2ad3a32e_es__World_War_II__Nazi_Germany__Description
[Grade] NM- [Item #] DC291 [Description] 
2nd Model Luftwaffe General's Degen by Carl Eickhorn of Solingen with Original Portepee and Storage Bag With a change to the Officer's dress image in 1937, the Luftwaffe decided to design a new pattern General's degen as well. As the leading manufacturer of Third Reich edged weapons, the firm of Carl Eickhorn was once again given the initial order for the production of this new sword. It was featured in the 1938 Kundendienst as Model "Nr. 1732" with Eickhorn's title "Stichdegen" which translated best describes the degen as a "lightweight, straight-bladed, thrusting sword". The basic design is similar to the 1935 model with the same pommel, D-guard, and reverse folding clam shell. Some of the changes include the addition of a yellow trolon/celluloid grip with a double twist gilt wire rap, and a frosted silver 2nd pattern Luftwaffe eagle in flight mounted on a slightly larger, and folding obverse clam shell...which was exquisitely hand enhanced and finished with a gold gilt. The blade saw some minor changes as well, most significantly was the change to the reverse inscription which now reads "Der Oberbefehlshaber der Luftwaffe" followed by G�ring's facsimile signature which remained the same. The change to the inscription reflected G�ring's elevation from Reichs Aviation Minister to the Commander in Chief. This incredible beauty is an exquisite example and may very well be the finest degen of it's kind known to exist. In fact, my TR edged weapons guru, and the consignor of most of the other edged weapons listed on TRD, was blown away by it's beauty and claimed this is indeed the "mintiest" example he's ever seen. The consignor inherited this sword from his father, so I believe he's primarily responsible for the unbelievably well kept condition. I won't include his name or any personal information here, but I'm sure he'll be more than happy to chat with you if you're serious about purchasing this rare treasure. The only flaws I was able to find on this piece is a 50% loss to the rhodium finish on the eagle, which is not unusual, some minor wear to the gilt finish where the near mint aluminum portepee is tied, and a tiny patch of discoloration on the reverse blade just below "G�ring". This reddish patch looks a bit like rust in my photo, but I can assure you it's just a flaw in the bluing that has probably been there since the sword was manufactured. The leather scabbard is in amazing condition as well with no major wear or damage other than a few tiny nicks in the finish where it has dried out a bit after 70 years of exposure to the air. There's some green corrosion and minor wear under the frog lug on the upper fitting so I'm sure it had a frog at one time, but unfortunately it's long gone. The original wool bag is in amazing condition with no mothing and only a slight musty smell...undoubtedly one of the primary reasons this beauty is in such amazing condition...that and the consignor's exemplary care.
Third Reich Depot, military collectables, World War II, Nazi Germany
Description