Description
Richard Herder, 4-point star, Solingen TM. An illustration of this pattern sword appears on page 144, left, of Collecting the Edged Weapons of the Third Reich, Volume I. Additional photos are available on page 85 of Swords of Germany 1900/1945 by John R. Angolia. This model sword was available with either a silver (Model 1017) or gilded langet eagle (Model 1007) as the example in the photograph has the silver eagle, while the eagle on this sword is gilt. Gilded brass hilt fittings retain virtually 100% of the gilting in the recesses of the heavily chiseled lion head pommel with red glass eyes, floral and oak leaf embellished backstrap and knuckle-bow, as well as crossguard with unique 1-piece cast langet/ferrule with large gilded Wehrmacht eagle. The knuckle-bow was apparently custom fitted to the pommel to accommodate the large hand of the original owner. Black celluloid grip shows only minor surface wear with two small hairline cracks on the upper reverse adjacent to the underside of the pommel, but no chips or damage to the tight twisted brass wire wrap. Plated blade measuring 32 ½” in length grades EX, showing surface wear and uniform gray spotting/lifting primarily to lower reverse, but no nicks to cutting edge. Blade is complete with original brown leather blade buffer pad. Dent-free scabbard retains approximately 85% of its original black enamel which shows surface wear/crazing and missing paint primarily to the lower obverse/reverse shell and to tip and drag. Rare sword with EX++/Near MINT gilting on hilt and unique langet eagle. EX+.
