Description
Crowned · Z · within shield, (Clemen & Jung) stamped TM. Heavy, cast-nickel hilt fittings show light surface wear/age patina to the well detailed, lion head pommel without glass eyes, floral embellished backstrap/knuckle-bow and crossguard with raised shield motif on obverse langet and lion head quillon tip. Black ray-skin grip shows light surface wear/minor loss of color on reverse with no rips or tears and is complete with tight triple twisted silver wire wrap. Plated double-etched blade measuring 32″ in length grades EX+ showing light surface wear/runner marks and, minor surface gray shadowing/speckling but, no pitting or nicks to cutting edge and is complete with tan felt/suede buffer pad. Obverse and reverse blade feature 14 ½” long etched panels consisting of floral motifs flanking a central motif of fire equipment to include fire helmet, hook and ladder with military drum and flags on light gray frosted background. The blade retains 100% of the frosting to the etched panels as well as to the laurel motif on the spine of the blade which is etched with the retailer’s name, “J.H.ESSER.Hofl.Cöln” (J.H.Esser purveyer/supplier Cologne). As indicated on page 148 of The Sword and Knife Makers of Germany 1850-2000 by Anthony Carter, “The name J H Esser has been has been found on a late 19th century Infantry officer’s sword”. The dent-free, steel scabbard with early pattern double-suspension rings, retains approximately 90% of the period repainted black enamel showing uniform surface crazing and spots of wear to paint but, no depressions. The silver bullion hanger on red leather backing and red leather belt loop grades EX+ showing age/wear to bullion and leather is complete with gilded brass oval buckle, upper clip and regain chain. The Third Reich Police Officer’s sword knot grades EX showing wear to the strap and aluminum bullion acorn with red/white/black acorn insert. EX+/EX++