Description
Presentation Third Reich Fire Official’s Silver Lion Head Sword w/Double-Etched Blade. No maker. An example of this pattern sword is pictured on page 256 of Swords of Germany 1900-1945 by LTC (Ret.) John R. Angolia and described as an “unattributed early Fire Department official’s saber with etched blade and Fire Department insigne on obverse langet”. Silver-plated hilt fittings show light surface wear/age patina with much factory frosting remaining in the recesses of the lion head pommel with red glass eyes, floral embellished backstrap, knuckle-bow with fire equipment motif and crossguard with raised crossed fire axes surmounted by a fire helmet. Black ray-skin grip shows light surface wear with no rips or tears and is complete with tight twisted silver wire wrap. Plated double-etched blade measuring 30 7/8″ in length grades EX+/EX++ showing light surface wear/runner marks and, minor surface crazing on lower obverse but no graying, pitting or nicks to cutting edge and is complete with brown leather blade buffer pad. Obverse and reverse blade feature 12 ¼” long etched panels consisting of floral/fire equipment motif on light gray frosted background. On the lower obverse blade is the three-line presentation inscription in jeweler engraved block letters, “Unserem Branddirektor Beckmann in Treue gewidmet Freiw. Feuerwehr Warendorf 26. 6. 1933” (Our Fire Chief Beckmann presented with loyalty Warendorf Volunteer Fire Department). Warendorf is located east of Münster. Steel scabbard retains approximately 90% of the factory black enamel showing uniform surface crazing and spots of wear to paint and one faint depression on lower obverse shell. Sword is complete with Near MINT Fire Official’s knot with black leather strap with triple silver bullion stripes, bullion stem/crown/acorn & crimson acorn insert. EX+/EX++
