SWDSOTH3 - 074 - 18024 - ARMY OFFICER DOVE HEAD SABER - PUMA
This dove head Army saber is identical to the one shown in the Angolia book on Page 118. It is an aluminum base hilt, but has easily 100% of the original fire gilt. This fire gilt really looks great and for those who know the look of the fire gilt on Puma and Clemen and Jung aluminum examples, you know what I am talking about here. The hilt is covered with raised out oak leaf designs throughout the pommel and the flat knuckle bow, as well as the quillon area. The langet features a Wehrmacht Army eagle with closed wings. This bird clutches a swastika in its talons. It has outstanding detail to the head, breast feathering and wing feathering. These details have been hand-added. In addition, the areas around the bird have been hand stippled. Great looking stuff here! The two side tabs, where the grip is riveted, also have nice designs which are unique. The grip is a beautiful black celluloid over a wood base. The celluloid is perfect throughout. It is tightly wrapped with triple aluminum wire. The center wire is twisted for contrast. The blade of this example measures thirty-four inches in length. This long blade has been perfectly nickel plated and remains nice and bright. It is easily in full mint condition. The reverse ricasso is marked with a puma head. To the right of it, is the factory name and location, “Puma Solingen”. The original leather washer is in place. It is interesting to note that this washer is blue leather. The scabbard of this example is nice and straight throughout. It reflects very choice bright original paint. This paint is as nice as you will see, and other than just a tiny bit of age at the bottom chape, the paint remains in mint condition. A very fine example here of a seldom seen sword pattern. This will make a great addition to the collection of a serious student of Third Reich swords. Mint $995.00
SWDSOTH3 - 076 - 19375 – PLAIN ARMY NCO 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
SWDSOTH3 - 081 - 25880 – ARMY OFFICER DOVE HEAD - 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
SWDSOTH3 - 082 - 26608 - ARMY DOVE HEAD SABER - E & F HÖRSTER WITH DISTRIBUTOR
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
SWDSOTH3 - 083 - 26735C – ARMY DOVE HEAD SABER – 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
SWDSOTH3 - 084 - 22146R - ARMY OFFICER'S DOVE HEAD SABER - F. W. Höller
This all brass example is in superb condition. All of the gilding is still intact in all of the lower areas. Only the high areas show wear. Overall, the gilding has to be at least 95% and really looks great. This dove head example is the style with flat knuckle bow and is the same as page 97 of the Angolia Book, upper. The pommel features a series of curl designs which are floral-like. The center area has a diamond attraction in the middle which has flared out feathering throughout, giving it a floral touch also. The knuckle bow has curled designs and diamond-like designs which run on both sides. These designs extend through the crossguard and also through the curled quillon. The langet has a Wehrmacht closed winged eagle which clutches a swastika. This bird has excellent detail to the head, beak, breast feathering, wing feathering and talons. There is a pebbled background behind the animal. The black celluloid grip is in perfect condition. It is wrapped with triple silver wire, the center being a springy type often seen on products by Höller. This model is listed in the Höller catalog as model number "61". The 32-inch long blade is a real killer. It is as nice as you will see being mirror bright throughout and reflecting the highest quality nickel plating. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the double oval trademark of this company. The trademark traps the firm's name and location, "F.W. Höller Solingen", and inside, is the familiar thermometer. The scabbard is as nice as the rest of the dagger. It is straight throughout and has good bright original black paint. This paint retains its factory luster. It only shows normal signs of usage, still being in near mint condition. A very fine quality dove head example. Mint Minus (22146) $795.00
SWDSOTH3 - 085 -22149R - ARMY OFFICER'S DOVE HEAD SABER - 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 (22149) $850.00
SWDSOTH3 - 086 - 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 (22145) $695.00
SWDSOTH3 - 087 - 22230R -ARMY OFFICER’S DOVE HEAD w/ SLANT GRIP and FLAT 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 (22230) $1,195.00
SWDSOTH3 - 088 - 22203R - ARMY OFFICER'S DOVE HEAD SABER - E & F Hörster
This fine looking hilt is produced of aluminum construction having near 100% gilded finish. The only place the gild is missing is on a couple of the high areas around the quillon end and the top of the "D-guard". The gilding rates, though, at at least 99%. This dove head model can be seen in the Angolia Sword Book on page 98. The motif throughout the hilt is oak leaves with mixed acorns. The oak leaves begin at the pommel top and extend backward throughout the backstrap and the fold over grip tabs. There is much hand-enhancing to the veining of the leaves as well as checkering to the acorn caps. The same holds true to the "D-guard" motif. Very nice work here. Someone took a lot of time to make an impressive example. The crossguard extends to a curled quillon end which also has floral decoration. The ferrule has raised oak leaves and acorns, which are in a branch-like depiction going around the perimeter. The crossguard features and open winged typical Hörster eagle. This bird has fairly nice detail and he clutches a wreathed raised out swastika. It is interesting to note that this sword is also equipped with a leather finger loop. The loop end of the leather though, has gone to time. Angolia shows a sword on page 99 having the finger loop, but this sword is slightly different from the book example, being more similar to page 98. The celluloid grip is in perfect condition and it is tightly wrapped with triple aluminum wire, the center being twisted. The very long blade is a beauty measuring 35-inches. It has outstanding nickel-plated surfaces throughout, and other than the slightest couple of small nicks, this blade remains in mint condition. 35-inches was the longest standard blade that could be ordered, so obviously the original carrier of this sword was a very tall man. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the twin oval circles which trap the firm's name and location, "E & F Hörster Solingen". In the center, is the large "H" letter with the smaller "HS" letters being pierced by a sword. The leather blade buffer is in place. The scabbard of this example is in good condition having a minor ding about 4-inches from the bottom chape on both sides. The paint looks like it may have been touched up a long time ago. All in all, though, there's not a lot of age on this scabbard and a little rubbing with some compound would make for a much better looking surface. This paint is nearly 100%. Overall, though, a very nice sword and a pattern not seen too often. Excellent Plus, Plus (22203) $795.00
SWDSOTH3 - 089 - 22194R - ARMY OFFICER'S DOVE HEAD SABER - WKC
This all brass saber features floral and oak leaf designs throughout. It is the same as is shown in the Angolia Sword Book on page 138, upper left. The oak leafing and other floral designs throughout the backstrap and "P-guard" have much hand-enhancing and are very well done. There is also pebbling and checkering applied in the areas between the leafing, indicating someone worked very hard to make a good looking sword here. The crossguard flows to a floraled ball quillon. The crossguard itself features a raised out open winged eagle which clutches a wreathed swastika. This eagle has much hand-enhancing throughout the feathering and the breast area has been checkered. There is a little bit of hand wear over the swastika area and this is due to the vaulted placement of this insignia. It is interesting to note that the circular area around the rivets which are installed through the backstrap tabs have been also hand-enhanced. There are little lines that flow throughout the circular perimeter. There does not look to be a lot of gilding left on this hilt, but the brass does have a nice gleam to it. The black celluloid grip is in perfect condition. It is wrapped with triple brass wire throughout which is twisted. The center wire is slightly larger than the other two. The 32-inch long blade is a fine example having high quality finish. It is not the real bright variety but it is not the matte finish either. It has an appealing finish and I'm sure this is the way it looked when new. This blade is in mint condition. The ricasso is stamped with the knighthead logo having the firm's initials, "WKC" below. The original leather washer is in place. The scabbard is in good dent free condition throughout. It has a fine paint job which looks to have been reapplied a long time ago. It is a good job, however, and does much to enhance the looks of this sword. This paint is in near mint condition. A good looking high quality saber. Excellent Plus (22194) $595.00(#062008)
SWDSOTH3 - 090 - 22199R - ARMY OFFICER'S DOVE HEAD WITH TWO EAGLES AND SWASTIKAS ON HILT - Emil Voos
These Emil Voos art deco patterns are very popular with collectors as they have two eagles and swastikas shown on the same hilt. This model by Emil Voos can be seen in the Angolia Sword Book on page 129. This particular example is made of aluminum base with gilded finish. The gild is still quite good showing wear around the high points and also a little peeling around the "P-guard" edge. The wear spots show copper beneath indicating this sword was copper plated prior to the fire gilding process. Overall, this gilding is about 90%. The pommel top has a flower-like device around the peened tang and the backstrap has more floral style raised out decoration. The "P-guard" has oak leaf sprigs at the top area, but at the apex at the bend, there is a raised out Wehrmacht eagle which retains a swastika. The "D-guard" flows through the crossguard area ending in a floraled curly cue. The langet displays a raised out open winged art deco style eagle which looks to the viewer's left. This eagle has fine detail throughout his feathering, wreath and the raised out swastika. It is interesting to note that two long oak style leaves come downward at the bottom of each wing. The ferrule has overlapping oak leaves which run around its perimeter. The black celluloid grip is in perfect condition having dark patinated triple brass wire. This wire is twisted in the center. This sword is identical to the example on page 126 of the Angolia Book. The blade is a very long 34 ½-inches. It is a real beauty reflecting highest quality nickel plating. This choice blade is in mint condition. The obverse ricasso beneath the langet is stamped Emil Voos, along with the snake around stump logo. The original leather washer is in place. The scabbard is straight throughout having fairly good original paint. This paint does show some age throughout, but with a little cleaning up, wouldn't be too bad. All in all, a rare sword with long blade. Reasonably priced. Excellent Plus (22199) $695.00
SWDSOTH3 - 091 - 22236R - ARMY OFFICER'S DOVE HEAD MODEL NUMBER "1056" WITH APPLIED EAGLE - WKC
This Dove head saber is a fine all brass hilt. It is an early sword of highest quality and is very heavy. A like example can be seen in the Angolia Sword Book on page 137, upper. The pommel of this hilt is a smooth rounded affair at the top. Below this, there is a panel of raised out laurel leaves having good accent details and pebbling in the backgrounds. At the center, there is a flower which is "X" shaped having leaves which flow onto the center tabs. Below this, is more laurel leafing. The ferrule has a series of oak leaf and acorns that go around its perimeter. The "P-guard" has more raised out oak leaves with acorns. They are highly accented and have fine random pebbling in the backgrounds. The crossguard has small dot details to it and it ends in a quillon being a floraled ball. The langet, though, is quite interesting. It is in the shape of a shield and has an applied aluminum Wehrmacht open style closed winged eagle which clutches a swastika. This eagle is pinned through the langet, and was a way for the WKC firm to Nazify their production as soon as Hitler came into power. The gild throughout this fine brass cast hilt is about 90%. It really looks good! The black celluloid grip is in perfect condition with early triple-twisted brass wire. The center wire is slightly larger for contrast. The 33-inch long blade is of highest quality. It is beautifully nickel-plated and remains mirror bright. This blade is in mint condition. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the knighthead logo having the firm's initials, "WKC" below. The original dark brown leather washer is in place. The scabbard is a real beauty being straight throughout. It has beautiful original black paint having a couple of chips here and there, but not enough to take it from a mint rating. Beautiful paint here! Overall a very fine piece and very desirable. Mint Minus (22236) $895.00
SWDSOTH3 - 092 - 22171R - ARMY OFFICER'S DOVE HEAD - No Maker (Emil Voos)
This choice Dove Head hilt is of solid brass and is the type that many sword collectors like to have in their collection as it features not one, but two Nazi eagles with swastikas. The brass base is of highest quality having a certain bronze look to it. It looks to have been cleaned a couple of years ago and I think there is still gild showing, but it is hard to tell as the high spots are nice and bright. This example is the same as Angolia Sword Book on page 126, top and bottom. The pommel has a flower-like raised out device at the top. The backstrap has raised out laurel branches which look almost like marijuana. There is pebbling in the background which enhances the looks of the plant. (Don't ask me how I know what this looks like.) The same plant leaves appear at the bottom of the backstrap, but in the middle, there is a fine looking diamond motif having large sized raised out dots. The backgrounds have been pebbled also here. The "P-guard" has pebbled backgrounds too and this enhances the raised out sets of oak leaves at the top and bottom of the "P-guard". The center area has a closed winged Wehrmacht eagle which clutches a swastika. The detail is excellent throughout this bird. The crossguard begins with a couple more leaves and in the center, features an art deco style open winged eagle. This eagle has all kinds of detail featuring hand-enhancing to the feathering of the wings, the eye, the breast and the clutched wreath which features a raised out swastika in the center. On either side of the bird's legs is a down pointing long oak leaf. The quillon ends in curled designs. These hilts were also made in lionheads, but they are very seldom seen. The grip of this example is a good black celluloid-over-wood being in perfect condition. It is triple wrapped with brass wire, the center being twisted. The 32-inch blade is a fine one. It reflects high quality nickel plating and is mirror bright throughout. This blade is in mint condition. Although this example is not marked, it is definitely an Emil Voos piece. The scabbard is nice and straight throughout. It has good original black paint which shows some minor age, but it is not bad, and would really clean up to be a nice example. Overall a very fine double eagle and swastika emblazoned Emil Voos example. Excellent Plus (22171) $895.00
SWDSOTH3 - 093 - 22154R - ARMY CALVARY OFFICER'S LIONHEAD MODEL NUMBER "1324" - Carl Eickhorn
This beautiful sword apparently was produced during the Third Reich using an older style hilt. It is the model number "1324", and an identical example can be seen in the Angolia Sword Book on page 76, lower. This lionhead hilt is of highest quality brass throughout. It also has beautiful fire gilded finish rating at 95-99%. The lion atop has a good long snout and a large mane being a traditional "boss of the jungle". This cat has a kind look to his face having small smooth round red eyes. (Usually we do not see smooth eyes during the Nazi period.) The cat has all kinds of handwork to enhance the view of his fine flowing mane, his brow, his snout and even the area underneath the "P-guard" where he bites the end piece. Where the mane ends, there is a beautiful raised out floral motif which takes over. It extends throughout the backstrap. There is an ovaled plain area in the center which has beading around it, but it is too small to have a monogram, so it was purely decorative. The "P-guard" has more floral designs and some plain areas to add contrast. There are also plain areas on the crossguard with the quillon ending in another lionhead. This small cat is more of a feminine feline, but really looks good. The ferrule is a series of raised out laurel leaves in curls. The langet features raised out crossed Calvary swords that have three raised dots surrounding the swords. There is also a floral pattern which forms a border around the depiction. The black celluloid grip is in perfect condition. It is tightly wrapped with triple aluminum wire, the center being twisted. (This is an anomaly to me as this type of wrapping was only done during the Third Reich time.) Apparently, this sword was made from either old parts or was recast as required. The grip, though, could mean nothing else than a 1930's piece. The 31-inch long blade is also a fine quality example. It is the wider proportion type preferred by the Calvary. It has a good bright nickel-plated finish which shows only the most minor of any age signs. It does easily grade, however, in near mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the back-to-back squirrels that Eickhorn used prior to the ending of World War I. (Once again, it is possible that Eickhorn used up old parts to make this sword.) The new-like brown blade buffer is in place. The scabbard is also a fine straight example having outstanding black paint. This paint shows only the most modest signs of age, having just a little bit of spidering, but it is all there. This paint easily grades in near mint condition. A very fine interesting quality Eickhorn sword. Near Mint (22154) $795.00
SWDSOTH3 - 094 - 22169R - JAWLESS CALVARY OFFICER LIONHEAD - Alcoso
This is an early sword which was made early in the Nazi period. It has no swastikas on it. It is a jawless lionhead which has nice detail throughout, but is the style cat without glass eyes. This cat rests its snout on the "P-guard" having good detail to his whiskers and mane area. There is a little hand wear here, but it is not bad. The backstrap becomes plain and in the center area features a floral motif with an intricate design in the center area. The "P-guard" has a shield device in the center with two swords mounted at the top and a pike-like war implement at the bottom. Good looking treatment here! The ferrule has oak leaves and acorn motif which go around its perimeter. The crossguard has square-like recessed decoration and terminates in a quillon ball covered with floral motif. The langet features raised out crossed sabers which have laurel leaves in between. The laurel leaves have nice hand accenting. The celluloid-over-wood grip is in good shape having just a minor crack at the area beneath the lion's jaw. The crack is not open though and I doubt if it ever will be. This is because the grip is very tightly wrapped with early twisted triple brass wire, the center wire being slightly larger. The 32 ½-inch blade is one of the nicest you will see. It is completely mirror bright and has quality nickel-plated finish. This blade is in mint condition. It is marked on the reverse with the Alcoso trademark. It is the style used prior to 1937 featuring the small scales with the initials, "ACS" interspersed. This blade has been kept mint by the in place leather blade buffer. The scabbard is basically straight and has original painted surfaces. The paint shows some age and wear and reveals around the carrying ring area that this hardware was originally made of brass. This is not a common sword pattern and judging by the celluloid grip and trademark it was made during the Nazi period. Excellent Plus (22169) $495.00
SWDSOTH3 - 095 - 22170R - CALVARY OFFICER'S TRIPLE ETCHED LIONHEAD SABER - Paul Weyersberg
This beautiful hilt features highest quality brass and reflects near 100% of the original fire gild. A very pretty thing here! The lionhead is a most beautiful traditional style cat having very large red faceted glass eyes. His whiskers, brow and mane have all been hand-enhanced. The backstrap becomes plain after the mane, and in the center, has a large oval design left plain for a monogram. Below this it is also plain. The "P-guard" has a raised out floral design at the upper section where it comes out of the cat's mouth, and then it remains plain at the bend. The floral motif is repeated at the bottom. The crossguard has a series of hand-enhanced designs which run its length, and it becomes a roaring lion at the quillon end. Beautiful work here throughout! The ferrule has laurel leafing with berries running around its perimeter. The langet has a shield-like border and below, it has crossed sabers which are positioned over a bed of laurel leaves. The muted fire gild backgrounds enhance the brighter gold accents. The black celluloid grip is in perfect shape and it is twisted with triple brass wire, the center being the springy wire type. This hilt would rate a full mint were it not for the fact that there is a slight forward tilt to the grip and pommel area. This bend I'm sure could be straightened out by applying pressure in the right spots. Other than this, though, the hilt is really the best you will see. The 33-inch blade is really beautiful. It is in mint mirror condition and reflects a triple engraved paneling. The obverse panel features arabesque designs which are raised out and have a frosted backing. The frosting is 100%, and could not be nicer. The center of the panel features crossed Calvary swords over a laurel leaf base. The reverse blade repeats the arabesque pattern except the center area features war implements such as crossed canons, a drum, spears, swords, etc. The spine is etched with laurel leaves. This blade is in an easily full mint state. The reverse ricasso is etched with the dual oval circle logo used by Weyersberg during the Nazi period. The dual ovals trap the firm's name and location, "Paul Weyersberg and Company". Inside, is the Roman-like sword which is flanked by wheat shafts. The brown leather blade washer is in place. The scabbard has a couple of tiny dings which are on the reverse, but the obverse is completely dent free. The original paint is extremely nice still having its original luster and rating at approximately 98%. Fine scabbard here. This entire sword is a real beauty and is reasonably priced. This would make a great piece to show off on a cradle in your rec room. A Nazi triple etched piece for reasonable money here. Mint Minus (22170) $1395.00
SWDSOTH3 - 097 - 22182R - ARMY CALVARY OFFICER DOVE HEAD - Carl Eickhorn
This all brass Dove Head is an early Eickhorn design. There is no swastika on this example, but it is a Nazi made sword as will be shown with the trademark when we get to it below. This dove head sword has a plain pommel cap with no embellishment. The backstrap, however, has an oak leaf and acorn raised motif which flow through the "P-guard" and the ferrule. The detail throughout these oak leaves is outstanding. The crossguard langet features crossed swords indicating this was a Calvary officer who carried this piece. The quillon ends in a curl. The gilding throughout this hilt is outstanding, thinning only on the high edges. This sword looks to be the same as the hilt shown on the Angolia Sword Book, page 75, far right. The celluloid grip is in excellent condition throughout having triple brass twisted wire. The center wire is slightly larger than the other two. The choice blade is 33-inches in length and has beautiful mirrored highest quality nickel surfaces. This blade is easily in mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the small double oval circle used by this firm from 1933 through 1935. The circles contain a squirrel in the center and they trap the firm's name and location, "Carl Eickhorn Solingen". The original black leather blade buffer is in place. The scabbard of this example is in fine straight condition having outstanding original black paint. This paint shows spidering and some minor age, but it is still very nice, rating at at least 95% and retaining its original luster. A fine sword here. Near Mint (22182) $595.00
SWDSOTH3 - 099 - 22196R - ARMY OFFICER'S PANTHER HEAD - Anton Wingen
This hilt is of all brass construction having outstanding gilded finish. The gilding appears to be at about 95% on this sword. This Panther Head is not a common pattern and can be seen in the Angolia Sword Book on page 134, upper. This cat has good hand-enhancing to his whiskers, snout, brow and mane area. The period chiseler used interesting details here having pebble patterns to enhance the whiskers and also to give relief to the cat's hair. This feline is equipped with beady little pink colored glass eyes. They give him a more friendly look than his face alone would indicate. The mane flows into an oak leaf pattern on the backstrap and the tabs have oak leaves in their end designs. The backstrap also has raised out oak leaves and acorns and there is good pebble relief in the backgrounds. The "P-guard" has a floral design at its ending area and the crossguard has a series of flowing curls which extend its length. The quillon ends in a curl design. It is interesting to note that the crossguard area above the langet features two distinct hand-enhanced laurel leaves. Below this is a most interesting eagle. It is an open winged stubby winged type which looks to the right. There is lots of detail throughout the wing feathering, breast, head and wreathed swastika. The pattern is further enhanced by extensive pebbling in the backgrounds. The ferrule above has a series of oak leaves and acorns raised out. A beautiful hilt here and not a common sight. The grip is a fine black celluloid in perfect condition. The celluloid is tightly wrappped with small twisted brass wire. The center wire is slightly larger. The blade is a 33 ½-inch long example. It has good nickel plating which shows some minor age but not very much. It still rates in excellent plus, plus condition. This fine blade is stamped on the reverse ricasso with the little knight figure having the firms name above, "Anton Wingen Jr.", and below, the city of production, "Solingen". The blade's washer has gone to time. The scabbard is a fine straight example which looks like it received a new paint job many years ago. The paint is still in perfect condition being 100%. A nice looking scabbard here and a very rarely seen sword pattern. Very desirable saber. Excellent Plus, Plus (22196) $1195.00
SWDSOTH3 - 100 - 22179R - ARMY OFFICER PANTHERHEAD MODEL No. 1324 - Carl Eickhorn
This all brass pantherhead is an early Nazi-made sword. It features a fine cat at the pommel top, equipped with faceted pink eyes. This cat has a fine mane, which runs around his jaws and chin. He is all hand-enhanced throughout, showing just minor hand wear. The backstrap consists of raised out oak leaves and acorn depiction. The "P" guard has similar designs. This sword is hilted through the top of the cat's head, as opposed to the rivets which Eickhorn used later on. The ferrule has oak leaf and acorn designs and the langet features raised out crossed cavalry swords. There are also floral patterns next to the swords. The quillon ends in a floraled curl. The black celluloid grip is in perfect condition, being tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire, the center wire being larger. It is interesting to note the reverse upper ribbed scetion of the grip has the original owner's initials scratched into the celluloid surface. The monogram is "hb". This same monogram matches a scratching in the ovaled raised section of the reverse langet. A fine looking hilt here, being of quality brass construction throughout. Most of the gilding is gone from this hilt, but it still looks very rich. You can see the same design in the Angolia Sword book on page 76 upper. The 33 inch blade is of highest quality, having beautiful mirrored nickel finish. This blade is easily in full mint condition. The reverse langet is stamped with the early 1933-35 oval circles with squirrel. This Eickhorn sword was made early in the Nazi period. The accompanying scabbard is straight throughout and has pretty good original paint. This black paint shows a little bit of wear at the lower end near the chape, and also at the area surrounding the carrying ring. This sword served its owner for many years so it is not surprising to see this period wear. This is a fine weapon and not a commonly seen model. Excellent Plus (22179) $495.00
SWDSOTH3 - 101 - 22176R - ARMY PANTHER HEAD ULHAN OFFICER MODEL NUMBER 1555 - Carl Eickhorn
This example is extremely rare and it is the first one I have seen. It features an extremely beautiful panther head cat pommel which is a different feline than I have ever seen. This panther is most beautiful having exceptional detail throughout and a very distinctive look. Looking up the sword in one of my old Eickhorn catalogs from November 1933, I find the model listed as number, "1555". I cannot emphasize how distinct and beautiful this panther head sword is. The cat is fitted with faceted pink eyes which almost gives life to this animal. The whiskers are flowing lines which run backward to the eyes. The brow is all hand-enhanced as is the distinctive mane of this cat. It has a large amount of fur which flows under the long jaw and this area also reflects lots of hand-enhancing. This cat has to be seen! The backstrap is also most beautifully done having floral designs which butt the back of the cat's mane. These designs feature swirls and twirls and lots of handwork. The "P-guard" employs a raised out oak leaf sprig design, different from most. The crossguard has much raised out floral work and the quillon ends with a lionhead which is roaring. This small head also features lots of hand-enhancing. The ferrule has raised out oak leaf and acorn sprigs. This all brass hilt shows very little wear and has nearly all of the gild finish, probably about 90-95%. The black celluloid grip is totally in perfect condition and it is tightly wrapped with aluminum wire with the center being twisted. The langet itself features a number of war implements such as crossed sabers, crossed pikes and a cannon ball in the center. This langet is beautifully rendered having random pebbling in the backgrounds and a fine raised out laurel leaf surrounding the base of the assortment. The 31-inch long blade is the wider proportioned type. It is still bright, but unfortunately, there is some age staining in the surfaces. This could come out with a little bit of work as the nickel plating is extremely heavy on this example and there is no pitting, just staining in the surfaces. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the 1935-41 Eickhorn squirrel logo. In addition, the spine of this example has a distributor name, "A. Kuhl Münster - Essen". Obviously, this sword was purchased at the time its owner / officer purchased a new uniform. The scabbard is also slightly larger proportioned than most and it is straight throughout. It has fairly good black painted surfaces but does show some age evenly spread throughout both sides. This paint, though, could clean up with some effort. A very rare sword and also a very rare depiction of a panther head. Near Mint (22176) $1295.00
SWDSOTH3 - 102 - 22207R - ARMY OFFICER'S LIONHEAD SABER - No Maker (Clemen & Jung)
This Army Officer's Lionhead is not a commonly seen pattern. Clemen & Jung produced these in all- aluminum construction to include the grip itself. The aluminum grip of this example is painted black, and at first glance easily resembles the celluloid type. To complete the picture, the grip is triple wrapped with brass twisted wire, the center being larger and twisted opposite. The rest of the hilt has that typical Clemen & Jung style gilt finish which is brighter than most. The Puma firm also used this type of gilt as did others. The lionhead has a very large mane with a smaller proportioned snout giving it almost a mouse-like look from straight on. This demure cat is a great looker, though, having very large red faceted eyes and lots of nice enhancing. The mane also has hand done accents to bring out its good looks. The backstrap becomes plain having a floral design in the center, to include the grip tabs. The "D-guard" has a floral design with a shield-like device at the center bending point. More floral designs come in at the "P-guard's" bottom and the quillon area is a floraled ball. The center langet includes an open winged eagle which clutches a swastika in its talons. The bird is different from most and unique to this producer. He faces to the right and has checkered breast feathering and good depiction to the open wings. The ferrule above features oak leaves and acorns. This same design can be seen in the Angolia Sword Book on page 73, lower right. The gilding throughout this aluminum hilt remains at near 100%. The fine blade measures nearly 31-inches. It is of absolute highest quality having a mirror finish and perfect nickel plating. This blade remains in a full mint state. Although, it is unmarked we know that this is a Clemen & Jung design. The leather blade washer is in place. The accompanying scabbard is nice and straight throughout having excellent paint. This paint appears to have been redone somewhere along the line but it does not detract from the sword. It has a couple of chips here and there but rates at about 98%. A difficult to find saber here and a good looker. Near Mint (22207) $895.00
SWDSOTH3 - 103 - 22195R - JAWLESS LIONHEAD SABER WITH GREEN EYES - No Maker (WKC)
This all brass example is most interesting having many elements which should attract the advanced sword collector. First off, the design is a WKC compilation. It consists of the half style lionhead shown on page 140, upper of the Angolia Book combined with the dramatic outstretched high relief eagle shown on page 138. The sword is of all brass construction and reflects good fire gilding throughout. This gilding rates at approximately 85-90%. The jawless cat at the top, is a sad looking creature almost looking like a mouse. Since there is no lower jaw it gives the appearance that the cat is peeking upward from a hole or just resting his head on something more comfortable. This cat has good detail to his snout area, the brow area, and also to his flowing mane. The big feature, though, is that instead of red eyes, this feline is fitted with green faceted eyes. I have seen green eyes used in the past, on one occasion they were in a hilt designated for a Railway Official, as the lower portion was stamped with railway markings. Unfortunately, this example does not have those stampings, so it could have been used for many things. As a matter of interest this is a sword that possibly could have been carried by a Customs Official or some type of a Shooting Club president. I do not think that it is an Army saber because of the green eyes, however. The backstrap design of this piece becomes plain after the cat's mane. In the center area it has a floral motif. It then becomes plain again and the ferrule has a series of oak leaves with berries. The "D-guard" has floral designs and there is also a center depiction which looks like flags and a drum. The langet below ends in a floraled ball-like design. The center area, however, features an extremely dramatic high relief eagle. This bird is only seen on WKC examples. The breast and leg area are highly vaulted giving it a look of almost flying out at the viewer. The wings are an open style and have heavy detailing, done by hand to the feathering. The bird looks to the viewer's right and has a fine eye and cantilevered back to its head. The talons clutch a wreathed raised out swastika. There is also background pebbling added to give even more relief to this rapture. The hilt design of this saber is really dramatic and a must for the advanced collector. The celluloid grip is in perfect condition being wrapped with large style twisted double silver wire. These wires are twisted opposite and they are still nice and tight. The blade is a fine 33-inch long example. As we would hope, the plating is nice and bright and remains in a mirrored state. There are a few very light nicks along the edge, but they hardly show, and do not detract from this fine sword's appearance. There is no marking on the ricasso, but we know this to be a WKC design. The original blade buffer is a red felt type showing minor age, but nice and set in place. The scabbard is a beauty being dent free and having fine black paint. This paint looks original and is nearly in 100% condition. This paint easily rates excellent plus, plus. A very fine saber here and will go nicely in an advanced collection. Excellent Plus, Plus (22195) $995.00
SWDSOTH3 - 105 - 22225R - FIRE OFFICIAL’S ETCHED DOVE HEAD SABER
This Fire Official’s saber has an all nickel hilt. The hilt is plain throughout. It is of higher quality though than a standard NCO type that we see. The grip is a fine black celluloid- over-wood. This grip is in perfect condition throughout. It is wrapped with early triple twisted brass wire. The blade on this example is a double etched variety of slightly larger proportion than the norm. This blade measures 32 inches in length. The etch on the blade features an arabesque floral design, which in the center leaves an open panel for fire scenes. The obverse panel features a hook, ladders, drums, bugles, hatchets, etc. The reverse has the same designs featuring crossed sabers in the center with a large style pallisch sword. The frosting in the backgrounds is all there and these etches are quite crisp. This blade is still nice and bright having only a little bit of smudge in the obverse area past the etch, but it is superficial, and most likely would easily clean out. This blade rates in near mint condition. The scabbard is a black leather shell, which is decorated with twin lines which run the length of both sides. The shell is sewn up the rear. The shell shows some age and usage, but it is still serviceable and has no kinks. The shell is fitted with three matching nickel mounts. These mounts are scalloped where they meet the leather and each one has the dual lined decoration typical of Fire Department items. These mounts are retained by small staples in the reverse. The top fitting and the center ramp have carrying rings with smooth style eyelets. The obverse ricasso of this blade is stamped with the Nazi style WKC knighthead having the firm’s initials beneath. Swords of this nature were worn prior to the introduction of the 1938 Police-Fire Official Degen. Not an easy pattern to find and still in good condition. Excellent Plus Plus (22225) $995.00
SWDSOTH3 - 106 - 22226R - 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 (22226) $1,495.00
SWDSOTH3 - 107 - 26390C - HÖLLER “21" SWORD - F.W. HÖLLER
The Höller “21" sword is always a popular acquisition for collectors. This sword was done in a high art-deco motif and its design usually has mass appeal to collectors. This example is a beauty, being of all solid brass construction. If you don’t know what the Höller “21" looks like, you can see an example on Page 92 of the Angolia sword book at the upper part of the page. The lion head at the pommel has the look of the little monster that comes out of your stomach on the “Alien” movies. It looks like a little rat coming out of a nest of hair. The lion has excellent detail to his face, having hand-done chiseling to his whiskers, brow and to the nest of hair area that completely surrounds his puss. This cat is equipped with blood-red faceted eyes. Flowing down the back strap of the example are raised out oak leaves with acorns. The oak leaves have fantastic detail to the stem and vein and there is even some factory applied pebbling to enhance the designs. At the side tabs, there is a screw on the reverse side right beneath the two raised out back-to-back detailed acorns and on the obverse is just the acorn motif. These two acorns are back-to-back and have outstanding detail to their checkering. The oak leaf designs also have pebbling in the plain areas. The “d” guard has the same treatment, featuring raised out oak leaf and acorn sprigs with pebbling in the backgrounds. The entire depiction comes down to a huge langet at the cross guard. The Höller “21" design includes the cross guard as part of the ferrule on the obverse. On the reverse, the ferrule looks roughly standard, having a diamond in its center. The outstanding langet, though, is twice as big as a normal Army sword. It depicts an eagle which looks to the viewer’s left and has wings in a half-open position. This bird is nicely detailed and is different from anything else you have seen on swords. The legs of the animal are also huge and the feathering is almost umbrella-like as it towers over the claws. The eagle’s talons grasp a wreathed mobile swastika which is raised out. The quillon end is also in the same design as this outrageous rat-like lion. The grip is a choice example, being black celluloid over a wood base. The grip only has 7 sections, also giving it a nice look. The grip is tightly wrapped with triple brass wire, the center being the springy type, a hallmark of the Höller firm. Although this sword’s finish appears to be down to the brass, the brass has a very fine golden tone to it and very well may have some fire gilt that is there that I am not seeing. The hilt is also nicely wrapped with an original Army Officer’s sword Troddel. This Troddel is composed of green leather strapping which has dual rows of aluminum bullion stitching running the length. At the lower area, there is a leather thong slide with bullion highlights, and below this, a flat style stem having the metal base and crochet-like bullion covering it. Below is a standard bullion style knot with a bullion fabric insert having texture. This knot is in mint condition and looks great on the sword. The scabbard is also a fine item, being completely straight and having outstanding original black paint. This paint is at nearly 100% and still retains its original luster. A fine scabbard here! The choice blade is 33 inches in length. It has an outstanding nickel plated surface and is easily in full mint condition. This blade is marked on the reverse with the double oval proof mark. In the center, it has the familiar scales logo. The circles trap the firm’s name and location, “FW Höller Solingen”. The original, outstanding condition leather washer is in place. This is an outstanding Third Reich sword which is in extremely desirable condition. Mint Minus. $3,595.00
SWDSOTH3 - 109 - 26357C - LUFTWAFFE ALUMINUM SWORD WITH STUKA SCHOOL MARKINGS - SMF
This aluminum Luftwaffe sword is in excellent condition throughout. The aluminum fittings are the satin look and they do show some mild usage signs and some age residue within the recesses throughout the pommel and the feather winged areas of the cross guard. The pommel still has good crisp edges and has the stamped oak leaves running around the perimeter of the flat surfaces of the outside circle. These oak leaves are always nice to examine, as not only are they beautifully formed, but they also have hand pebbling over their surfaces to give them relief. The pommel has some mild usage scratches across its surfaces but they are all small and are only noticeable if you bring the piece straight up to eye level. The sun wheel swastikas are the usual style which are engraved into the aluminum surfaces. They appear to have all of the original gilding still within the border lines, but the gilding is rather a dark color which must have turned from age. The sun wheels at the cross guard are the same matching dark gilded color and also appear to be 100%. As noted above, the quillon arms have good feathering and there is residue of time in all of the recesses. These cross guards, though, are in good condition. The grip is the usual wood base covered by blue Moroccan leather. It has fine ribs which run from left to right. There are nine ribs on a standard Luftwaffe grip. This example has excellent grain still in the Moroccan leather and this leather remains in good condition with no problems or scuffing. The grip is wrapped with twin strands of springy aluminum wire. A decent looking hilt here. The scabbard shell is straight throughout. It is covered with matching Moroccan blue leather which also has all of its graining still visible. There are a few signs of carrying around the leather, but there are no cuts or problems and the leather covers at 100%. The satin scabbard mounts nicely match the hilt. They both are in perfect condition and are retained by flathead, flush mount side screws. The two rings at the top have an intact leather crescent hanger. This hanger still is in good, serviceable condition and is complete with a closed box clip at the top. The blade is an outstanding 30-inch long example. It has a quality nickel plated finish and it remains mirror bright and is in choice mint condition. The blade is etched with the seated king trademark on the reverse. The king holds an upward pointing sword and is positioned over the firm’s initials “SMF Solingen”. Above the king is a Waffenamt stamp which is the later stick bird with a “5" in his belly. Below the trademark, just in front of the butt plate there is an etch on the blade. This three-line etch is “Stuka-Sch1/Sta.-Komp/11.” This etching applies to the Stuka School that was established at Kitzingen. Accompanying this sword is a minor amount of research that was done concerning this school. Obviously, the person who originally carried this weapon was training to be a Stuka pilot and the weapon was the property of the school and no doubt used for marches or other events requiring a sword. A most interesting Luftwaffe sword here, and also a chance to do some research by the next owner. Excellent Plus Plus. $1,795.00(#042908)
SWDSOTH3 - 110 - 27139 - ARMY OFFICER’S LION HEAD SWORD - WKC
This is an outstanding Army lion head sword, being the Model 1016 produced by WKC. You can see a sword that looks just like it in the Angolia book on Page 136, upper right. This quality example is cast of solid brass and has an outstanding gilded finish remaining. The gilding is still mostly bright and appears to be about 95% over this sword’s features. The top pommel displays a large male lion head having good flowing mane. This cat has a fairly long snout with hand accented whiskers, jowls and mane. His brow also has hand-done decorative lines. The cat is fitted with red faceted eyes which really look great against the fine gilded finish. The mane flows partially down the back strap, which features an open area for a future monogram surrounded by floral devices. At the ferrule, there are oak leaves and acorns which run completely around. The “p” guard features oak leaves and acorns in relief and at the bottom area, is more floral motif. The cross guard consists of an interesting, stubby winged eagle which has the look of a Political type. This eagle looks to the viewer’s right and has excellent hand accenting to the chest feathering, wing feathering, wreath and raised swastika. The quillon area continues on, ending in as curl. A fine depiction throughout this hilt. The grip is a black celluloid over a wood base. This grip is tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire, the center being slightly thicker. The scabbard is straight throughout. It has outstanding original black paint, which other than a couple of normal carrying signs, is nearly in 100% condition. This paint still retains its original factory luster and looks great. The blade measures 30.5 inches overall. It is a quality nickel plated example, having fine, bright luster and rates in mint condition. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the knight head logo having the firm’s initials “WKC” beneath. The brown leather washer is in place. A fine lion head here, which often was used for presentations involving forestry, shooting and other club affiliations. Near Mint. $995.00
SWDSOTH3 - 111 - 26016 - ARMY OFFICER ART-DECO PANTHER HEAD - NO MAKER (EMIL VOOS)
This panther head is a very, very rarely seen variation. Although it is not marked on the blade, it is definitely that of the Emil Voos Company. The sword motif can be seen on Page 124. This shows the sword in the dove head manner in the book, but the example I am offering is a lion head. This lion head pommel is identical to the example shown on Page 29. This rarely seen sword is an all aluminum hilt. The gilding is outstanding throughout and is that bright color which is easily recognizable by this producer. We often see Puma and Clemen & Jung swords having the same look. The pommel features a very striking and ferocious looking panther cat. This panther has a snarling open jaw where he bites the end of the “d” ring. His whiskers above have been accented, as has the mane and eyebrow area. The snarling look gives a great grimace throughout the rest of the feline’s face. It is a unique panther here, and definitely something special to the sword “type” collectors out there. This cat is fitted with red faceted eyes. His mane flows backwards and is also nicely detailed. Where it joins the back strap, there are acorns and hand pebbling which divide the two formats. The rest of the hilt features highly detailed oak leaves and acorns showing hand checkering and hand veining. The same attention to detail is obvious on the “p” guard, where there is raised out oak leaves and acorns having the same fine hand treatment. Much of the “d” guard also remains plain, providing a nice contrast. The ferrule is also a repetitive design of oak leaves and acorns. The cross guard area is flanked with oak leaves and at the center, there is almost a “v” design which is left plain. Raised out is a Wehrmacht half-closed winged eagle clutching a mobile swastika. The bird has a much different look to his head than we normally see. There is obvious hand detail done to the bird’s breast area, legs and wing feathering. Again, to contrast, the swastika is left plain. Great looking stuff here, and much different from most other Nazi period swords. The reverse langet is interesting too, as it has an interesting shield shape design and the original owner has scratched his monogram into it, being “L.P.”. The grip is a wood base with celluloid covering. The covering is still shiny and is in 100% condition. This grip is tightly wrapped with single twisted brass wire. This is a hilt that you may never see again, so take the opportunity to study this example. A great looking thing here! The scabbard shell is straight throughout. It has good, untouched original black paint. This paint has age spidering in its surfaces, but it looks to be all there and with a little bit of wax and perhaps a little compound, it should really come up nice. This paint appears to be in excellent plus plus to near mint condition. The blade is a 31.5 inch matte finish type. The matte finish was used by many producers later in the period, probably after the war started. This blade is still in perfect condition and rates mint. As noted above, it is unmarked, but definitely is the work of the Emil Voos Company. The original thick leather blade washer is in place. An outstanding sword here for those interested in rare variations. Near Mint. $1,395.00
SWDSOTH3 - 112 -27030 - ARMY OFFICER’S LION HEAD - CLEMEN & JUNG
This Army officer’s lion head is in newlike condition and it is hard to imagine that it was even ever issued. The hilt is a beautiful brass base having 100% of the original gilded finish. This hilt is really something to see! The lion head is a most curious looking cat, as his nose tips upward, giving him a kind of a friendly look from the side. This design can be seen in the Angolia sword book on Page 73, upper right, as well as lower right. The lion head is also rather mouse-like, as the mane seems to be larger than the head of the cat. It gives it a really good look. Also, the cat has its mouth open to accept the biting down on the “D” guard. The artist who originally cast this cat has put giant teeth together to make this bite down looks serious. It certainly looks like this is a cat you wouldn’t want to get your finger too close to. The eyes of the feline are blood red and they are also a bit too large for his head. They are faceted surfaces and have a jewel-like quality to them. The hand enhancing to the cat’s whiskers, brow, mane and under-chin area all seem to have a shiner gild in the recesses than on the surfaces, giving almost a sparkling look to this animal when it is moved in the light. I cannot emphasize how great this depiction is, especially to the ardent sword collector. Clemen & Jung pieces are quite rare to begin with. It is very rare to see one like this, and in brass to boot. After the cat’s mane area on the back strap, the area becomes plain. At the center area, there is a large diamond shaped floral rendering which is quite beautiful contrasted against the plain area below as well as above. The “p” guard also has interesting designs. Some of the area has muted renderings, while the raised areas are smooth on the top with some hand carving simulating floral motif. Very beautiful indeed! The cross guard features an open-winged eagle. This bird is also of a different sort, as his head seems to be stubby with no neck. The bird has a cut-in eye and beak and his breast feathering is also hand-checkered. His claws are nicely detailed as are the feathers in his open wings. The claws grab a wreath and raised out mobile swastika which also have shiny points contrasting with the muted gilt. The areas next to the swastika and the bird’s legs have been randomly pebbled and also look excellent. The quillon ends in a floral curl which holds a ball. The grip of this example is a fine black celluloid over wood base. The celluloid is totally perfect and has a fine sheen in its blackness. It is triple wrapped with patinated twisted silver wire. The center wire is slightly larger. The ferrule is the style with oak leaf and acorn motif. You will not see a better hilt! The scabbard of this piece also is in choice perfect condition. It is straight throughout and has 100% black paint. This paint is completely mint throughout and even shows almost total coverage on the carrying ring. As I said above, I doubt that this sword was ever issued. As we would expect, the 31-inch blade has high quality nickel plated mirror finish. It is easily in full mint condition. As we usually see with this firm, the reverse ricasso is stamped in two lines “Clemen & Jung/Solingen” and the obverse ricasso, it is stamped with the crown over shield device, having the letter “z” inside. The newlike brown leather washer is in place. If you are looking to buy just one sword to add to your collection, this is the one. It not only is a rare maker, but it is a rare pattern and in a condition you will almost never see. The chances of finding a better lion head army sword than this one are almost nil. A beauty! Mint. $1,695.00
SWDSOTH3 - 113 - 27058 - LUFTWAFFE ALUMINUM SWORD - E & F HÖRSTER
This Luftwaffe aluminum sword has a very fine hilt. These hilt fittings are the choice satiny aluminum finished variety and they literally show no age unless you look close at them. The pommel has good crisp edges, showing a little bit of usage around the upper rim and a couple of scratches on the surfaces if you really look close, but, from a handhold position, it looks perfect. The stamped oak leaves and acorns which run around the flat surface of the perimeter are also beauties, having hand pebbling across their surfaces. The sun wheel swastikas are the best you will see, being a bright gilded finish. These swastikas are easily at 100%. The same is true of the cross guard sun wheels. The cross guard is a fine example, having downswept quillon arms, and the feathering throughout is nicely rendered. The grip is the standard wood base, having choice blue Moroccan leather covering. The leather is in fine condition throughout, having no problems and still having most of the original grain showing. This choice grip is tightly wrapped with twin rows of springy aluminum wire. An outstanding hilt here! The scabbard of this example is straight throughout and is covered with fine original leather. This leather still has all of its graining in the surfaces. There are a couple of scuffs in the surfaces but they have been covered over with blue polish and they are not down to the metal, so they hardly show. A fine looking scabbard shell here. The shell is fitted with matching satin aluminum mounts. These mounts are in good condition throughout and they are retained with flathead, flush mount screws. The original matching blue leather crescent hanger is in place together with its aluminum box clip. One side of the hanger had broken from the ring, as the loop portion had rotted away. We were able to repair this using some original Luftwaffe leather and it is hardly noticeable now. (It would be best however, not to hang this sword from the crescent hanger, as it is just to be used for decoration. This repaired hanger is much better than having none at all). The blade of this example is a fine high-quality nickel plated piece. It measures 25 inches in length and is in full mint condition. The ricasso on the reverse is etched with the double ovals of this producer. Within the ovals are the firm’s name and location “E & F Hörster Solingen”. Inside is the large “H” letter, having smaller letters of “h” and “s” being pierced by a sword. Below the trademark is the usual Waffenamt stick bird having a “5" in his belly. The original blue leather washer is in place and looks great. A good, collectible sword here having outstanding looks. As most collectors know, these swords are disappearing very quickly and prices are going up accordingly. This is a fine looking example. Excellent Plus Plus. $1,395.00
SWDSOTH3 - 114 - 27214 - ARMY DOVE HEAD WITH FLAT KNUCKLE BOW - WKC This dove head Army sword is the Model No. 1060 produced by WKC. It can be seen in the Angolia sword book on Page 138, lower left. The hilt is of all brass construction. It features a motif entirely of raised out oak leaves and acorns. The flat knuckle bow gives it a rather unusual look and is not seen too often. The cross guard langet features a Wehrmacht style closed-wing eagle. This eagle has good detail and some hand enhancing evident. The bird clutches a mobile swastika in his talons. The grip of this piece is the black celluloid over wood base. This celluloid is in perfect condition throughout. The grip is tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire, the center being slightly larger. Not a bad hilt here, although it probably has been shined up rather than having visible gilt. The scabbard is straight throughout. Apparently, it had quite a bit of rust in the surfaces - someone has sanded most of the scabbard and in areas it is down to the metal. Apparently, this scabbard was at one time being prepared for a paint job which it definitely needs. With new paint, though, this scabbard would be extremely nice. The blade of this example is a 31.5 inch type. It has been nickel plated and for the most part is still bright, having just a little bit of age visible in the surfaces here and there. If the viewer looks closely, it also appears as though there may have been some sharpening at the edge although most of it looks to have been removed. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the knight head logo having the firm’s initials below “WKC”. The original leather washer is in place. This is a good sword for a beginner or for someone who is willing to do the necessary scabbard paint job. Not a bad piece here, but not up to the standards of many. Excellent Minus. $295.00
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