Description
F.W. Höller Solingen, stamped thermometer inside double- oval TM. An illustration of this pattern sword appears in the 1941 Höller sales catalog as pattern Nr. 1, Mannschafts-Säbel. Plain, unadorned nickel-plated hilt fittings show light surface wear primarily to the reverse grip retaining strap with minor speckling to the pommel, knuckle-bow and langets. Black bakelite grip is perfect with no cracks or chips and is complete with tight triple silver wire wrap. Plated double-etched blade measuring 34 3/8*’ in length grades EX++/Near MINT showing light surface wear/runner marks with several faint “pings” to cutting edge but, no lifting or peeling to plating, and is complete with original brown leather buffer pad. Obverse blade features a 12 7/8´long frosted etch pattern which appears in the 1941 Höller sales catalog as “Infanterie D 201”, comprised of a central motif of a machine gun crew and anti-tank gun crew flanked on each end by oak leaves and closed-wing Wehrmacht eagles. The reverse blade features a 12 7/8´long frosted etched panel comprised of a floral etch flanking a central motif of three military swords with a cartouche and shoulder strap. The blade etch retains 100% of the frosted background finish on the blade panels as well as the laurel leaf motif on the blade spine. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the retailer’s name, “M.ANNESE FREISING”. Freising is located approximately 30km NE of Munich, and research indicates that III. Btl. Infanterieregiment 19 was garrisoned at Freising as part of the 7th Infantry Division. Dent-free, steel scabbard retains virtually 100% of the possibly, period, repainted black enamel showing no wear, surface scratches or crazing. Attached to the hilt is an , an original EX++ Officer’s sword knot with gray leather strap/aluminum bullion stripes and aluminum bullion slide/stem/crown and acorn. The original owner possibly chose to use an officer’s sword knot as often seen in period photographs or was promoted to officer rank and chose to use his NCO sword. The brown leather teardrop hanger grades Near MINT with virtually no wear/age to leather/stitching or to upper nickel-plated box-type fitting or lower clip. The felt storage complete with draw string grades Exc with some moth damage to the felt and minor tear in tip. Nice double-etched Third Reich Army NCO/EM sword with extremely RARE superb double-etched blade recently obtained in Germany. EX++/Near MINT
