved surfaces. The reverse langet is also folding and is pierced to fit over a male composite blade lock. The grip is a carved wood base having celluloid covering. The celluloid is in perfect condition and has toned to a pleasing ivory color. This grip is tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire also still having most of the original gilt. There is an original-to-the-piece aluminum portepee. This sword portepee is the style designated for naval, having a lower insert resembling a cat’s anus. The aluminum bullion shows no fraying and is set in the original naval tie. This naval tie is extremely intricate and nearly impossible to duplicate. These officers must have spent a lot of time trying to tie these knots, or perhaps there was a clever petty officer on board who took care of these duties. Either way, this knot really does look fantastic. The scabbard of this example is the usual black leather shell sewn up the rear and decorated with twin lines running the length of both sides. This leather is still supple and shows little age. The scabbard mounts are matching gilded brass, having the usual naval engravings. They have “v” decorative edges where they meet the shell. These scabbard mounts are retained by large style staples, all of which are still present. The upper and center scabbard mounts are fitted with eyelets having dual serrated surfaces and matching carrying rings. As indicated earlier, a really fine outside on this sword. The blade is a 33” example, being triple-etched with a very rarely seen motif. It consists at the obverse ricasso area of a fouled anchor with Wehrmacht eagle over a swastika. After this is a panel with a large battleship making its way over the sea. Behind the battleship is a bi-plane fitted with pontoons. Bringing up the rear of this nautical assemblage is what appears to be a destroyer. There are oak leaves which separate these ships. On the reverse, the ricasso area starts with the well-known naval monument. Further down is another destroyer or minesweeper and behind him an additional guy playing with pontoons and the end scene is followed up with a U-boat. All vessels are making their way across a wavy ocean and the panels end with oak leaves and acorns. Unfortunately, although the scenes are still bold and clear, there is some mild age which goes across the nickel plating of the blade but worse than that, there is also some nicks which someone had attempted to remove but not really successfully. The nicks were extremely deep and the person grinding the edge of the blade had a spell of conscious and decided to quit the effort. So, we see the remnants of the nicks as well as the grinding effort. Maybe this sounds a little worse than what it is, but it is a shame that a sword with this outside beauty does not have an equally beautiful blade. I guess the good part though, is that the sword is selling for about one-half of what it would be worth if the blade were perfect. This blade grades at near excellent only. The obverse is deeply stamped with the knighthead trademark and beneath is the firm’s initials “WKC”. The original off-white blade buffer is in place. A very rare sword here for a reasonable price.

    Excellent. $3,995.00

15. SWDSOTH3 #33356 Army Dove Head Sword – Alcoso

    This Army Dove Head Sword is the same as the example shown on page 67, lower, of the Angolia book. It is a very rare pattern that is seldom seen and therefore should be of interest to collectors out there that are looking for rare types. The sword is a dove head having a mixture of base metal parts as we do see occasionally on the Alcoso products. The part that forms the pommel, back strap and grip tabs appears to be of brass construction. The ferrule, “p” guard, cross guard and langet however, are made of gilded steel. I have seen these mixtures of parts before on Alcoso products. The pommel and back strap feature art deco style large oak leaves which overlap each other. The oak leaves extend to the grip tabs and they also go around the circumference of the ferrule. The “p” guard also features these same oak leaves. This same format of oak leaves is also the style that was used on the Field Marshall von Blomberg honor sword, also made by Alcoso. The gilding throughout these surfaces is in excellent condition, rating at least 98%. The grip is a carved wood base having a black celluloid covering. The celluloid is in totally perfect condition and is tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire, the center being slightly larger. The scabbard for this example is straight throughout. It has good original black paint showing some age and usage. This paint rates at least 90% and will certainly clean up if someone wanted to work with it. The blade is slightly over 33”. It is a beauty, having very high quality nickel plated surfaces. It is mirror mint throughout. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the trademark used from 1937-1939. It consists of a set of scales with the letters “ACS” interspersed. Above the scales is an arch shaped block-lettered firm name “ALCOSO” and below the name of the location city “Solingen”. The original brown leather washer is in place. A pretty nice sword here and a pattern very infrequently seen.

    Excellent Plus Plus. $995.00

16. SWDSOTH3 #32105C Army Gewehr Shooting Prize for 1938 E.& F. Hörster

    Each year up until the beginning of the war in 1939 the German army had shooting contests between regiments. The prize for the shooting awards was awarded by the commander and chief of the army. Needless to say these award swords were very prestigious items and certainly coveted by their individual winners. This example is the prize for 1938 awarded for shooting of the K-98 rifle. These prize swords were all in the same hilt motif being a dove head in plain gilded brass with hand engraved features. The engraved motif on these swords is an oak leaf and acorn design which is prevalent throughout the pommel, back strap, side tabs, ferrule and “P” guard. The designs are deeply cut and include enhancing to the veins of the leaves, the caps of the acorns and pebbled surfaces over certain areas to enhance the carvings. There is no gilt left on the surfaces of this brass. The reverse langet is in a line shield design and on the obverse there is an open-winged eagle looking to the viewer’s left and clutching a wreathed swastika. The eagle and swastika are also hand cut into the brass and include nice detail to the bird’s feathering, breast feathering, wreath and detailed pebbling around the mobile swastika. The quillon end is finished with a floral design as is the crossguard beginning. There is an intact finger resting leather device installed between the ferrule and the crossguard. The grip is a fine black celluloid being in totally perfect condition and triple wrapped with brass wire, the center being twisted. It is interesting to note that these hilts will come apart as there is a spanner screw which retains the hilt assembly. The blade of these award swords was always produced in handmade Damascus and that is also the case here. This blade is about 32 ½-inches in length. The pattern is a maiden hair style and the Damask shows a slight amount of age in the surfaces but no rust or pitting. The original gilt still remains throughout the presentation and decorations and is about 90-95%. The obverse blade presents a panel which runs approximately three quarters of the length of the blade. There is a center panel which is flanked by outstanding oak leaves and acorns which are raised having gilded surfaces. The center panel features the two line dedication, “Oberkommando des Heeres / Ehrenpreis”. This would translate to, “Commander of the Army Honor Prize”. The reverse of the blade has the same motif of raised oak leaves and acorns and also features a raised two line panel, “Leutnant Hans Fett-Inf. Rgt. 62 / Ehrenpreisschiessen 1938 mit Gewehr”. This translates, “Lt Hans Fett Infantry Regiment 62 Shooting Honor Prize for 1938 with K-98 Rifle”. On the obverse langet there is a ribboned decoration with the word, “Damaststahl” which of course means genuine Damascus, and then on the reverse langet is the producer of these swords which in my experience has always been E&F Hörster which is the case here. It is interesting though that there is no logo shown just the stamped name of the company, “E.u.F.Horster / Waffenfabrik Solingen”. These swords were surely a contract with the army and they were all to be made the same with the exception of the dedication details. The original scabbard for this sword has gone missing but I know from the past that the scabbards were always issued with blued surfaces. As luck would have it I have had a scabbard stashed for many years which fits this qualification and have mated it with this sword. The scabbard is an outstanding example still in near full mint condition having 100% blue surface and nearly all of the original lacquer. If the next owner wanted to clean up the hilt on this example it would surely make a fine display with this mint condition scabbard. This is an outstanding opportunity here to acquire an important German army one of a kind sword. Where else can you find a sword which represents the winner of a regimental shooting contest, is equipped with a dedicated blade with oak leaf motif and is reasonably priced. This is a fine opportunity to acquire a one of a kind weapon.

    Excellent $9,995.00

17. SWDSOTH3 #32853 Army Höller Model 21 Sword - F.W. Höller

    This Höller Model 21 sword is in outstanding condition and is very desirable. If you are not familiar with the Höller Model 21 design you can see an example in the Angolia Sword book on page 92, upper. This beautiful sword is a brass example having about 98% of its original gilded finish. It is an outstanding design featuring an art deco style pommel depicting a cat with very unusual artist accented mane. The mane gives the cat almost a mouse like look. The cat has wonderful detail to his whiskers and brows and he is fitted with faceted beady red eyes. The mane is quite short on this cat and a bevy of oak leaves picks up where the mane leaves off. These oak leaves are all raised out and there is one leaf to each side of a well detailed branch. The leaves are highly accented and the branch in the center has little circles to highlight the dark. The two grip tabs each have a set of back to back acorns. The reverse tab has a small set screw for disassembling this hilt. The areas without leaves or acorns have a nice pebbling. The “P” guard also has the same pebbling highlighting raised out oak leaves and acorn motif. The crossguard is most intriguing on these examples as it combines the ferrule and langet into a one piece unit. This combining allows for a very large army closed-wingedeagle to be depicted. This eagle is raised way out of the background and it looks to the viewer’s left. This bird has outstanding detail to his eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, legs, talons, wreath and raised swastika. The center langet continues to a quillon which ends in a second roaring lion head. The reverse of this langet features an oval disk left plain for owner’s initials. The grip is a black covered celluloid having only seven sections. This black celluloid is in totally perfect condition and it is tightly wrapped with triple brass wire, the center being the springy type preferred by Höller. The gilding an detail throughout this hilt is simply magnificent! It will literally make you drool! The pristine mint blade is 30-inches in length. The nickel-plated finish is absolutely mirror and could not be any better. The reverse langet features the stamped oval logo which contains the firm’s name and location, “F.W. Höller Solingen”. Inside is the thermometer having too many digits to count. The original brown leather washer is in place. The straight scabbard comes up to the condition of the rest of the sword. This original scabbard paint is still factory bright and aside from a few minor scratches toward the chape area it too is in near mint condition. A very fine sword here which would highlight an advanced collection. A real beauty!

    Near Mint $2,495.00 (#102011)

18. SWDSOTH3 #33019C Army Lion Head Sword with Dedication to Panzer Grenadier Officer

    This Army Brass Lion Head Sword is the WKC Model No. 1059. There is no maker mark, however, on the blade. The lion head has excellent detail throughout, having some minor traces of the original gilt still present in the recesses. The lion head has fine faceted pink eyes. The details are excellent to the lion’s facial characteristics as well as his mane. The back strap features a floral leaf motif having hand-done pebbling. The “p” guard is decorated with raised out oak leaves and acorns. The ferrule has a typical oak leaf and acorn pattern. The cross guard features an army open-winged eagle looking to the viewer’s left clutching a wreathed swastika. The black celluloid grip is in perfect condition and it is tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire, the center being slightly larger. The reverse langet is quite interesting, having what appears to be a regimental symbol. It looks like a backwards letter “g” with a number “1.” The meaning of this would be a good research project for the next owner. The blade is straight throughout, having fairly good original black paint rating about 90%. This paint grades at excellent plus. The blade measures about 30” showing some minor ages to the surface, but not bad. It is not a plated blade but rather is a polished type. It still shows good brightness throughout. The obverse is heavily engraved, not etched, “Pz.Gren.E.u.A.Batl.413”. On the reverse side, it is engraved “Für besondere Leistungen.” This apparently was a sword given for excellent performance to either this Panzer Grenadier regimen or to an individual within. I think that this would be a great research project for the next owner. Swords with this type of engraving are quite rare and this one is really interesting with the regimental symbol included on the langet.

    Excellent. $2,495.00

19. SWDSOTH3 #32655 Early Luftwaffe Officer Sword - Carl Eickhorn

    This Luftwaffe Officers Sword has not been cleaned since the war and has a complete black patination throughout its surfaces. The pommel still has good, crisp edges. The sun wheel swastikas do not appear to have any gilt remaining on their surfaces. On these early Eickhorn swords, many times this firm did not use the brass inlay type sun wheels and this is one of those examples where the sun wheel is a nickel silver base. The obverse portion of the pommel has just the slightest of a depression in the center of the sun wheel whereas the reverse is okay. The cross guard sun wheels have just a slight amount of gilt still in place, looking to be maybe about 10%. The cross guard arms are the downward sloping type being in three tiers and carved with lines to simulate feathering. These quillon arms still have good, crisp edges. The grip is a fine Moroccan leather covered carved wood base. This leather is in choice condition throughout and still has its original graining in the surfaces. The grip is tightly wrapped with a copper springy-like wire. The scabbard of this example is also straight throughout. It has some signs of being carried here and there and there is a very small scuff on the left edge where there is a slight amount of leather missing. The amount of leather missing is about the size of a piece of corn. Since it is on the edge though, it is not noticeable from the forward or backward view. Other than this, the leather is all there. The scabbard is equipped with upper and lower matching darkly patinated mounts. These mounts are in fine condition and are retained by headless, flush mount screws which are all in place. The original matching leather crescent hanger is also in place with no signs of rot. This crescent hanger is equipped with a closed matching nickel box clip. The blade of this example measures about 28” in length. It has high quality mirror finish nickel plating. The blade, at first glance, looks to be mint but, unfortunately, there are some sword fighting nicks to both edge sides. If it were not for these nicks the blade would be in mint condition, but the sword is priced accordingly. The reverse ricasso is deeply etched with the 1935-41 squirrel logo. The animal holds a downward pointing sword and above him is the word “original”. Below is the firm’s name and location “Eickhorn Solingen”. Just below the logo is a waffenamp stamping. The stamping is that of a stick bird having a number in his stomach. The original matching blue leather blade buffer is in place. A pretty nice sword here, having minor deducts for the small leather flaw and for the blade edge nicks. If you can live with these flaws, you have a great looking sword here.

    Excellent. $1,395.00 (#081011)

20. SWDSOTH3 #32794 Army Office Dove Head Saber- WKC

    This Army Officer Dove Head is the WKC pattern No. 1056. You can see the same sword in the Angolia book on page 137, bottom left. This sword is rather unique looking as it has a round unadorned pommel at the top. Stemming downward from the pommel on the back strap there are raised out laurel leaves at the upper area and a sprig of oak leaves at the lower area. The areas around these floral devices have been hand-pebbled. In the center area and stretching out to the grip tabs is a 4-leaf style plant. The “P” guard is decorated with raised out oak leaf and acorn sprigs also having pebbling in the backgrounds. The ferrule has a normal style of oak leaf sprigs which run around the circumference. The cross guard area comes through the center and ends in a quill on having a floral decorated ball. The langet sports a raised out Wehrmacht eagle. The eagle looks to the viewer’s left and has the typical half-opened wings and the talons clutch a mobile swastika. There is good hand-rendered detail to the eye, breast feathering, wing feathering and talons. This area is also pebbled in the backgrounds. The celluloid black grip has a fine sheen to it and it is in perfect condition. This celluloid is mounted over a carved wood base. The grip is tightly wrapped with triple-twisted brass wire, the center being larger and twisted opposite. A nice hilt here that is not seen too often. This hilt is of all-brass construction and does have some of the original gilding still visible, especially in the recessed areas. The scabbard is nice and straight throughout. It has fairly good original black paint. The surfaces show some age here and there as well as a few scuffs, but the paint is still bright and rates at probably 75% - 80%. The blade is just about 33” in length. It has a very high quality mirror mint nickel finish. This blade is easily in full mint condition. The obverse ricasso is deeply stamped with the knighthead trademark and the firm’s initials “WKC” are beneath. The original brown leather blade buffer is in place. A nice army dove head sword here.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $695.00

21. SWDSOTH3 #32526C Army Jawless Lion Head - Unmarked WKC

    Although this blade is unmarked, I am sure that the sword was made by the WKC firm. The sword is equipped with the jawless lion head pommel top, the same as the Model No. 20 produced by WKC and this can be seen on page 135, upper, of the Angolia book. This lion head design is used with the large open-winged eagle which WKC offered on Model Nos. 1058 and 1059. So, this sword is a combination of these two types. The sword is of all quality brass construction. There is quite a bit of gilding remaining around on the lower hilt areas, whereas the pommel is mostly down to the brass. This jawless cat has lots of hand-rendered detail and is fitted with large red eyes. The size of the eyes coupled with the fact that there is no jaw gives the look of a mouse peeking over a small piece of metal. It is quite a captivating site. The back strap remains plain under the cat’s mane and also on the lower area. In the center, there are floral-like designs which follow through to the rivet at the grip center tab. The “P” guard is decorated with three separate panels of designs. The upper panel is a large floral leaf design whereas the center panel seems to have type of a military motif. It looks like large artillery shells in between a couple of standartes. The lower area has more floral designs. The ferrule is a traditional type having laurel leaves with berries instead of oak leaves. The center cross guard is quite captivating, having a vaulted appearance. The bird has its wings extended and there is very fine detail to the head which faces to the right, the breast feathering, the wing feathering, the talons and the wreath with raised mobile swastika. There is also lots of pebbling around these figures. The combination of the jawless lion and this vaulted outrageous eagle is really inspiring. Unfortunately, looking at the grip celluloid, there are two cracks that have occurred up beneath the head at the top of the grip. This celluloid sometimes does this as the wood beneath shrinks and leaves an eggshell-like atmosphere which causes problems. Fortunately, though, there is no missing celluloid, just the two cracks. The rest of the grip, though, is still firmly in place and has a good sheen to the celluloid. This grip is double-wrapped with large style twisted silver wire. The scabbard is straight throughout and has fairly good original black paint. The paint shows some age in the surfaces with a little bit of spidering, but, overall, it appears to be about 90% and would clean up some with some mild effort. The 33” blade is a fine nickel plated example. This blade remains in mint condition and is unmarked at the ricasso. The original red felt buffer is still in place, showing some age but still all there. A very unusual, good looking early brass example. Excellent Plus. $1,295.00

22. SWDSOTH3 #32524C Army Officer Dove Head Sword - Puma

    This all-brass hilt Army Officer Dove Head Sword is the Model No. 3 produced by the Puma firm. It is the same as is shown in the Angolia book on page 115. The dove head pommel and back strap have a single line of oak leaves with one leaf on each side of the center running the length. The side tabs have two leaves, one on top of each other on each tab. The “P” guard is decorated with raised out oak leaves and acorns. The ferrule has oak leaf sprigs running the circumference. The cross guard has a series of raised dots which terminate in a swirled tear drop at the quillon. The center langet features a fine looking open-winged eagle which looks to the viewer’s left. This bird has excellent detail to the eyes, beak, wing feathering, breast feathering, wreath and raised out mobile swastika. The open areas have a fine stippled finish. The grip of this example is a wood base and it is covered with black celluloid, still being in perfect condition with a good sheen to the surfaces. This grip is tightly wrapped with triple twisted silver wire, the center being of slightly larger proportion for contrast. The scabbard of this example is straight throughout with no dents. The original black paint has some spidering and age in the surfaces but overall, most of the paint is still there probably rating about 95%. A lot of this age could be lessened with a little work with some wax and a towel. The blade is a high quality nickel plated type having a mirror finish. This blade is still in mint condition. The obverse ricasso is deeply stamped “model 3”. The reverse is stamped with the firm’s diamond trademark with the cat head inside and the name “Puma” below the head. Below the diamond is the firm’s location city of “Solingen”. The original countersunk brown leather washer is in place. A good example here in brass construction.

    Excellent Plus. $795.00

23. SWDSOTH3 #32539M Dedicated Triple-etch Lionhead 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

24.  SWDSOTH3 #32538 Army Panther Head Saber with Turkish Damascus Blade

    This Army Panther Head Saber hilt appears to be the work of the Paul Sielheimer Company. The hilt is a fine brass example, having some original gilding remaining, but most of it is worn off of the surfaces. The cat is a good looking feline, having extra handwork visible beneath his jaw, on his whiskers, and around his eyes and portions of the mane. The eyes are a blood-red small faceted type that really look quite well on this cat. The backstrap features the lion’s mane running down for a portion, but then turns into a set of oak leaves and acorns that cross in the center, and there are tabs formed with acorn ends that reach around the sword’s grip. A nice looking image here. There is also much handwork evident throughout this backstrap. There is even a beading that goes around the border. The “P” guard features standard oak leaf and acorn raised motif. The reverse languet has a shield for use of a monogram, but in this case it is blank and is surrounded by oak leaves and acorns. The obverse languet has an open winged eagle that looks to the viewer’s left. The bird has good detail to his head, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons, wreath, and raised swastika. There is a hand beaded area around the swastika to give relief. The ferrule features acorns and oak leaves running throughout its circumference. An identical Paul Sielheimer hilt can be seen on page 121 upper of the Angolia Sword Book. The grip of this example is a good wood base, having black celluloid covering. The celluloid is in perfect condition throughout, and it is tightly wrapped with triple wire, the center being silver and the two outer wires being brass. The essence of this sword, though, is not the hilt but it is the blade. This blade is a larger proportion magnificent saber shape, having a “Turkish” Damascus pattern. There are actually four different layers of Damascus which are all welded together to form the beautiful pattern. The only Master smith that could have forged this blade would have been Paul Müller, or possibly his father. Unfortunately, the blade is not marked on the ricasso. Chances are the tang is marked, but obviously this cannot be seen without taking the hilt apart, and this would be near impossible as it is the style that has the tang coming through the top of the cat’s head. At any rate, the pattern of this Damascus is extraordinary. It is extremely bright and still in perfect condition, showing only the most nominal of age. There is one “hit” to about the center area of the blade’s spine, but looking throughout the blade, this is the only flaw I see in the surfaces. This is sensational piece of 3rd Reich weaponry. The owner of this example must have been the kind of person that ordered a standard watch on the outside, but had the best Swiss workings on the inside that money could buy. This sword really looks quite average until it is taken out of the scabbard. This blade easily grades in near mint condition. The scabbard itself is straight throughout and does show original black paint. There are some obvious wear signs, particularly around the ring and upper portion of the scabbard, but all-in-all the paint is probably about 85% to 90%. This paint could be cleaned up some to give the scabbard a better look. The scabbard is also a slightly larger proportion, accommodating this rarely seen blade. If you are looking for a beautiful sword to put upon your mantel, and look at while the commercials are on, this one should do the trick. It is an example of the best of the Damascus artwork, and although it does not have gilded inscriptions and SS Unit marks, and swastikas all over it, it still can be appreciated for the skill and time that it must have taken to forge such a work of art.

    Excellent Plus. $8,995.00

25.  SWDSOTH3 #32451 Depot Marked Reichs/Kriegsmarine Sword with Portepee and Leather Thong Hanging Straps – E & F Hörster

    This Naval Sword was probably constructed about 1935 or 1936. It was produced during the Third Reich period but because the German Navy did not adopt the swastika until 1938, it does not have this proofing. I am certain that it was worn during the period, however. This sword finish is covered with nicotine and other airborne dust and dirt. It is easy to see underneath though, that most of the original gilt over the brass mounts is still all there. If the next purchaser would like to clean this sword, it is very easy to do with a bottle of sudsy ammonia and working with a little bit of cotton. The ammonia immediately dissolves the nicotine and residue, leaving nothing but the gilded surface below. This sword has a fine look to the lion head. It is the style without eyes in the cat’s head. There is hand-enhancing throughout the cat’s lower jaw, whiskers, brow and mane. The mane runs down the entire back strap. The “d” guard is nicely done with floral style designs and there is a center panel that sports random pebbling. The ferrule is a fine gilded brass with raised sprigs of oak leaves. The clamshell on the obverse is a folding style which was the usual for naval swords to save space on ship board. The clamshell exhibits an outstanding fouled anchor design in the center. On either of the edges there are waves that seem to break into the cross guard. At the top and bottom areas there are acanthus style leaves. The panels behind the raised anchor are random pebbled. The grip of this example is a celluloid over wood base. The celluloid has turned a fine golden ivory color. It is still in perfect condition throughout and has good eye appeal. This grip is tightly wrapped with twisted triple brass wire. The center wire is larger for contrast. Still in the original tie about the hilt is a silver bullion naval sword knot. This knot has turned brownish gold from years of patination but it is all there, has no fraying and the original tie looks rather nice on it. A fine hilt here if someone wanted to both to clean it up. The reverse langet which has the female hole for the locking device is depot marked with the initial for the harbor it was issued from as well as the accountability number. It is stamped “O.1654”. The letter “O” stands for Ostsee, which was the German name for the Kiel harbor. There is a matching stamping that appears on the reverse of the upper scabbard mount. The scabbard shell was produced of black leather being sewn up the rear and trimmed with twin lines running the length of the edges of both sides. Matching gilded brass scabbard mounts are in place having the traditional naval engravings. These mounts are retained by large brass staples. The upper and middle mounts are equipped with eyelets having dual serrated lines. Attached to the rings of this scabbard are the original black leather thong hanging straps. These straps are composed of woven leather and each end is fitted with a snap clip. The snap clips are the early gilded brass type exactly matching the patinated finish of the rest of the sword’s brass parts. The upper leather thong is equipped with a regain chain and hook. The blade is a beauty, being a plain type with mirror nickel finish. This blade has the quill-bach design and it measures 31” in length. This fine blade is stamped on the obverse ricasso horizontally with the maker’s name and location “E & F Hörster Solingen” and on the reverse has the logo featuring a large “H” with the smaller letters “h” and “s” inside pierced by a downward pointing sword. The original brown felt buffer is still in place. I just noticed that there is a naval proofing on the lower hilt portion of the sword. It is the stick bird style marking over the letter “m”. This stick bird was used up until 1938. As I said, this sword could easily have been a Nazi period produced example. A great sword here which is complete with all parts and is still in fine condition if someone wanted to clean the gilding.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $2,495.00

26.  SWDSOTH3 #32149 Naval/Waterways Police Saber

    This Police Saber is an extremely rare example which most people would not be able to identify without research. I thought I knew what it was when I first saw it and fortunately I was able to put my money where my mouth is, as this is an extremely rare original naval sword worn “outside the navy.” For those of you that have a copy of the wonderful Stefanski German Officer Sword Navy book, you can easily look at pages 154, 155 and 156 and see examples of this sword in wear. The hilt is a standard naval style hilt having an all brass lion head depiction. The cat is equipped with the nautical green and red faceted eyes. The cat is hand-enhanced throughout his facial features, extending to the mane which runs down the entire back strap. The “d” guard is a standard naval type having traditional designs with a small pebbled panel running in the center. The clamshell on the obverse depicts the fouled anchor depiction in the center with wavelike floral devices on either side and acanthus leaves at the bottom and top. There is random pebbling in the background. The reverse langet is interesting, as it is a standard hinged variety which would normally serve as a blade lock as it would have a female hole drilled into the center area. On this sword, the langet exists and folds but there was never a hole in the langet because it was not meant to be a locking device. This naval sword is actually equipped with an army blade and scabbard. Just to finish the description of the hilt, though, the grip is a standard off-white celluloid over wood base. The grip is in perfect condition throughout and it is triple-wrapped with twisted brass wire, the center wire being the springy type and slightly larger. There is also a fine naval nylon style sword portepee. This portepee is nicely tied and shows no fray, just some minor age. It is most attractive at the slide and stem where a mixture of thread colors form “v” designs. The lower yarn-like nylon ball has the traditional naval cat’s anus stuffing being a gray thread material. The blade of this sword is a typical army officer’s type. It does not have a quill-bach and it also has a large fuller typical of army blades. This blade measures 32½” in length and has outstanding mirror finish nickel plating. The blade is stamped on the obverse ricasso with the knighthead logo and the firm’s initials below. There is an army style thick leather washer which buffers the blade. This washer seals the blade nicely against the army scabbard. This scabbard is straight throughout and has fairly good original paint. The paint shows some wearing signs and some mild age but at least the scabbard is straight and with a little cleaning, this paint could be brought up better. This sword, according to Stefanski, was worn by police officials during the Weimar and Third Reich period who had served with the navy in the past. There is an outstanding photograph shown on page 154 of the Stefanski book which shows two police officers wearing naval swords identical to this example with metal scabbards. Stefanski also states that this naval sword with army blade was worn during the Third Reich by the members of the blue uniformed waterway police, the state police water guard, the harbor and shipping police of the states as well as the coastal police that existed during the war. During the Imperial time, the marine infantry also wore Imperial naval swords in metal scabbards. I show a beautiful presentation example on page 460 of my Naval book that is complete with a metal scabbard. This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire an ultra-rare sword here. This sword was made specifically in this manner and it is not often today that we see something surface that previously was mostly unknown. If you do not have the Stefanski book, it is available on our contemporary book section on our website. This is a very worthwhile book if you collect naval sabers.

    Near Mint. $2,995.00

27.  SWDSOTH3 #32321 Army Dove Head Sword - Puma

    This Puma sword has an unmarked blade but it is the same as the example shown on the Angolia book on page 118. The design of this sword is quite interesting in that it has a flat knuckle bow and lots of art-deco style features. The pommel features curled oak leaf design which has good hand-enhancing to the veins and there is also lots of hand done pebbling on the in between areas. The oak leaf motif follows through down the back strap. There are oak leaves that are raised out on the back strap and there are two rows of them separated by a plain line in the center. The central point of the back strap has sets of crossed oak leaves and where the grip tabs come in there is an interesting floral design that is in a triangular shape and also features random pebbling. The “p” guard is in a flat knuckle bow design and it has oak leaves on its surfaces separated by hand pebbling on the plain areas. The lower cross guard has more oak leaves and in the center it depicts a langet featuring a Wehrmacht style eagle clutching a mobile swastika. The eagle also shows hand work to the breast feathering and wing feathering. The ferrule is a traditional type, having oak leaf and acorn sprigs. The grip is a black celluloid over wood base. It is in perfect condition throughout and is tightly wrapped with triple aluminum wire, the center being twisted. A good looking hilt here with almost 100% of the original gilt intact over the aluminum base. The blade of this example is slightly over 33” in length. This blade is done in the matte finish so, apparently it was produced fairly late in the time frame. The blade shows some age in the surfaces but is not too bad. This blade only grades at about excellent. The sword scabbard is nice and straight throughout and has good paint but looks as though it has been touched up over the years with a new spray job. This would be an easy fix, as a little rubbing compound would easily smooth out this paint and it would blend well with the original paint beneath it. Not a bad sword here, and an unusual hilt pattern that is worthy of a second look.

    Excellent. $595.00

28.  SWDSOTH3 #32172 Dove Head Army Sword – WKC

    This Dove Head Army Sword is of all brass construction and has pretty good gilt throughout the hilt, except for the pommel and upper back strap area where it is worn to the brass. This sword can be seen in the Angolia book on page 135, lower left and right. The sword on the right has the same back strap as this example and the sword on the left has the same cross guard. The back strap and “p” guard are all engraved rather than cast with an oak leaf and acorn motif. The engravings are exceptionally well done and there is lots of hand pebbling and fine treatment throughout the design. The ferrule is identified by crossed ribbons in the center of both sides. The cross guard features a Wehrmacht style half-closed wing eagle looking to the viewer’s left. The bird has exceptional detail to his eye, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons and to the mobile swastika. The grip of this example is a black celluloid over carved wood base. The celluloid is in perfect condition and is tightly wrapped with triple brass wire, the center being slightly larger. The nearly 33” long blade has outstanding nickel plated surfaces and is mint throughout except for a small portion about one inch long near the ricasso. This area has a little bit of freckling but probably would clean up quite a bit also. The obverse ricasso has the knights head trademark deeply stamped with the firm’s initials “WKC” beneath. The scabbard is nice and straight and has excellent original black painted finish. This paint is at least 95% and looks really good. A fine basic army officer’s model here.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $595.00

29.  SWDSOTH3 #32151C German-made Dutch Lion Head Sword

    This sword, at first glance, would appear to be a normal German lion head but when the viewer realizes there are no eagles or swastikas on the langet, it is time to look a little further. The giveaway that this is not a German sword is the fact that the word “yzerhouwer” is on the blade within a frosted ribbon. I assume that this is Dutch for the word “Eisenhower” which means “good steel.” The hilt of this example features a good looking lion head which has excellent detail throughout his features, many of which have been hand-enhanced. This cat has no glass eyes but the eye work has been done pretty well in the brass itself. The lion’s mane runs about a quarter of the way down the back strap. The rest of the back strap is plain. The “p” guard also is plain, having decorative floral work at both ends. The cross guard and langet are plain on both sides and there is a roaring lion which makes up the quillon end. The ferrule has designs of floral leaves, but different from the German variations that we see. The grip is a celluloid over carved wood base. This black celluloid is in perfect condition. It is tightly wrapped with triple brass wire, the center being twisted. The fine quality blade is very long, being 35” overall. The blade pretty much looks like a German example except the fuller seems to run further down than the German models. This blade is expertly nickel plated and still is nice and bright and remains in mint condition. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the double oval trademark which traps the firm’s name and location inside “E & F Hörster Solingen”. There is the usual “H” inside with the smaller “h” and “s” letters in the center being pierced by a sword. A good example here, obviously German made and having the same quality as any German sword. The scabbard is nice and straight and has fairly good original paint. There is some spidering in the surfaces, but overall, this paint looks to be at least 90%. A fine example here.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $495.00

30. SWDSOTH3 #32100 Army Leopard Head Sword – Robert Klaas

    This Army Leopard Head Sword is quite an impressive example as it is produced of all brass construction having very fine detail and about 85% of the original gilded surfaces. This sword is the Klaas pattern number 237. If you would like to see an example of this sword you can observe one on page 102 lower of the Angolia Book. The panther head displays an outstanding hand enhanced cat. This cat has a good sneer on its face and there is good detail to the lower jaw, the whiskers, the brow and also to the mane which runs to the backstrap. This cat is equipped with faceted red eyes which also really look great. The backstrap features oak leaves which are highly raised out and all hand enhanced to the veins and to the acorn checkering. There is random pebbling in the backgrounds. Lots of beautiful work here! The “P” guard is also extremely nice featuring acorns and oak leaves and also having the fine random pebbling. The crossguard has pebbling around its relatively plain interior and ends in a floraled quillon curl. The center langet features a great open winged army eagle clutching a swastika within a wreath. This eagle has all hand done enhancing to his beak, eye, breast feathering and wing feathering. The wreath and swastika are left plain as a contrast. The Klaas eagle looks very much like a Japanese fan. The reverse has an ovaled plain raised motif for insertion of a monogram. The grip of this piece is in perfect condition being a carved wood base with bright black celluloid covering. The celluloid is tightly wrapped with triple brass wire, the center being twisted. The blade of this example is quite long being 33-inches in length. It has a fantastic mirror bright quality nickel-plated surface and is easily in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the kissing cranes and above the birds is a circular “Robert Klaas” and below a matching location, “Solingen”. The original leather washer is in place. The scabbard of this example is straight throughout having good original black paint on the obverse. There is some minor spidering only. On the reverse there is a little more age with a couple of spots where the paint has come off. Overall though the paint still is shiny and this is a good looking scabbard matching a very fine quality sword.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $995.00

31. SWDSOTH3 #32102 Army Dove Head Sword – Puma

    This Army Dove Head Sword is the Puma model number 3 which is also stamped on the obverse blade ricasso. If you are not familiar with this sword model you can see it in the Angolia book on page 115, upper. This example is a real beauty having 100% gild to the aluminum base hilt. The gilt finish accomplished by Puma is very similar to that used by Voos as well as Clemen & Jung, being brighter than finishes used by other producers. This gives these swords a very “glitzy” appearance and they really look great. This example is no exception. The dove head pommel area has fine raised out oak leafing with acorns which runs down the backstrap and into the two grip tabs. The same motif is repeated on the “P” guard. The ferrule has oak leaves running around its circumference. The detail throughout these leaves is really exceptional and impressive. The crossguard area features a pebbled area which ends in a floraled swirl quillon. The center langet area though is much more elaborate featuring an open-winged army style eagle clutching a wreathed swastika. This eagle really has exceptional detail all being hand applied throughout the eye, breast area, open wing feathering, feathering to the legs and also detail to the wreath. This eagle is as nice as you will see. The grip of this example is a black celluloid over a carved wood base. The celluloid is in perfect condition throughout and is wrapped with triple twisted aluminum wire the center being slightly larger proportioned. A very beautiful mint conditioned hilt here! The scabbard of this example also has good original paint. There is some age and spidering I the paint but a lot of this could be lessened with a little bit of wax and effort on the next owner’s part. The paint is still 100% and does have some sheen still left in its surfaces. The long blade is a high quality example measuring 33-inches. It is nice and bright with mirror nickel-plated finish. This blade shows only the most modest of age signs but still grades in mint condition. As stated above, the obverse ricasso is stamped with the model number “3” and the reverse features the Puma cat head within a diamond with the firm’s name beneath the head and under the diamond is the location, “Solingen”. The original brown leather washer is in place. A very fine example here of a desirable sword.

    Near Mint. $995.00

32. SWDSOTH3 #32104 Army Dove Head Sword – Puma

    This Army Dove Head Sword is the Model #3 produced by Puma and can be seen in the Angolia book on page 115. The hilt is a fine aluminum base which has been nicely gilded. The gild shows some minor usage but still remains at at least 98%. There are a couple of minor wearing signs around the edges of the “P” guard but they are not bad and reasonable for the age of this piece. The pommel top features an oak leaf motif which follows down the backstrap and into the two grip side tabs. All oak leaves reflect hand enhancing. The “P” guard features the same style motif. The ferrule features a series of oak leaves which run around its circumference. The crossguard displays an outstanding open-winged army eagle. This bird has good detail to its wings as well as its breast area. The feathering can be seen on the bird’s talons and there is hand enhancement to the wreath which encloses the swastika. The areas next to the bird’s legs have been randomly pebbled. The grip of this example is a black celluloid over a carved wood base. The celluloid is in perfect condition. This grip is triple wrapped with twisted aluminum wire, the center being of slightly larger proportion. The scabbard of this example is nice and straight throughout. Unfortunately it does have some bubbling and loss of the painted surface. The upper area still looks pretty good but the area from two-thirds down on both side has a lot of paint that is missing and maybe rates at about 40-50%. A new paint job for the scabbard would do wonders for this example. The fine blade is slightly over 33-inches in length. It is pristine mint with high quality nickel-plated finish. The obverse ricasso is stamped, “No3”. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the diamond around the cat’s head with the firm’s name, “Puma” below. The location of “Solingen” appears below the diamond. The brown leather washer is in place. I also just noticed that the original owner’s name is lightly scribed into the reverse langet. It is positioned vertically rather than horizontally and the letters are “Stahl”. A nice example here in good collectible condition.

    Excellent Plus. $750.00

33. SWDSOTH3 #32101 Army Leopard Head Sword – E. Pack

    This Army Leopard Head Sword is equipped with a flat knuckle bow and can be seen in the Angolia Sword Book on page 113. the hilt is of all brass and shows some signs of the original gilt still in the recesses. Most of the gilding though has gone from this hilt. The detail though is still all there. The cat is a vicious looking animal with good detail to his under jaw, hair, his teeth, whiskers, eyebrows and mane. The reverse backstrap is decorated with long oak leaf sprigs and the two side tabs have the traditional Pack “pinwheel” designs raised out. The flat knuckle bow has good detail to the featured oak leaves with enhanced veins. The ferrule below is also a typical Pack type having the straight upper edge and featuring acanthus leaves standing upward. The cat is fitted with beautiful blood red faceted eyes. The crossguard is plain with lined designs which follow through to the curled quillon end. The langet features a Wehrmacht style half open-winged eagle. The bird has outstanding detail to his head, breast feathering and wings and he clutches a mobile swastika in his talons. There is pebbling surrounding this image. The reverse langet simply provides an outline of a shield. The grip for this example is a wood base with black celluloid covering. The celluloid is in perfect condition and is triple wrapped with brass twisted wire, the center being of larger proportion. The scabbard of this example is still straight throughout and has quite good original black paint. The paint shows some age spots here and there in the form of spidering but overall the paint is all there and could come up quite nicely with nominal effort. The long nearly 34-inch blade is in excellent plus, plus condition having the matte finish that we frequently see on Pack swords. The finish though appears to still be all there and will clean up nicely to near mint. The reverse ricasso has the early marking of the small hammering Siegfried which is positioned over the firm’s name and location, “E. Pack & Söhn Solingen”. The original leather washer is in place. A good collectible sword here.

    Excellent Plus. $795.00

34.  SWDSOTH3 #32103 Army Dove Head Sword – F.W. Höller

    This Army Dove Head Sword is Höller Model #30 and can be seen in the Angolia Sword Book on page 94, upper. The hilt of this example is produced of quality brass base. I do not see any gilt remaining on the hilt but all of the details are still there. This sword has engraved motif rather than raised out. The dove head and backstrap are engraved with oak leaf and acorn sprigs which extend into the side grip tabs. The “P” guard repeats this motif. There is lots of hand enhancing and many of the surfaces have received pebbled decoration. The ferrule has a set of cross bars with acorns in the center of each side and on the insides they contain oak leaves. The motif is repeated on the reverse ferrule. The crossguard reflects a series of feather like devices and ends in a quillon with a swirl. The langet features a raised out Wehrmacht eagle which shows excellent detail to his beak, eye, breast feathering, wing feathering, talons and mobile clutched swastika. The areas around the swastika are lightly pebbled. The grip of this example is a black celluloid over a carved wood base. The celluloid is still in perfect condition. The grip is tightly wrapped with triple wire, the center being a springy copper type which contrasts nicely with the outer wires. The scabbard of this example is straight on the obverse but does have a few wearing hits on the inside edge and a couple of very small dings on the reverse side. These are very minor though and are caused by wear not carelessness. The paint of this scabbard is still bright and shows some age spidering but overall it is nearly all there and looks excellent. A little bit of work with some wax and compound would make for a very nice scabbard here. I forgot to mention that on the reverse langet the original owner’s monogram is professionally engraved. It is simply done in single stroke letters but they are nicely intertwined. The initials are, “HK”. The blade is 32 ½-inches long. This blade is of highest quality steel and reflects a mirror bright nickel finish. This blade is in near full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the double ovals which contain the firm’s name and location, “F.W. Höller Solingen”. The inside area has the familiar thermometer reflecting too many digits to count. The original blade washer is in place. A very nice monogrammed Höller sword here.

    Excellent Plus. $695.00

35. SWDSOTH3 #32084 Army Panther Head Sword – Alcoso

    This Alcoso made Army Officer’s Panther Head is the model number 119. It can be seen in the Angolia Book on page 64, upper right. This example is produced of solid brass base and has beautiful fire gilded finish. The fire gilding is nearly 100% throughout the hilt and really provides the viewer a great look at what these swords must have looked like when they were originally worn during their glorious past. This leopard head has a lot of hand enhancing throughout. The lower jaw, the whiskers, the brow, the jowls and the mane all reflect handwork. This cat has a ferocious look on his face which is enhanced by the blood red faceted glass eyes. The mane flows downward and turns into oak leaf and acorn sprigs. The detail to the oak leaves and acorns is phenomenal with lots of hand engraving and pebbling to bring out the relief. The “P” guard has a similar design also with lots of handwork evident. The backstrap also has beautifully done grip side tabs, both sides featuring acorns and oak leaves. The crossguard has a random pebble design on a muted gilded base. This contrasts nicely with the bright border lines that finish in a curved quillon. The Alcoso crossguard eagle is a real beauty. This bird is open-winged and looks to the viewer’s right. The bird has a reptilian look to his head with much hand-enhancing evident to the breast feathering, wing feathering and legs. The wreath around the mobile swastika has also been hand enhanced and setting the design off are oak leaves which flank the bird’s leg and lower breast area. The grip is a black celluloid over wood base. This celluloid still has its original sheen and it is tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire, the center wire being slightly larger for contrast. The original army officer’s portepee is still tied about the hilt. When I acquired the sword the tie was not correct so I did retie it but in a few years it will easily set in place. The portepee has green colored leather strapping featuring dual aluminum wire stitching running the length. There is a slide of woven leather and a stem which is the flat type having the crochet like aluminum cover. The lower ovaled ball is aluminum bullion and the insert is a gray colored thread. An extremely fine hilt here – sword hilts are rarely found in this condition! The scabbard is also a very nice example. The original paint is still factory bright throughout. On the reverse it is in near full mint condition and on the obverse there are two spots where paint has come off of the metal surface. The missing paint appears to have come off perhaps do to a poorly conditioned base area as it looks like it more or less fell off. Perhaps a little gun blue or a touch up would take care of the problem as the rest of the obverse scabbard is in choice condition. The 31 ½-inch blade is also a high quality example. This blade is in full mint condition and has the typical Alcoso finish which is not quite as bright as some of the others but it still is a beauty. The blade is marked on the reverse ricasso with the trademark used from 1937-1939. It has the scales with the firm’s initials “ACS” interspersed. In an arch shape above in block letters is the firm’s name above, “Alcoso” and below the location city, “Solingen”. The original new like brown leather blade buffer is in place. A really fine example here and if you are looking to purchase just one sword for you collection I would definitely recommend you give this one a front seat.

    Mint Minus. $1,295.00

36. SWDSOTH3 #32092C Early Luftwaffe Sword – SMF

    This early Luftwaffe sword is fitted with heavy nickel silver mounts throughout. The pommel edges show some mild usage and a little bit of wear but they are still crisp. The edge has the stamped oak leaf and acorn sprigs which run around the circumference. These leaves also have pebbling in their surfaces. The sun wheels are the brass medallion insert types. There is no silvering remaining between the legs of the sun wheels but they still look great on both sides. The center block sun wheels also have little silvering remaining but there are mild amounts. The crossguard arms are nicely detailed with feathering and have an appealing downward slope. The grip is a wood base which is covered with blue Moroccan leather. The leather shows some wear at the very upper rib on the obverse as well as the lower rib. Obviously the wearer of this sword preferred to hold the hilt with his hand while he was walking. The areas where the wood shows thought though are fairly easy to cover up using some Meltonian navy blue shoe cream. You can google this maker and find out how to order this excellent shoe cream. The grip, other than the two wear spots, is in good condition still having some of its graining showing. It is tightly wrapped with dual springy brass style wire. The scabbard shell is mostly straight throughout having just the slightest ripple around the center area but it is not bad. It is hard to tell whether the ripple is on the obverse or reverse as there is no crescent hanger on this sword. The matching Moroccan leather on the scabbard though is still excellent having a couple of nips here and there but nothing bad and again, easily covered up with Meltonian cream. The matching heavy nickel silver scabbard mounts are in perfect condition and are retained by headless flush mount side screws. The previous owner of this sword cleaned this example so it will stay fairly bright for the next ten years or so but after that should be dark again. The 28 ½-inch long blade is of highest quality and made of the best of steel. This blade reflects a mirror nickel-plated surface and is easily in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the seated king trademark. The king holds an upward pointing sword while sitting on the firm’s initials. Above the king is a waffen amt stick bird having the number “5” in his belly. The waffen amt is the early type. There was no washer on this piece but we constructed one using original Luftwaffe leather. A nice example here and a good solid early piece.

    Excellent Plus. $1,395.00

37. SWDSOTH3 #31839C Ordnance Sword - Carl Eickhorn

    The Ordnance Sword was an issue item that would have been used by NCOs for leading parade formation, etc. The sword was expected to be returned to the regimental depot after the exercise was over. This sword has an all brass dove head style hilt which is plain throughout. It features a “BAP” “P” style guard with smooth pommel, backstrap, ferrule, crossguard and langet. The grip is a celluloid over carved wood base. The celluloid is in perfect condition with a fine sheen to its black color. This grip is tightly wrapped with double twisted brass wire. The twists run opposite for contrast. On the lower hilt the sword is stamped with a waffen amt consisting of a stick bird over the inspector’s numbers, “118”. Below the inspection mark is the serial number of the sword, “7252”. On the opposite side of the hilt is the maker’s initials and another symbol which I do not know the purpose of but it is, “C.E./G.”. Beneath this is an additional matching waffen amt. On the scabbard obverse and reverse these same symbols are repeated. Additionally there is a waffen amt on one side of the blade’s spine and the number “3” is stamped on the other side of the spine at the ricasso. For those of you out there that like number stampings these swords are a real God send. The scabbard is straight throughout and it is a blue style finish. The scabbard shows some mild surface age but the blue looks to be mostly still all there. The throat is retained by a single large screw being on the left edge. The 28-inch long blade appears to have a nickel-plated surface. It is a single fuller style and there are also signs of some old sharpening on the edge. There is also some mild age here and there and overall the blade grades at only about excellent. At any rate, if you have been looking to acquire an ordinance sword this one has all of the bells and whistles.

    Excellent. $495.00

38. SWDSOTH3 #31837 Army Dove Head Sword - E. Pack

    This all brass Dove Head Sword appears to be the same as the example shown on page 110 of the Angolia Book, on the top left. The pommel top has been separated by a dotted pattern that runs a border around the area, with a fine, raised out single oak leaf. The quillon ends in a floral swirl. The langet features a closed winged Wehrmacht eagle which looks to the viewer’s left and clutches a mobile swastika. There is also lots of hand detail to the eagle as well as pebbling to the background. The ferrule is an oak leaf sprig type. Even the side tabs have beautiful enhancing to the acorns and oak leaf depictions. The grip is a black celluloid over wood. The celluloid is in perfect condition throughout and it is tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire. Attached to the hilt is the original to the piece troddel. This army troddel is a green leather style still in the original proper tie. This leather still appears to be supple. The slide is a threaded material type and the lower oval ball is of aluminum yarn like bullion with a green yarn like top having bullion speckles. The lower insert is a green strapping with bullion highlights. A very fine hilt here showing some minor age and not much gilding but very striking with the amount of hand detail. The long blade is 34-inches in length. It is a matte finished style blade and is still in very impressive condition easily rating near mint. The reverse ricasso is etched with the Siegfried Waffen trademark with the details of the Pack firm surrounding in an arch shape the hammering Siegfried figure. The original blade buffer is still in place. The scabbard is mostly straight throughout having a slight banana at about the center area but not too bad. The original paint is still bright and rates at about 95-98%. A good looking sword here and lots of handwork to admire.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $795.00

39. SWDSOTH3 #31851 Early Untouched Luftwaffe Sword - David Malsch

    This untouched Luftwaffe sword was recently acquired by me from a veteran source. It came with another sword identical in condition and also by David Malsch. This example has the patination that has been accumulated over sixty years since the war. The fittings are the early nickel type and they have the brass insert swastikas. The plating between the swastika legs appears to still be all there underneath the patination. The sunwheels on both the pommel and the crossguard have good brass images. The rim of the pommel is still quite crisp and of course it bears the stamping of oak leaves around its flat circumference. The crossguard arms nicely slope downward having three segments with good feathering detail. The grip is a wood base having blue Moroccan leather covering. This leather shows a few scuffs here and there but we were able to cover them nicely with Meltonian shoe cream and they do not show badly. The grip is wrapped with dual springy wire. The scabbard shell has excellent matching Moroccan leather. This leather is in near perfect condition throughout still having outstanding grain. The scabbard mounts are the solid nickel type exactly matching the uncleaned patination of the hilt. These mounts are in choice condition and are retained by flathead flush mount screws in the sides. The original matching leather crescent hanger is in place. This hanger is equipped with the early closed box clip. The blade of this example is nearly 27-inches in length. It is nice and bright throughout having a fine nickel-plated surface. There are a couple of minor age spots but overall this blade easily rates in near mint condition. The reverse ricasso has an early stick bird waffen amt which has the number “8” in his belly. The ellipse trademark is below the waffen amt. It has the firm’s name around the top, “David Malsch” and around the bottom the location town of “Steinbach”. Inside the ellipse are the firm’s initials, “DM”. The original blue leather washer is in place. A nice untouched example here.

    Excellent Plus. $1,395.00(#081011)

40. SWDSOTH3 #31715 Army Dovehead Sword - Puma

    This Army Dovehead Sword is an aluminum base and it has 100% of its gilded finish. The gold really looks great on this example, being that mirror bright stuff that Puma, Clemen & Jung, and others, occasionally used. The sword is a basic dovehead type that uses oak leaves and acorns as the basic motif throughout the pommel, backstrap, side tabs, ferrule, “P” guard, and the reverse of the crossguard. The obverse crossguard features an open winged Army Eagle that looks to the viewer’s left. This bird has excellent hand done engravings to the eye, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering, leg feathering, wreath, and raised swastika. The quillon ends in a floral teardrop swirl. Nice looking hilt parts here. The grip is a wood base, having a black celluloid covering. The covering is in perfect condition and is tightly wrapped with triple aluminum wire, the center being twisted. The scabbard of this example is straight throughout, but it does show quite a bit of spidering and some chipping to the paint. This original paint, though, could be improved quite a bit with a little compound and some waxing. It is not bad enough to deserve a repaint, so hopefully, the next owner will see fit to work with it a little bit. The blade is a long 33-inch example. It has outstanding high quality nickel plated finish. The blade is in mint condition. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the Puma model number, which is “No3”. I looked it up in my Puma catalogue, and indeed, this is a Model No. 3 sword. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the early Puma trademark, which consists of a small mountain lion head, with the firm’s name and location to the right of the head, “Puma/Solingen”. The original leather blade buffer is in place. This is a nice sword, not seen too often.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $895.00

41. SWDSOTH3 #31306 Army Panther Head Sword - Puma

    This army panther head is the Puma number 5 model. It does not appear in the Angolia Book but the model number is stamped into the sword blade ricasso. This hilt is an aluminum base with gilded surfaces. The gilt is still nearly all there failing only on the very highest relief areas of the sword. The gilt rates at about 98%. The hilt depicts a panther head cat having excellent detail. There is hand enhancing to his lower jaw, whiskers, brow and also to his mane. The cat is fitted with dark red faceted eyes. He grips the “P” guard in his mouth in the usual manner. The backstrap features oak leaf and acorn designs where the mane stops. The “P” guard features the usual oak leaf and acorn sprigs. The same case is true of the ferrule. The crossguard has a fine looking open-winged army eagle clutching a wreathed swastika. The eagle has excellent hand done detail to his eye and beak as well as the feathering on the breast and the wing feathering. The swastika is nicely raised in the center of the wreath. The quillon ends in a downward swirl. The grip is a wood base having black celluloid coating. The celluloid is in perfect condition. The grip is wrapped with aluminum triple twisted wire, the center being larger. The top three wires have a little bit of looseness but this could probably be easily remedied with just a dab of crazy glue. (I know collectors don’t like to use crazy glue but in certain applications it is much easier than trying to somehow rewrap an entire grip.) The scabbard is an outstanding example still being nice and straight. It appears to me as though it may be an old repaint but the paint job was done professionally and still looks really good. I would certainly rather have a nice paint job like this than something all scratched or chipped up. The blade of this example is 32-inches in length. It has good nickel-plated surfaces but there is a tiny bit of age freckling that is noticeable in the surfaces. It is not bad though and maybe with a little work could be polished out. The blade still grades at excellent to excellent plus. The reverse ricasso has some rust under the langet as does the obverse ricasso but the viewer can still see that the sword has the Puma trademark with the cat within the diamond and on the obverse side it is stamped with the “model 5”. The original brown washer is gone to time. Not a bad sword here and with a little TLC could probably look even nicer. This is a fairly rare model and is worth consideration as it is priced accordingly.

    Excellent. $695.00

42. SWDSOTH3 #31237C Early Luftwaffe Sword - SMF

    This early Luftwaffe sword has highest quality nickel silver mounts. They do not look to have been cleaned in many years and are developing a desirable patination. The pommel has excellent crisp rims and very nice stamping to the oak leaves and acorns which run around the circumference. The medallion insert sun wheels are really beauties, having great brass finish which really sticks out against the darkness of the patinated silver behind them. The silvering is still 100% between the legs of the sun wheels. The lower cross guard sun wheels also look really good, having intact silvering also between their legs. The cross guards are nice and crisp and they both have good detail to the feathering of the downward pointing quillons. One side of the lower cross guard is engraved “I/G Hdba.” This same light engraving appears on the upper scabbard fitting just below the throat. There is no crescent hanger here so I assume that the engraving is on the real throat area. The grip is a wood based type having outstanding original Moroccan blue leather covering. This leather is in choice condition throughout and still shows all of its fine graining. The grip is wrapped with twin copper springy wire. A very fine hilt here! The scabbard shell is nice and straight. The original Moroccan blue leather here is also in good shape. There are no cuts or nips; the only signs of age are a few bruises in the surfaces of the leather but this is to be expected on any Luftwaffe sword. This leather is all there! The scabbard mounts are a fine matching solid nickel silver. They are in perfect condition and they are retained by headless side screws. The blade of this example is quite long for a Luftwaffe sword. It measures just over 30”. Most Luftwaffe swords are 27” or 28” in length. This must have been a tall man that wore this sword. The blade has an outstanding nickel plated surface and it is easily in full mint condition. This fine blade has a waffenamt stamping in the fuller area just above the trademark. The trademark features the etched king holding an upward pointing sword. The king is sitting on the firm’s initials “SMF” and is positioned above an arch shaped town location “Solingen”. The leather washer is in place and is a lot fatter than we normally see but it seems to be the original washer. An extremely nice early sword here. I do not know what the markings mean, so this could be a good research project for the next owner of this sword.

    Near Mint. $1,995.00

43. SWDSOTH3 #31242C Personalized Army Leopard Head Sword – Anton Wingen, Jr.

    The Wingen firm did not produce a lot of swords and the ones that they did make all seem to have some really attractive attributes about them. This example is no different. It is a fine solid brass depiction and it is identical to the example that is shown in the Angolia sword book, page 134 upper. The depiction portrays a nice leopard head cat that is fitted with faceted pinkish-red eyes. The cat has good details to his whiskers which are all made with little punches around his nose and then followed through with line engravings outward. This really looks nice! Then there is a smooth part around the cat’s cheeks and brow area and, after that, he begins to pick up a small mane but not too big, as this cat is just a leopard, not a lion. The back strap features raised out oak leaves and acorns which really have deep veining and lots of applied pebbling. The “p” guard has more of the same and this area also has pebbling in the backgrounds. It is easy to see that the same engraver did the “p” guard as did the whiskers above. The ferrule is a nice fitting because it has highly vaulted oak leaves and acorns different from most ferrules. But, the one thing that is most attractive about this sword is the obverse langet. It portrays a stubby winged political style eagle which looks to the viewer’s right. The wings have very nice applied feathering and the breast feathering is made by more dots applied by our now-famous engraver. The head features a fine eye also done by the same hand as does the entire background of this langet eagle. The bird clutches a wreath featuring a mobile swastika. This bird really looks innocent, almost like a recent hatchling. The reverse langet, though, certainly does not look innocent, bearing the monogram, service branch and date of its original owner. The monogram is a large “H.R.”. Below the initials is the engraving “I.R.39”. The capital “I” letter looks somewhat like a “J” to us, but I think this is just the way the Germans of this day made the letter. Beneath is the date “1935”. I would think that it is possible to look up the higher ranking officers in Infantry Regiment 39 at this early date and possible isolate the people with this monogram. I don’t know whether there would be more than one person, but I would think that it is worth the effort. The grip is a very fine black celluloid over carved wood base. This celluloid is in perfect condition, having a nice sheen to its surfaces. It is tightly wrapped with triple twisted small brass wire. An extremely nice hilt here, and a model sword that you are not apt to see very frequently. The scabbard is also an outstanding example. This scabbard is straight as an arrow and it has an outstanding blue finish instead of paint. This original bluing is in near perfect condition. It is really a pleasure to gaze upon this nice looking sword scabbard. The blade of this example is also something to respect. It is one of the wider types and is of heavier proportion than most of them that we see. The wider scabbard, of course, hints to this effect. This blade is beautifully nickel plated and still retains its mirror finish and is in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is deeply stamped with the little knight logo and above the figure appears the firm’s name in three arches “Anton Wingen Jr” and below the knight figure is the location town of “Solingen”. The original leather washer is recessed into the lower cross guard. A very good quality, rarely seen sword here and something with good potential research possibilities.

    Excellent Plus. $1,595.00

44. SWDSOTH3 #31275 Army Dove Head Sword with Flat Knuckle Bow

    This dove head army officer 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” 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. $595.00

45. SWDSOTH3 #31240C Army Lion Head Sword with two Eagles/Swastikas – Unmarked Emil Voos

    This army lion head is the very desirable type that features the Wehrmacht eagle on the “p” guard as well as an open-winged eagle on the langet. The sword design is the same as page 128 on the Angolia book and on page 126 you can see the “p” guard design. Angolia is showing the dove head type on this page but it has the exact same “p” guard and cross guard motif. This sword has much of the original gilding still remaining throughout the brass base. I would say that the gilt is probably about 85% - 90%. The lion head is really a great looking cat. He is fitted with two faceted blood red stone eyes. They really look good against the brass background. This cat has some hand detail throughout his mane, brow and nasal area. The engraving is more delicate than we see on other makes. The lion’s mane runs down the back strap, where it becomes a “v” design and there are long floral style oak leaves at the center area. The ferrule has a series of oak leaves and acorns which run around its circumference. The “p” guard starts out with a floral design then a raised out oak leaf and acorn sprig and then at the center area there is a fine Wehrmacht style eagle. This bird looks to the viewer’s left and clutches a swastika in his claws. The eagle is the style with half-open wings. There are further floral designs which continue downward and into the cross guard. The quillon end has a floraled curl. The cross guard features an open-winged eagle which looks to the viewer’s left. This bird clutches a wreathed mobile swastika and has oak leaves on either side of his talons. There is pretty good detail to this bird also. The grip is a black celluloid over wood carved base. The celluloid has a fine sheen to its finish and it is in perfect condition. This grip is tightly wrapped with triple brass wire, the center being twisted. A very nice hilt here! The scabbard of this example is also extremely nice. It is dent-free and has outstanding black original paint. This paint is near 100% and looks in mint condition. The blade of this very desirable sword is 31”. It is high quality throughout and has mirror nickel plated surfaces. The blade is easily in mint condition. This blade is not marked but we know this sword to be produced by the Voos firm. A great opportunity here to own a very desirable sword in first rate condition.

    Mint Minus. $1,895.00

46. SWDSOTH3 #31239C Army Dove Head Sword – E. & F. Hörster

    This army dove head sword is an early example and it is composed of good quality brass base with fine gilded surfaces. The gilding shows only a little wear on the handhold positions but overall it is still at maybe 85% - 90%. This good looking sword is the same as is shown in the Angolia book on page 98, right. The sword has an oak leaf and acorn motif. The pommel is separated by a smooth line and it portrays three oak leaves with acorns at the rear. The back strap continues with this motif, having oak leaves which veer onto the side grip tabs. The “p” guard is more of the same. The ferrule is a standard type, also with oak leaves and acorns. The cross guard features an open-winged eagle with head turned to the viewer’s left. The bird grasps a mobile swastika wreath in it talons. There is excellent finite detail to the bird’s breast feathering, wing feathering, talons and the wreath. Very nice work here and high quality throughout. The grip is a celluloid over carved wood base. This celluloid has a most attractive sheen to its surfaces. The grip is tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire. There are the remains of a leather finger hold which has broken off years ago, but the base parts are still positioned between the ferrule and the cross guard. This finger hold attachment is shown on the sword on page 99 at the right. The scabbard of this example is straight throughout and has really fine original black paint. This paint shows only the most nominal of age and rates at about 98%. It is in near full mint condition. The blade is as nice as they come. This blade has high quality mirror finish nickel plating and it easily rates in full mint condition. The blade’s obverse ricasso has the double ovals of this firm’s logo. The ovals trap the firm’s name and location “E.u.F. Hörster Solingen”. Inside is the large letter “H” with the smaller “hs” letters inside having a downward pointing sword piercing them. The original blade washer is in place. A very fine, high quality dove head here.

    Excellent Plus Plus. $795.00

47. SWDSOTH3 #31173 Early Luftwaffe Sword - Pail Weyersberg

    This early Luftwaffe sword has never been cleaned and its silvered nickel fittings have a fine patination. The pommel shows no hits to the rims and has deep stamping to the oak leafing around the circumference. The brass medallion sun wheels are in fine condition and all of the silvering is still between the legs. The sun wheels at the cross guard do not have brass and rather are a nickel finish with all of the silvering also between the legs. The cross guard has good detail to the wing feathering. The grip is a leather covered carved wood base. The leather shows a couple of scuffs here and there, but we covered it with meltonian shoe cream and it really looks great. This grip is tightly wrapped with dual copper springy wire. The scabbard shell is a beauty. The original leather could not be better and the shell is completely straight. This is because we replaced the old shell with one of the great leftover supplies that Tom Johnson had on hand. We fitted this shell up nicely with the two matching mounts. These mounts are in perfect condition and are retained by two flathead screws. The original crescent hanger is in place and is in good shape leatherwise, however, the closed box clip at the top has gone to time. The blade of this example measures just over 28”. It is high quality and nice and bright with choice nickel plated finish. It is in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the double ovals. They contain the firm’s name and location “Paul Weyersberg & Co. Solingen” and inside is a downward pointing sword between two wheat shafts. There is also a stick bird waffenamt above the trademark. A beautiful blade here. The blue leather washer is in place. Other than the replacement shell here, this sword is in all original condition.Excellent Plus. $1,695.00

48. SWDSOTH #28307C Army Lion Head Sword

    This all-brass army sword is the Klass model no. 37½. It can be seen in the Angolia book on Page 103. The lion head is a good looking cat, having lots of hand word around his whiskers and also around the three-tiered style mane flaunted by this cat. He has pink faceted eyes which are deeply set in his forehead. The back strap has raised out oak leaves with acorns and the same design continues on the “p’ guard. The ferrule has a series of oak leaf sprigs. The cross guard features a typical Klass style open-winged eagle which almost looks like a Japanese fan. The bird has good detail to his head, breast feathering, wing feathering and to the plain wreath and mobile swastika. There is not a lot of gilt left on this hilt, being mostly worn off. The grip is a wood base having black celluloid covering. The celluloid is in perfect condition. This grip is tightly wrapped with thin style triple wire, the center being twisted. A good, solid hilt here, having just the slightest of an outward bend at the area where the tabs and back strap touch the grip. The scabbard of this example is straight throughout. It shows a few carrying scratches here and there but for the most part, the original black paint is in good condition and rates at about 95%. The 33-inch long blade is a very fine, high quality example. It reflects the best of nickel plating and has a mirror finish. This blade is in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the kissing cranes trademark and has the firm’s name and location on the top and bottom of the birds “Robert Klass Solingen”. The original leather washer is in place. A good, excellent quality sword here.

    Excellent Plus. $695.00

49. SWDSOTH3 #31354 Army Officer's Dove Head Sword - WKC

    This WKC example is the same as is shown in the Angolia book on page 138, upper left. It is a high quality, solid brass piece, having outstanding gilded finish. The gilding is near 100%, and only starts to thin at the very pommel area, where this was possibly a hand hold for the original owner. The hilt features a floral-like designs through the pommel, back strap, grip tabs, and the “P” guard. The ferrule also features raised-out oak leaf sprigs. The crossguard has an outstanding raised-out open winged eagle, which looks to the viewer’s left. This eagle has lots of hand work to his breast feathering, head, wing feathering, talons, wreath, and raised-out swastika. There are also leaves on either side of the legs, which have hand enhancing. The quillon ends in a floral ball. A beautiful outstanding hilt here! The grip is the black celluloid variety, over a carved wood base. It is wrapped with triple twisted brass wire, the center being slightly larger. The wiring is all there and looks good. The blade of this example is an outstanding, high-quality nickel plate measuring 32 inches in length. This blade is in full mint condition. The obverse ricasso has the knighthead stamping with the firm’s initials below, “WKC”. The black leather washer is in place and nicely recessed. The accompanying scabbard is straight throughout. This scabbard has good original paint, having a few carrying signs here and there but, overall, this paint grades at about 98% and has its original factory luster. This paint is in near mint condition. This is a very fine sword and it is rare to see quality brass examples like this having this much of the original fire gilding. A good collectible piece.

    Near Mint. $995.00

50. SWDSOTH3 #31355 Army NCO's Nickel Hilt Saber

    This Army example is the standard nickel plated hilt which was carried by NCOs. The nickel plating throughout is still 100% and there is only minor age which shows in the finish. The sword consists of a plain pommel, back strap, “P-guard”, langet and quillon end. The grip is a black celluloid variety which is in excellent condition being formed over a wood base. This grip is triple wrapped with twisted brass wire, the center wire being larger. The blade is a thirty-four inch example and it is quality nickel plated. This blade is mirror bright and is in full mint condition. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the familiar knight head trademark with the firm’s initials below, “WKC”. The brown leather washer is in place protecting this fine blade. The scabbard is straight throughout. It looks as though it was repainted over an original paint job, which may have been showing quite a bit of age in its surfaces. This newer paint job covers 100% and looks good from a distance. But, when you examine it close up, it is pretty easy to see the age areas below the paint. The scabbard really should be stripped and redone. At any rate, it is a straight example and fairly easy to work with.

    Excellent Plus. $295.00

51. SWDSOTH3 #31358 Army Officer's Dove Head Sword - Robert Klaas

    This fine highest quality Army sword is very heavy and is in excellent condition throughout. The hilt is of solid brass having outstanding fire-gilded finish. The fire gilding still remains at about 95-98% throughout this hilt. It is only the pommel top area where a little of the gold has worn off. This sword is the Klaas model number, "233" and can be seen in the Angolia Sword Book on page 102, top. The pommel and backstrap are covered with highly detailed oak leafing and acorn sprigs. These formations have much hand-enhancing throughout and also have random pebbling in the backgrounds to further the relief of the depictions. The "P" guard has the same treatment. The ferrule is an oak leaf and acorn embellished piece. The crossguard has a distinctive Army eagle which looks to the viewer's left. This eagle has open wings and is the unique Robert Klaas type having a fan-like look to the spread. The bird has much hand detailing throughout his wing feathering, breast feathering, head and leg areas. The wreath and swastika are left plain to provide a contrast to all of the handwork. Beautiful depiction here! The black celluloid grip is in totally perfect condition and it is tightly wrapped with diminutive triple silver wire. This wire is twisted in the center and has turned black with patination. The nearly 35-inch long blade is most impressive. This blade has a mirror finish and reflects highest quality nickel-plated finish. It is easily in a full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is marked with the kissing cranes trademark having the firm's name and location stamped in a circular pattern around the birds, "Robert Klaas Solingen". The scabbard remains nice and straight throughout having excellent original painting. This paint does show some minor spidering, but it still rates in near mint condition. An outstanding highest quality saber here.

    Near Mint. $995.00

52. 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 number, "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 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". 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. A very rare sword here and a nice addition to any advanced sword collection.

    Near Mint $995.00

53. SWDSOTH3 #31368 Army Officer's Dove Head Sword - Alcoso

    This fine example is a gilded steel based variety. The hilt decoration has been achieved through engraving, not casting. There are beautiful oak leaf and acorn mix designs throughout the pommel, backstrap, "P" guard and ferrule. These designs feature lots of hand checkering and other enhancements - the factory chiseler was a real master here. The gilding is good throughout this hilt, thinning only a little at the pommel area where the original owner's hand was placed during actual wear. The langet features an engraved closed-winged Army eagle, which clutches a swastika in its talons. The feathering to the wings features minute hand work, as does the bird's breast feathering and leg details. These hand done figures must have been accomplished with the use of a template, but they sure are fun to study. The engraving craft of the 1930's was really something - probably no one alive today possessing these kind of skills. This dovehead example is the same as seen in Angolia Sword Book, Page 64, lower right. The celluloid-over-wood grip is in perfect condition. It is very tightly wrapped with triple brass twisted wire, the center being slightly larger size. The blade of this example is the longest you will encounter on an Army Officer saber. It is actually 35 1/2 inches in overall length - a tremendous blade here. The original owner of this sword was a very tall individual indeed - probably over 6'3" at least. Holding this sword next to me, I feel like a midget! This very long blade is a marvel to study, as it is richly nickel plated, displaying a mirrored finish. This blade is easily in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the early Alcoso scales trademark used from 1937 to about 1939. The firm's name is block-lettered in an arch over a set of scales. Interspersed in the scales is the firm's initials, "ACS". The accompanying scabbard is straight throughout. It has excellent original black paint, showing only a little minor age in the finish - will clean up substantially, and will easily rate at excellent plus. A long saber of this nature belongs in every serious sword collection, as the blade length alone, is a very rarely encountered plus.

    Excellent Plus. $550.00

54. 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

55. SWDSOTH3 #31412 Army Officer's Panther Head Sword with Integral Ferrule - WMW Waffen

    The WMW hilt with built-in ferrule design is very rarely encountered. It is a "key" example to the serious sword collector. This example is the first one I have seen produced with a brass base metal. I have had this pattern in gilted aluminum in the past, but they are extremely rare. If you are not familiar with the rare design, a dovehead model of this hilt can be seen in Angolia, Page 142. This very heavy example does not have much gilting remaining, but the brass is highest quality, showing outstanding details. The leopard head has hand-enhancing to the brows, upper snout and kitty whiskers. The bright red eyes are faceted stone. They look great peering from the toned brass finish. The top pommel contains a brass plug which conceals the tang. The plug has been hand-chiseled with cat hair, successfully camouflaging its presence. The "P" guard and the backstrapping are designed with raised oak leafing. The backstrap area, though, has been heavily hand-chiseled to bright out relief. Lots of extra pebbling and enhancing to looks at in this area - nice. The langet and ferrule are all built-into the design. This motif, is very rare. The langet is an unusual shape, being curved outward at the lower. It features an impressive, long, closed-winged eagle - lots of hand work on this bird, also. The bird head and upper wing areas extend into the ferrule, something which could only be accomplished with this design - great-looking. To complete the fine presentation of this rare sight, the quillon ends in a finely detailed small lionhead. The black celluloid grip is in perfect condition. It is wrapped with thin triple brass, twisted wire. The center is slightly larger, and twisted opposite. The fine quality blade is 30 1/2 inches in length. It is nickel-plated and in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped, "WMW Waffen". The scabbard is straight throughout. It has good original paint, which is still bright. The lower chape area is lacking a little, but basically, this paint rates at about 95%, being in excellent plus condition. This saber has to be one of the rarest of all 3rd Reich-produced patterns. To find it in brass is really incredible - didn't know it would exist with this material. Seems to mean these built-in ferrule designs may have existing earlier than we had originally thought. This design in brass, comparatively, would make the "Lutzow", the Herder "#1017", and the Klaas "basket-hilt" almost common place. A fine example for the serious sword collector.

    Excellent Plus. $1,995.00(#102011)

56. 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 31.5 inches in length. It has a mirror 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

57.  SWDSOTH3 #30841 Stylized Army Officer Dove Head Sword - Emil Voos

    This stylized dove head sword is a rarely seen model and although it is not maker marked it was produced by the Emil Voos firm. You can see the same sword pictured in the Angolia Book on page 124. This example is produced of aluminum base metal having a fine gilded outside. The gilding is nearly 100% only thinning on a couple of the edge areas. The design of this sword is quite interesting having a basic oak leaf and acorn motif but the way the patterns are laid out and also the shape of the langet gives the sword a very stylized effect. The pommel and backstrap having very high off the surface oak leaves. Voos then pebbled the plain areas beneath to give further relief to the effect. The oak leaves and acorns all have hand enhancing throughout. The ferrule is also unique to this sword having the same style motif and also pebbling rendered in the backgrounds. The P-guard has mostly plain area except for the center bend where more high relief oak leaves and acorns are depicted. The langet is a unique shape having a wider area at the top and tapering slightly to the bottom where it becomes “V” shaped. There is a raised out half closed-winged Wehrmacht eagle clutching a large plain mobile swastika. The eagle though is also stylized with a very large eye being way out of proportion and hand done feathering throughout the bird in an art deco manner. Even the talons that retain the swastika are out of proportion. A very unique design here! The reverse langet also is interesting in that the shield is also a raised replica in the shape of the langet. The shield has added dots around its perimeter. The grip is a fine example being a wood base covered with black celluloid. This grip is triple wrapped with two outside plain brass wires and springy aluminum wire in the center. This grip is in perfect condition. The scabbard is also a nice example. This scabbard is straight throughout and has excellent original paint. This paint still has a good sheen to it and rates at about 95%. A little work with the paint and it would really clean up nice. The blade of this example reflects high quality nickel-plated surfaces. It is mirror bright and is easily in full mint condition. The blade as indicated above is unmarked and is about 32-inches in length. The blade is protected by a brown leather washer. A seldom seen very attractive designed sword here. It appears as though Emil Voos was the leader of neat looking swords!

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $995.00

58.  SWDSOTH3 #30989 Army Dove Head Sword - Robert Klass

    This army dove head sword is the model number 233 and it is made of solid brass construction. The sword is the same as the example shown in the Angolia Book on page 101. The sword features all oak leaf and acorn sprig design having a large branch beginning at the pommel top and running down the backstrap and also along the grip tabs. The oak leaves have all been hand enhanced and there is pebbling put behind them. The P-guard has the same style oak leaf motif also having pebbling in the backgrounds and hand enhancing to the veins. The ferrule is a standard type featuring oak leaf sprigs. The crossguard features an open-winged army eagle having a fan-like look to the feathering where it stretches out in a semi-circle from the lower body up to the top of the wing. This bird has lots of hand enhancing to the breast feathering and wing feathering and grasps a plain wreath in its talons with a plain mobile swastika. There does not seem to be much gilt left on this hilt. The grip is a wood base being covered with black celluloid. The celluloid is in perfect condition and is tightly wrapped with triple brass wire, the center being twisted. The scabbard of this example is straight throughout. The original paint shows quite a bit of age and chipping. It really only rates at maybe 50-60% and could use a new paint job. The blade of this example is about 30 ½-inches in length. It is quality nickel-plated and other than a little bit of scratching at the obverse ricasso is still in a mint state. It is interesting to note that the tip of this blade comes to a direct point which is slightly different than the subtle points derived on most swords. The point though is absolutely factory done and the sword fits the scabbard perfectly. Often the factories when they had orders for a shorter sword would merely cut the blade down from a longer model and assign a proper fitting scabbard accordingly. This is the case here. This fine blade is stamped on the reverse with the kissing cranes trademark and above the birds is the firm’s name in an arch, “Robert Klaas” and below the location town, “Solingen”. A good solid example here of a quality made sword.

    Excellent Plus. $695.00

59. SWDSOTH3 #30559C Large Silver Lion Head with Triple Etched Blade - Anton Wingen, Jr.

    This Large Lion Head Sword is a grosser pattern, and the triple etched blade is also the larger proportioned type. I am not sure of the purpose of this sword, but I can tell you it is identical to the example shown on page 133 of the Angolia Book. This Anton Wingen made sword in the book has everything identical to this example except for the languet. I will get to the languet further down the description. First off, the lion head is highly hand worked and is extremely decorative. This cat has expert engraving added to the lower portion of his jaw, to his whiskers, to his brow, and throughout the long flowing mane, which goes partially down the backstrap. This feline is fitted with large red faceted glass eyes. The center of the backstrap has a place for a monogram, and then it flares into the two grip tabs which have rose-like floral images. The rest of the backstrap features floral designs raised out, and having hand pebbling on the plain areas. Additionally, the border of this sword has had notches hand cut throughout the backstrap. The ferrule itself is a work of art, having high raised out oak leaves and acorns. The very large “P” guard is slightly wider in its center and it features high-off-the-surface raised out oak leaves and acorns. Like the backstrap, the area behind the leaves has all been hand stippled. There is a floral design at the bottom of the “P” guard where it bends into the crossguard area. This crossguard area also has very large raised out oak leaves with pebbling, and it winds up at a downward quillon featuring a silver roaring lion. The detail to this little lion is also spectacular, totally hand chased. The crossguard that I mentioned above is in a seal shape, and in the center it presents a raised Hohenzollern-style Eagle having a pair of crossed sabers piercing the bird. It is interesting to note that the bird has a seal on its breast, which is separated into four equal pieces. I know from my Imperial experience that the crest of the Royal Family did look like this, and the crossed area in the center had two areas of black and two areas of white. Although it is impossible to say whether this is indeed the Hohenzollern family crest, I have a feeling that it is. The sword hilt does not have the normal style silver plating, where normally the silvering is thinning showing brass below. This silver plating must have been triple plated as there is no sign of any base metal showing anywhere. In fact, the sword shows virtually no wear, being an extremely impressive example. The grip is a typical 3rd Reich type, having a wood base and black celluloid covering. To match the rest of the hilt, this grip has been triple wire wrapped with triple twisted wire. An extremely beautiful hilt here! The large proportioned blade is also fairly long, being 33½ inches overall. This blade reflects highest quality nickel plated surfaces and remains in mirror bright condition. The blade is easily in a full mint state. The blade features obverse and reverse panels of raised floral etchings. The only discernable features in the floral etchings are a couple of bell shaped flowers that do appear on both sides as a central feature. The backgrounds of the etch reflect 100% frosting. The spine is also etched, having a similar floral design. The reverse ricasso is deeply stamped with the small knight logo, and atop the figure is the firm’s full name “Anton Wingen, Jr.”, and below the knight is the location city of “Solingen”. The original leather washer remains in place. If this crest does turn out to be that of one of the Royal Family, the sword could have been owned by one of the Kaiser’s sons who were active during the 3rd Reich time. Although we know that the son August Wilhelm was an active SA general, the Kaiser had other sons who were also around at the time and they may have preferred not to wear a sword with the symbols of the 3rd Reich, but preferred their own Family Crest, which would make sense to me. This is just conjecture on my part, however, but I do think I am correct about this. The scabbard that goes with this mint sword is straight throughout, however, it does look like someone has hand painted the surfaces with black paint. This could be removed, and I’m sure the paint below is in good condition. A fantastic chance here to acquire a very special sword!

    Mint. $8,495.00

60. SWDSOTH3 #29779C Weimar/Early Third Reich Naval Saber

    This naval saber is in “as found” condition and is highly toned with patination. It is a good constructed example made with quality brass fittings. The lower chape as well as the blade ricasso are stamped with the capital “M” over an anchor. This marking is identical to the sword chape that I show in my Naval Book on page 482. This marking was first used in 1919 after the defeat of Germany in World War I and these sabers were carried through the Weimar period and probably into the early Third Reich time. Although the blade of this sword is not marked with a maker the sword was produced by the Carl Eickhorn firm and is identical to the example that I show on page 486. This was Carl Eickhorn’s model number 1670. The sword was issued without eyes in the lion head as is the case with both the book example and this example. The lion head though has outstanding detail throughout with hand enhancing evident around the cat’s nose area, his brow, his cheeks and to the mane which runs the length of the backstrap. The lion head and backstrap are fairly dark with patination. The D-guard is the traditional style used by the navy having random pebbling on the plain areas. The clamshell is the type that is spring loaded so that it can be flipped upward for easy storage aboard a ship’s locker. The detail to the clamshell is outstanding. It has a border which features wave designs and at the bottom there is a series of overlapping laurel leaves. In the center of the clamshell there is a raised out fouled anchor having excellent detail. The plain areas around the anchor are also random pebbled. The folding lock mechanism at the reverse is marked with the Wilhelmshaven, “N117”. This matching stamping appears on the upper scabbard fitting. The lock mechanism works well. The grip of this example at first glance appears to be a golden ivory but actually it is a highly toned celluloid over wood base type. The celluloid is still in fine condition with no cracks or problems. It is wrapped with triple twisted brass wire which are all of the same size. There is a little looseness to the wire on the reverse but it is still there. Adding to the great look of this piece is an original to the sword officer’s naval portepee. This portepee is of silver bullion. It is still in the original tie and also is nicely patinated. It is interesting to note that the area where the clamshell lies when folded upward still retains the silver look to the cords while the exposed cord areas throughout the portepee have turned golden. This slide and stem are the style with “V” weave designs and the lower ball is a bullion yarn like variety having a textured insert. There is no fraying on this knot and this example alone would be worth a good chunk of money to a naval collector. The scabbard shell is black leather. The leather shows only mild age and it is sewn up the rear with decorative twin lines on the obverse and reverse. The naval mounts are the traditional brass type with engraved swirl designs exactly like the scabbard shown on page 486. These mounts nicely match the hilt and they are retained by small staples. The upper staple is missing on the center ramp but nothing is threatened by this absence. The center and upper mount are equipped with eyelets having twin serrated edges and good solid brass rings. The blade is 29 ½-inches long and has a quill back design at the end. It is still nice and bright showing a little bit of mild age in the surfaces but for the most part it is easily in excellent plus condition. There is a little bit of pitting that appears at the tip area where possibly there was some moisture in the lower scabbard. Still though not a bad curved blade here. The original off red felt is in place protecting this blade. A good solid early sword here in untouched condition.

    Excellent. $1695.00

61. SWDSOTH3 #29799C Army Dove Head Saber - WMW Waffen

    The WMW company did not make many swords. For those who collect swords it is a very desirable maker for the reason that examples are rarely encountered, but also because the designs are unique and are real attention getters. This particular example is the same as is shown in the Angolia Sword Book on page 142. It even has the unique leaf design engraved on the pommel plug which covers the tang peen over. The sword has a fine coppery look to it as apparently most of the original gilt has worn from its surface. This is not a bad thing though as it gives the sword a real antique appearance. The pommels of these pieces are engraved with separate sectioned oak leaves having random pebbling in the backgrounds. The backstrap has flowing oak leaves and acorns with really exceptional leaf designs on the grip tabs. There is lots of handwork evident throughout these leaves and there is also pebbling in the areas surrounding them. The P-guard is also quite beautiful with raised oak leaves and acorns. But the best thing about this WMW model is the fact that the langet and ferrule are all combined in to one and are not separate pieces as most swords are. The langet portrays a closed winged Wehrmacht eagle cluthing a swastika and looking to the left. This bird has some outstanding handwork to his feathering and the plain areas around the bird’s head and swastika at the bottom are random pebbled. The combined ferrule above has more oak leaf and acorn work with additional pebbling. The quillon end has a nice looking male lion appearing to be scowling at the viewer when you tip the sword up to look at his face. Great looking stuff here! The grip is a wood base covered with shiny black celluloid. It is in perfect condition and is tightly wrapped with triple brass wire, the center being twisted and slightly larger for contrast. There is an army portepee attached to the sword but the wire stitching is pretty well frayed. The leather portion of the sword though is still in good shape throughout to include the bullion decorated slide. The stem below is the flat type with the crochet like bullion covering and the lower acorn ball is also of bullion yarn like material. The scabbard is nice and straight throughout but it does appear to have lots of touching up probably over the original paint. A lot of times the collector can use some rubbing compound and remove these layers of paint revealing the original surface below with a good result. This example appears to me as though this could happen. The 33-inch blade is nice and bright throughout. It is possible that there was a repair made to the blade probably during the period. About two-thirds of the way down, just after the fuller area, there appears to be an old weld mark which has been polished out to match the original finish. It is hard to notice this but it does show if you twist the blade slightly in the light. A repair of this nature would have been quite complicated and probably sent back to the factory to be rendered. The blade though overall grades at least excellent plus, plus. The reverse ricasso beneath the langet is stamped, “WMW / Waffen”. The original brown leather washer is in place. A very interesting sword here which has a great look and with the period blade repair can add a little extra interest to the collector enjoying this type of thing. A nice sword.

    Excellent Plus. $1495.00

62. SWDSOTH3 #29101 Army Dove Head Sword – Robert Klass

    This early brass sword is a dove head configuration and instead of raised oak leaf detail the designs have been engraved into this brass hilt. The sword is the same as the example shown in the Angolia Book on page 100, left. The details are quite well done and there are lots of little touches that give it an artistic look. These engravers were masters at adding pebble patterns and more in depth engravings just at the right point. A hilt like this is fun to study if you have an inkling to learn more about hand engravings. The motif throughout is oak leaves and at the crossguard area it transfers to small ermine feet-like designs. The langet is plain and has a Wehrmacht style half-closed winged eagle which faces to the left and clings to a mobile swastika. This bird is quite well done throughout. The grip of this example is a wood base having black celluloid coating. The celluloid is in perfect condition. This handle is wrapped with triple twisted wire, the center being slightly larger for contrast. The blade of this example is extremely long. In fact, it is a 35 ½-inch overall length easily being one of the longest blades you will ever see as this was the maximum length that could be ordered. Obviously the man that carried this weapon was a very tall officer. The blade is in fine condition having bright quality nickel plating. There are a couple of the slightest sword play nicks, but they are nothing. Other than this, the blade is in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the kissing cranes trademark. These birds are loving it up over the name, “Robert Klaas / Solingen”. The original brown leather washer is in place. The scabbard for this example is fairly nice having a couple of minor dings toward the bottom area. The paint looks like it could be an old repaint as I can just detect a few brush strokes here and there. The paint covers though at about 85-90%. This would be a good project for someone to redo the scabbard as this is a nice sword and deserves it.

    Excellent. $495.00

63. SWDSOTH3 #28547 Lion Head Artillery Officer's Sword – Richard Abr. Herder

    This Lion Head Saber is from either the late Weimar period or the early Nazi period. It has a very fine well accented lion head pommel. The lion is a kindly looking cat having faceted lighter red colored eyes. The eyes give the cat a less than fearsome look as does the more friendly shape of his jaw. The whiskers, brow and mane hair have all been hand-enhanced. The backstrap is detailed with floral-like designs also having much hand-enhancing. The “P”-guard has oak leaf and acorn motif within a panel. The lower portion of the guard is also floraled with much hand detail. The quillon end in a roaring lionhead. The langet obverse features a pair of crossed cannons within a floral design. This would indicate an artillery theme. The reverse langet is interesting in that it has a design similar to a German coat of arms in that it features a knighthead over a shield. The ferrule has oak leaf and acorn sprigs, but it is more raised out and different than most of the types we see. This entire hilt has just a little different look to it indicative of its producer who was known for their quality in swords. The grip is the usual wood base with black celluloid covering. The celluloid is in perfect condition and is tightly wrapped with diminutive triple brass wire, the center being twisted. A fine hilt here! The scabbard of this example is also a beauty being dent free and having good bright original factory paint. This factory paint appears to be about 98% and really looks good. The 33 ½-inch length blade has a fine nickel-plated surface and is completely mirror bright exuding quality throughout. This blade is in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is etched with the diamond logo of this firm and over the logo in an arch shape is the firm’s name, “Rich. A. Herder. Solingen”. The original leather blade washer is in place. A good quality sword here and a fine collectible. I forgot to note in the description, but the gilt over the surfaces on this hilt is about 85-90%.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $595.00

64. SWDSOTH3 #20590 "Art Deco" Army Officer's Panther Head Sword - WMW

    This sword pattern is ultra rare and is the same as appears on page 149 of Johnson's Volume I. I have never had one of these WMW art deco panther heads and I do not believe I have ever seen one offered. This is easily one of the rarer swords made during the Third Reich period. This sword incorporates the ferrule and crossguard in one piece featuring a large closed winged eagle clutching a swastika. The design fabrication is almost the same as was used on the Holler 21 model and also on the Richard Herder model number 1017. Sword collectors will know what I am talking about here. The hilt base metal of this sword is aluminum. It reflects a gilded finish and appears to have been copper flashed prior to the gilding. The gilding remains at approximately 50-60%. The gilding is mostly gathered in the recessed areas and on the higher edges it has worn off exposing the copper in some areas and the lighter color aluminum base in others. The details however are still crisp throughout the depiction. The sword hilt pommel portrays a stylized panther head which is almost done in an impressionistic design. Behind the head of the cat there are lots of oak leaves and acorns and these are more realistic in their caricature. The D-guard also portrays realistic oak leaves and stops at the combination ferrule langet area. Continuing after the langet are more oak leaves. The quillon ends in a beautifully rendered acorn depiction. The reverse of the langet has a smooth oval disc which would have been meant for personalization. This design is very simplistic but also has great appeal, especially when the collector realizes its rarity. The black celluloid grip has a wood base and is in perfect condition. This grip features eight ribs throughout and it is tightly wrapped with triple-twisted small proportioned brass wire. The top of the pommel area reveals that the tang is retained through the lion's head with a flush mount plug device. The blade is a 33-inch long example having still bright nickel-plating. There are some signs of sword play along the edges but the nicks are not deep and not too bad. There are a couple of scratches which were also caused on the blade surfaces from this sword play. All in all though the blade is not too bad as its brightness makes up for a lot . Were it not for the sword play this blade would grade at near mint. The reverse ricasso is stamped "WMW" over "Waffen". It is interesting to note that the original bright gilded finish remains throughout the lower portions of the hilt. The scabbard is straight throughout. The original paint has deteriorated substantially and there is much rust throughout the shell of this scabbard. It definitely needs a repaint but since there are no dents it should not be too bad of a job to have performed. This is a key example for the sword collector. There are very few collections which would have an example of this sword represented.

    Excellent. $2,750.00

65. SWDSOTH3 #26735C Army Dove Head Sword - F. W. Höller

    This Army Dove Head sword is an all-brass example and is of high quality. This sword is the same as is shown in the Angolia book on Page 93, lower right. The brass casting has oak leaves and acorns throughout the “p” guard, pommel, back strap, side tabs and ferrule. The depictions are quite well done, with high relief and lots of hand work evident to the veining of the leaves. The cross guard eagle is an open-winged type with a head which looks to the viewer’s right. This bird has good detail to his eye, beak, breast feathering and wing feathering. He clutches a mobile swastika within a wreath. As is a Höller norm, there is a diamond on either side of the bird’s legs. The area around the diamond has been randomly pebbled. The grip is a wood base, having fine, black celluloid coating. The coating is in perfect condition and is tightly wrapped with triple brass wire, the center being twisted. There is a good portepee on this example. It consists of black leather strapping which has triple gold color stitching which runs the length. The slide is a leather thong type with bullion highlights and the stem is a flat type, having a crochet-like covering. The lower ball is a later nylon style having yarnlike covering with a matching insert at the bottom. The scabbard of this example is straight throughout. It does have a light covering of rust, but maybe with a little bit of effort this rust could be removed, as the paint still appears to be underneath of it. It is difficult to say how much paint remains on this scabbard. The blade is a high-quality 32-inch length example. It has good nickel plated surfaces throughout and appears to be in full mint condition. The blade has the manufacturer’s logo on the reverse ricasso. It consists of double ovals which trap the firm’s name and location “F.W. Höller Solingen”. Inside is the familiar thermometer logo. The brown leather blade washer is in place.

    Excellent Plus. $695.00

66. SWDSOTH3 #28419R Army Officer's Dove Head Sword - Paul Seilheimer

    The Paul Seilheimer name is not seen too often on swords and this is a fine quality example. Although it is a dove head motif, its motif appears the same as the example shown on page 121 of the Angolia Sword Book at the top. This sword, though, has no lionhead like the book example. Otherwise it looks the same. The hilt is composed of high quality very heavy brass. It does not look to have a lot of gild remaining, but the brass is still bright and has good eye appeal. The pommel and backstrap feature an oak leaf and acorn raised out motif. The tabs which fold over the grip area have a nice flower design. The "P-guard" also has oak leaf and acorn motif. The ferrule is the same. The crossguard features an open winged eagle identical to the book piece. This eagle has good detail and is unique in his appearance. He grasps a wreathed swastika in his talons. The black celluloid grip is in excellent condition throughout. It is tightly wrapped with triple-twisted brass wire. The center wire is slightly larger. Nice looking hilt here. The 32-inch long blade is as nice as you will see. It reflects a mirrored finish and is plated with highest quality nickel. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the sword running through a triangle trademark. On either side of the sword's hilt are the firm's initials, "P", "S". Inside of the triangle is the production city, "Solingen". This is a rarely seen trademark and makes this sword quite interesting. The brown leather blade buffer is in place. The scabbard of this example is straight throughout and is really has nice paint. This original black paint retains its factory brightness and shows only the slightest of usage signs. This paint is easily in near mint condition. A nice sword overall and should be a good one for the "type" collectors out there.

    Near Mint. $850.00(#101011)

67. SWDSOTH3 #22145R Army Officer's Dove Head Saber - Alcoso

    This fine Dove Head saber is the same as is shown in the Angolia Sword Book on page 64, top left. Alcoso was the only producer to use a steel base every so often to produce their swords. Some Alcoso swords will have combinations of steel and brass. This one is all steel. The gilded finish, though, is in fantastic condition and you only notice the fact that it is not brass below, due to a couple of minor wear spots at the pommel and top of the "P-guard". Otherwise, the gilding is all there being near 100%. The pommel features a raised out oak leaf sprig which has pebble detail around it to bring out relief. The backstrap features lots of oak leaves and all have been hand-enhanced. The same is true of the "P-guard" and the ferrule. The crossguard has a typical Alcoso style eagle. It is a small open winged type which is vaulted at the center, breast and head. This eagle has good detail to all of its parts and it grasps a wreathed raised out swastika. Next to the bird is an oak leaf on each side. The quillon extends to a curled teardrop design. The celluloid over wood grip is a beauty being in perfect condition. This grip features tightly wrapped triple-twisted wire. This wire is slightly larger in the center. The 32 ½-inch blade is a beauty. It reflects highest quality nickel plating with mirrored finish. This blade is easily in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the 1937-39 trademark. This features the firm's name, "Alcoso" block lettered over the scales which have the firm's initials, "ACS" interspersed. "Solingen" appears below. The original brown blade washer is in place. The scabbard for this example is as nice as the hilt. It reflects no denting and has absolutely mint original paint. This paint only has the slightest of spidering in a few places. It is rare to see such a good conditioned scabbard hilt and blade. Fine sword.

    Mint Minus. $695.00

68. SWDSOTH3 #28450R Army Officer's Dove Head Sword with Slant Grip & Knuckle Bow - Robert Klass

    This Robert Klass sword design is unique featuring a slant grip. An identical sword can be seen in the Angolia book on Page 104. My example has an all brass hilt throughout which reflects gilding remains. The gilding looks to be approximately 60% or 70%. The pommel has a series of floral styled raised designs, which continue to the backstrap. At the backstrap, the designs change slightly to more geometric figures. As an example, the grip tabs seem to have figures almost like a rising sun look. The flat knuckle bow has more floral designs but nothing that is really identifiable. The crossguard has the same type of treatment ending in a teardrop. The ferrule has two lines of beaded motif. The langet features an art deco style closed wing Wehrmacht eagle which clutches a large out of proportion swastika. The details are still fairly good throughout this bird. The grip, as mentioned above, is quite unique. It is a black celluloid-over-wood and the ribs are tilted on a 45 degree angle. There are five of them and they are all triple wrapped with diminutive aluminum wire, the center being twisted. This hilt shows usage, but everything is still there and in good condition. The long blade is a 34 ½ inch length. It is still bright, but does have some smudge on both sides. It could be cleaned out a bit. This blade grades at about excellent to excellent plus. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the kissing cranes logo. Above and below, in a circular design, is the firm name and location Robert Klass, Soligen. The scabbard is straight throughout, but the original paint shows quite a bit of age. This paint is spidered and does have some rust underneath. This paint only grades at about excellent minus. A very rare sword however and with a little work on the blade and a new paint job on the scabbard, they could produce wonders.

    Excellent Plus. $1,195.00

69. SWDSOTH3 #28449R Fire Official's Lionhead Saber - F.W. Holler

    This Fire Official’s saber is finished in all fine silver plating. It features a lion’s head motif and is quite beautiful throughout. The sword is extremely heavy probably having a base metal of brass. This hilt features a roaring lion at the top pommel. This cat is the style which does not have glass eyes, but the detail throughout is really beautiful. There is still silver frosting in the recesses of the mane area, the eyebrows, snout and mouth area. The lion’s mane flows backward and stops at about the 7/8th point of the backstrap. The rest of the backstrap is left plain. There is a “P” guard, which has a raised out floral decoration where it comes out of this lion’s mouth. The floraling goes to about the point where the “P” guard bends. It then becomes plain matching the backstrap. There is floral decoration at the bend of the “P” guard, and the cross guard area remains plain throughout. At the quillon, though, there is another decorative silver roaring lion. There is lots of detail to this cat also. There is a nice patination beginning to build up on this piece. It was probably cleaned 10 or 15 years ago, but is starting to look really nice. The black grip is celluloid-over-wood being in fine condition. It is tightly wrapped with triple brass wire the center being the springy type we often see used by this producer. This sword has an original fire official’s portepee, which is different from any I have seen in the past. The strapping portion of the portepee is actually made of a black cord material. This cord feels like it is a heavy wool or silk. There is no fraying to the cord. The slide and stem are made of metal parts having V decorations, which run through their silvered surfaces. The lower ball has a cap, which is also made of serrated decorated metal rings. The lower portion of the ball, which is slightly egg shaped, consists of a heavily silvered bullion material with a matching button, which is secured over the end of the bullion ball. A most interesting portepee and original to this piece. The scabbard, instead of being leather, is actually a metal base type. The scabbard is fitted with silvered mounts, one at the top and one at the bottom, which give the impression of leather in the center. The scabbard shell has good original black painted surfaces showing more minor carrying signs then age but for the most part this paint grades at about 95% and still has good original factory luster. The silvered scabbard mounts are scalloped on the ends where they meet the metal shell. These fittings are heavily silvered plated and are beginning to develop patination mostly matching the hilt. They are line decorated in the usual format for Fire Officials. The two fittings are retained by headless flush mount screws. The upper fitting has a carrying ring with an eyelet featuring dual serrated line decoration. Apparently, this Official’s sword was carried from a single top ring with a single strap. (Earlier versions had dual strap carrying). The 33 inch blade is a real beauty. It has highest quality nickel plating and easily is in full mint condition. The saber blade is stamped on the reverse ricasso with the double oval circles used by this firm. The circles trap the firm’s name and location “F.W. Höller Solingen”. In the center of the circles is the familiar thermometer logo. The black leather blade washer is in place. Fire Officials’ swords from the Nazi period are quite rare, as the official Police/Fire Degen replaced them in 1938. This is a great absolute Nazi made piece and is considered to be very rare. A great addition to any varied sword or Fire Department collection.

    Near Mint. $1,495.00