2ad3a32e_es__World_War_II__Nazi_Germany__Description
[Grade] E+ [Item #] DC237 [Description] 
Kreigsmarine Presentation Sword by Carl Eickhorn of Solingen. As Eickhorn's "Flagship Naval Sword" (model # 1670), this rare beauty features an artificial Damascus blade, a genuine ivory grip, and raised gold and blued panel overlays. As you review my photos please keep in mind how difficult it is to photograph a 3 foot sword with so much detail. I did my best to give you an accurate representation, but I have to admit that my pictures don't do it justice. This is one of those pieces that you have to hold before you can truly appreciate it's beauty. There is some very minor damage due to it's age, but what do you expect from a 65+ year old sword that has yet to fall into the hands of one of the big dagger dealers who would destroy it's character by restoring it....and for what purpose? So they can jack up the price so no honest Joe collector could possibly afford it. The consignor of this beauty has offered some incredible Damascus blades on The Third Reich Depot in the past, but this one tops them all. The blade is truly breath taking and still in near mint condition despite the natural age that we expect to see on true pattern weld, and artificial damast blades. It features a medium to large rosebud format with a fine maidenhair pattern running along the spine. The detail is still strong and crisp despite some minor age issues and some very tiny spots of rust...evidence of natural aging that can't be faked. The overlay panel designs are Eickhorn's standard format seen on most of their etched Naval blades. However, these are "overlays" that have been applied directly to the blade rather than being etched into the surface. This process required a great deal of extra cost due to the countless hours of labor and hands-on craftsmanship. The overlay design was done with a pale brass/gold finish as all pre 1945 German swords and daggers with this type of embelishment should have...not to be confused with the bright yellow "Rolex" gold color we so often see on countless refurbished SS and SA Honor Dagger blades as well as the fakes that have recently flooded the market. Dagger fakers have mastered many construction techniques, but they will never be able to recreate finishes like this with 100% accuracy. The front panel features a flower motif framing a banner that reads "FESTEN MUTH IN STURM UND GEFAHR" which translates: "FIRM COURAGE IN STORM AND DANGER". Below this is a National eagle with down turned wings and a swastika in his talons superimposed over a large anchor. This is the only style eagle known to have been used on Third Reich period Naval swords. Both panels feature an old style battleship at the base, with masts and steam rising from the stacks. On the reverse panel you'll see a similar flower motif with "In Dankbarkeit und Treue Die Kreigsmarine" in the center which translates: In Gratitude and Loyalty, The Navy." Below the panel on the reverse is a very crisp 1935 style Eickhorn squirrel with "ORIGINAL" above and "EICKHORN SOLINGEN" below. This too is an overlay that was applied to the blade at the buyer's request and expense. That's right...it was not free. If you wanted the Eickhorn squirrel on you're damast sword, you had to pay for it yourself. The hilt is truly my favorite feature. It sports a genuine ivory grip with a 3 strand, double twist wire wrap...that the consignor claims is the best he's ever seen. After 65+ years the ivory has turned to a warm cream color with golden striations caused by hand oils that have been absorbed into the porous material. There are several natural age lines as well, which are common to natural materials like ivory and wood. The ivory actually shrunk a tiny bit, but you have to expect this with 65+ year old natural materials. (Keep this in mind next time a "dagger expert" tells you the SS dagger you're about to purchase from another dealer is a fake because the grip doesn't fit snug with in the fittings....as he tries to convince you to buy his mint and "unissued" beauty instead....and for only a few hundred dollars more!!) If you look closely at my photos you'll notice some of the wire wrap has broken away. This is a very common side effect seen on original edged weapons with wood and ivory grips. As natural and man made materials age, they tend to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. In a cold dry winter ivory will actually shrink a little, creating surface cracks and stress on the aging and brittle brass wire wrap as it looses it's support from underneath. In the heat and humidity of summer, ivory will expand or swell, adding even more stress to its self and the aging brass wire wrap. As the years of expansion and contraction break down the integrity of the materials, they begin to crack and even break, as is the case with some of the wires on this grip. This is a natural phenomenon that can controlled, but only if the piece is stored in a controlled environment most of it's life.....so again, keep this in mind when ever you examine historical artifacts that show no signs of age what so ever. So in other words..."always buy mint" isn't always the best advice...especially when you're dealing with items that are easily reproduced. The cast brass hilt is incredible with hand enhanced details on the lion's mane, the D guard, the folding guard, and the ferrule ring. The lion features a red eye on the left, and a green eye on the right...more "extra cost" features that really add to the overall look of this exquisite piece. 75% of the fired gilt finish is still intact with traces of clear lacquer clinging to the areas protected from wear. Looking at my photos you'll see a lot of green material in the recessed areas. This is a natural occurrence with copper based metals like brass. It could be cleaned away restoring the material to it's natural color, but in cases like this I prefer to leave it in "as is" condition as it adds to the overall beauty of the naturally aging material. And finally, the original leather scabbard is in unbelievable condition considering it's age with no major damage, but the upper fitting is slightly loose after years of use. The leather is a little dry showing minor age ravages to it's outer surface, but it's all there and has been well maintained with minimal cracking and most of the black finish intact. The leather has naturally contoured its self to match the curve of the blade, proof that it is the original leather that has been protecting the blade since day 1. The upper half of the scabbard interior is lined with brass runners while the exterior is fitted with 3 fire gilt brass fittings that retain 75% of the original gold finish, and 60% of the protective lacquer over coat. Each piece features a simple design with some hand enhanced stippling inside the designs at the base of the drag. Over all, this is with out any doubt, the finest piece of steel ever offered at the Depot. An honest piece, with honest wear, and minimal age issues. This is the "real deal" so if you're looking for something that's been refurbished, perhaps you should spend your money else where. Please note the buffer pad is not original to the sword and was put there by the consignor to protect the hilt and scabbard throat. If you want a leather pad you can purchase a nice post war example from Thomas Johnson for about $10.00.
Third Reich Depot, military collectables, World War II, Nazi Germany
Description