Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice example of the plain nickel Dove Head sword worn by Army NCO's, made by the Solingen-based firm of Carl Eickhorn. This sword design is a simplified version of the Officer's dove's head sword, without the decorative designs and engraving usually seen on the hilt. It has the standard "P" guard used on German dress swords, with a simple cross guard and plain rain guards (chappes). The hilt is nickel plated steel from what we can tell, and retains most of the nickel plating, with a lovely patina of age.

The scabbard of this example still has good black lacquer, retained at nearly 100%. It does appear to have been repainted at some point, but it was long ago as there is finish crazing in the top coat. The shell is straight, and we cannot see any large dents at all.

The grip is a very nice black celluloid over a wood base. It is wrapped with three strands of twisted nickel-plated wire, with the central strand being much thicker than the outer
two. There is some looseness in the wrappings, probably from the celluloid shrinking a bit. The original red felt blade buffer is still present, however it is definitely worn from age and oxidation.

The 32 ½” blade of this example is in very good condition, and does not show any signs of use or abuse. These were ceremonial swords, and not really intended for cutting. The nickel-plating is just shy of complete, with just a few specs of rust where the plating has worn, mainly on the edge. The plating does show a bit of flaking at the tip, and has some oxidation under the chappe.

The ricasso of the blade is stamped with a 1933-35 Eickhorn trademark: a double oval "losenge" style with a seated squirrel, with CARL EICKHORN above and SOLINGEN marked below. Carl Eickhorn is a legendary maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany, and they utilized many similar trademarks during the early NSDAP period. Unfortunately the chappe/rainguard completely covers this area, so photographing the logo is difficult, but we were able to get a very angled shot.

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.

Overall a very good condition high quality NCO sword, made by a legendary German sword maker, based in Solingen, the "City of Blades" in Western Germany. Ready to hang on the wall!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 32 1/2”
Overall length: 37 1/2”
Handguard: 4 1/2”L x 5 1/2”W
Scabbard length: 33 1/2”