{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-field-marshal-wrangel-pattern-dove-head-officers-sword-by-carl-eickhorn-with-steel-scabbard","title":"Original German WWII Field Marshal Wrangel Pattern Dove Head Officers Sword by Carl Eickhorn with Steel Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of the \u003cem\u003e\"Wrangel\"\u003c\/em\u003e variation of the popular \u003cem\u003eFeldherrn Serie\u003c\/em\u003e (Commander Series) of German Army Officer's swords by famed firm \u003cstrong\u003eCarl Eickhorn of Solingen\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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 \u003cem\u003eFeldmarschall\u003c\/em\u003e (Field Marshal) series by collectors, even though only four of the nine actually held that rank. These included the \u003cstrong\u003eWrangel\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Pattern 1693 - Wrangel\u003c\/strong\u003e Sword is named after \u003cem\u003eFriedrich Heinrich Ernst Graf von Wrangel\u003c\/em\u003e, a Generalfeldmarschall of the Prussian Army. A Baltic German, he was nicknamed \"Papa Wrangel\" and was a member of the Baltic noble family of Wrangel. He served for many years during the years when the German Empire was being formed, and held various high positions in the military and government. He is probably most remembered in connection with the revival of the Prussian cavalry from the neglect and inefficiency into which it had fallen during the years of peace and poverty since 1815. In 1856, after 60 years of service, he was made a field marshal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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 black enamel finished steel scabbard. This type is described in \u003cem\u003eSwords of Germany 1900-1945\u003c\/em\u003e by John R. Angolia on page 77, and along with the \"von Stein\" pattern is very much the prototype for other Dove head swords made by other makers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \"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 Wrangel pattern in particular has an immense number of leaves, with the P-guard showing them closely together, curving to the left and the right. Unlike other members of the Field Marshall series, the Wrangel pattern was actually seen with both left and right facing eagles. The cross guard of this example features an art deco \"open-wing\" closed-wing Reichsadler Eagle which looks to the viewer's \u003cstrong\u003eright\u003c\/strong\u003e. This art-deco eagle has fine crispness to his eye, breast feathering and raised out swas (hook cross) within a wreath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe black celluloid covered wooden grip is tightly wrapped with a skein of four brass wires, the center two of which are twisted together. The celluloid itself is still in great shape, showing a shiny surface with no degradation or cracking like we sometimes see. The top of the cross guard is stamped \u003cstrong\u003eGES. GESCH.\u003c\/strong\u003e,\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003efor \u003cem\u003eGesetzlich Geschützt\u003c\/em\u003e (Protected By Law), indicating that the handle is a trademarked design. The hilt overall is a bit loose on the blade, with all components showing some wobble.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade on this sword is an incredible example in excellent condition. It measures 31 5\/8 inches and has the highest quality nickel plating, which is in great shape with only a bit of scuffing, and no wear through or oxidation that we can see. There is just a bit of wear to the edge, and the tip is straight and unbent. Definitely a top quality blade with no signs of post war abuse like we often see.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse ricasso is stamped with the 1935-41 Eickhorn trademark: a seated squirrel holding a sword, with the word \u003cstrong\u003eORIGINAL\u003c\/strong\u003e above and the firm's name and location, \u003cstrong\u003eEickhorn \/ SOLINGEN\u003c\/strong\u003e below. Unfortunately the chappe\/rainguard partly covers the area, so we were not able to get a complete photograph. The original leather blade buffer is in place, and in good shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarl Eickhorn is a legendary maker from Solingen, the famous \"City of Blades\" in Western Germany. According to J. Anthony Carter's book, \u003cem\u003eGERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS\u003c\/em\u003e, 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. \u003cstrong\u003eEickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scabbard of this example is in very good condition, showing a bit of a bend at a dent near the middle of the scabbard. This does not interfere with sheathing the blade, and the black enamel finish on the exterior is retained at about 60%, showing a good amount of finish flaking and oxidation towards the lower half of the scabbard. The top of the scabbard is in better cosmetic condition, and the remaining enamel has a great aged look with checking and crazing in the finish. There is some wear on the hanger ring, through to the base metal as is typical, and the rectangular ring for \"hitching up\" the sword is still intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a wonderful looking example of an Eickhorn \"Field Marshall\" sword, one of the rarer patterns seen, with a nice patinated scabbard. If you are looking for a lovely example to hang on the wall, this one should do it!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 36 3\/8”\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 31 5\/8”\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Single Edged with Fuller\u003cbr\u003eGuard dimensions: 5\" width x 4 1\/2” length\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 32 5\/8\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43259377188933,"sku":"ONAC25JRD08","price":650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONAC25JRD08__01.jpg?v=1754060826","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-field-marshal-wrangel-pattern-dove-head-officers-sword-by-carl-eickhorn-with-steel-scabbard","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}