Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of the "von Stein" variation of the popular Feldherrn Serie (Commander Series) of German Army Officer's swords by famed firm Carl Eickhorn of Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in Western Germany. Named after famous figures in German history, many of which were high ranking military officers, the series has a total of nine different variations. These are usually referred to as the Feldmarschall (Field Marshal) series by collectors, even though only four of the nine actually held that rank. These included the Wrangel, Scharnhorst, Freiherr vom Stein, Roon, Derfflinger, Zieten, and Blücher patterns. The Prinz Eugen and Lützow patterns were added in 1938 and 1939, which are the rarest patterns to find.

The swords were made based on drawings by Paul Casberg, and included to "Dove's Head" and "Lion's Head" designs. These drawings in many cases are still in existence, and the earliest drawing, for the “Wrangel” pattern, is dated 1936, while the last drawings, for the “Blücher” and “Roon” patterns, are dated 1938. This means that the swords were not necessarily released in the order that they were designed, however the Wrangel is generally accepted to be the earliest type produced. Many other makers made some similar designs to the series. We have had many examples of the series previously, but we have only had a "von Stein" a few times previously.

The Pattern 1714 - von Stein Sword is named after Heinrich Friedrich Karl vom und zum Stein (25 October 1757 – 29 June 1831), commonly known as Reichsfreiherr vom Stein (Imperial Baron vom Stein). He was a Prussian Statesman who introduced the Prussian reforms, which paved the way for the unification of Germany. He also promoted the abolition of serfdom, with indemnification to territorial lords; subjection of the nobles to manorial imposts; and the establishment of a modern municipal system. He was not a military commander, unlike the other historical figures that the "Field Marshall" series were named after, however his importance to the formation of the German empire is undeniable.

This piece is a real treasure as it is not constructed from the later war aluminum, but rather is made of solid brass. It really looks magnificent, retaining much of the finely gilded finish, and comes with a very nice black enamel finished steel scabbard. This type is described in Swords of Germany 1900-1945 by John R. Angolia on page 79, and is very much the prototype for other Dove head swords made by other makers. The "dove's head" back strap and pommel, "P"-guard, and ferrule are all covered with embossed and hand-enhanced German Oak Leaf and Acorn motifs, which also extend onto the grip side tabs. The cross guard features a closed-wing Reichsadler Eagle which looks to the viewer's left. This art-deco eagle has fine crispness to his eye, breast feathering and raised out swas (hook cross) within a wreath.

The hilt is mostly tight to the blade, with just a bit of wobble in the guard and the ferrule. The black celluloid covered wooden grip is tightly wrapped with a skein of four aluminum wires, which the center pair twisted. The celluloid itself is still in very good condition, showing a shiny surface with some degradation from age, and there are some dents near the very bottom.

The blade on this sword is an incredible example. It measures 32 3/8 inches and has the highest quality nickel plating. This plating is in great shape with only a few spots of wear. There are a few minor dents on the edge, but nothing easily visible, and no chips or major damage. There is also a miniscule bend / dent at the very tip of the blade. The original leather blade buffer is in place, and in good shape.

The reverse ricasso is stamped with the 1935-41 Eickhorn trademark: a seated squirrel holding a sword, with the word ORIGINAL above and the firm's name and location, Eickhorn / SOLINGEN below. Unfortunately the chappe/rainguard partly covers the area, so we were not able to get a complete photograph. Carl Eickhorn is a legendary maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany. According to J. Anthony Carter's book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this company was founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn, and is arguably the most famous of all Solingen makers. Not only could the family trace their history back 500 years, but they could also demonstrate involvement in the hardening and grinding industries for the same period. Truly the nobility of Solingen Edged weapon dynasties. Eickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers.

The other side of the blade is stamped with the address logo of the distributor the sword was purchased from:

W. & L. SCHEBBEN
UNIFORMEN
AACHEN

This is a known supplier of military accoutrements during the WWII period.

The scabbard of this example still has a very good black enamel finish, retained at over 70%, though there is some denting and a "dogleg" bent at about 10 inches above the drag. This looks almost like it was closed in a door, and it does not interfere with sheathing the blade at all. There is a lovely pattern of checking and crazing in the enamel, and we do not see any evidence that it has ever been repainted. There are a some areas of finish loss where it has oxidized a bit, but overall this is one of the better examples that we have seen. There is some wear near the hanger ring through to the base metal as is typical, and the rectangular ring for "hitching up" the sword is still intact.

This is a wonderful looking sword from the most legendary of all makers. If you are looking for a great example to hang on the wall, this one should do it!

Specifications:
Overall length: 37 1/4”
Blade length: 32 3/8”
Blade Style: Single Edged with Fuller
Guard dimensions: 5" width x 4 1/2” length
Scabbard Length: 33 1/2"