Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII AH “Formal Pattern” luncheon knife manufactured by Bruckmann & Söhne of Heilbronn, with an .800 silver handle and stainless steel blade. It measures approximately 21cm, or 8.27", in overall length and retains the characteristic Greek Key border, detailed political eagle with wreathed static hook cross, and flanking A H monogram associated with this formal silver service.

Silver, flatware and serving pieces were specifically made for the residences of der führer Adolf H. The "AH" silverware mostly seen by collectors today was made by the Bruckmann firm of Heilbronn. There are other patterns produced by other companies, but they are much rarer and do not seem as collectible. The Bruckmann flatware was produced in two pattern types.

The most prevalent, and most desirable because of its detail, is the so-called "Formal" pattern. This pattern displays a detailed, raised-out, closed-winged Party eagle with swas, and has the Führer's monogram, "A" and "H" positioned to the left and right respectively on each side of the wreath. Additionally the handle is bordered with an attractive design known as "Greek Key".

The so-called "Informal" pattern contains the eagle and monogram only, and the stylized eagle design is depicted, with little detail. These pieces are so simply designed they almost convey a look of substantial wear on the surfaces of the bird. This pattern, however, seems to be much rarer. It is not known why the "Informal" pattern was produced, but it is thought to have been possibly used as a "Luncheon" pattern, and only at one of the larger residences, perhaps at the Chancellery.

It is generally believed by collectors there were approximately 3,000 pieces of the "Formal" pattern produced, and only about 1000 pieces of the "Informal". Obviously serving pieces such as an asparagus fork or sugar tongs would have been produced in far less quantity than standard forks, knives and spoons. Serving trays and larger serving utensils are not usually silver, but are normally silvered plate. These pieces generally were produced by the Wellner firm, and are stamped with a "W", and usually a silver plating content number.

The handle of the knife bears the correct German silver hallmarks, consisting of the Crescent and Crown, or Halbmond und Reichskrone, beside the fineness mark “800,” indicating a silver content of 80 percent. To the right is the Prussian style eagle trademark of the renowned Bruckmann & Söhne firm of Heilbronn. This highly regarded Silberwarenfabrik operated from 1805 until 1973 and produced numerous high quality official and private silver services. Bruckmann is well documented as a manufacturer of Reich Chancellery silverware as well as pieces associated with the Führer’s personal AH service.

This lovely Luncheon Knife is a classic example of the "Formal" pattern, fully conforming to the pattern with respect to markings and decoration. It has the correct "Greek Key" border, the detailed Reichsadler eagle between A H, and the correct hallmark on the back, for .800 silver. It measures 21cm (8.27in.) long, and is 20mm across at the widest point of the stainless steel blade. Research indicates that this is the "luncheon" knife, shorter than the "dinner" knife, which would be about 10 inches long.

The stainless steel blade remains in very good condition with only light evidence of use and no apparent sharpening. The silver handle retains crisp decoration and hallmarks, while the surface shows scattered tarnishing and light scratches from past cleaning. One side of the handle is noticeably more tarnished than the other.

With its .800 silver Bruckmann & Söhne handle, stainless steel blade, full Formal Pattern decoration, Greek Key border, detailed eagle and A H monogram, and correct luncheon knife proportions, this is a strong example of German WWII formal table silver. The uneven tarnishing, light cleaning scratches, and minor service wear are all fully disclosed. It would display especially well in an AH formal silver, Bruckmann & Söhne, German WWII tableware, political presentation silver, or advanced Third Reich silver collection.