Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice representative example of the plain nickel Dove Head sword worn by Army NCO's, made by the famous 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 and retains most of the nickel plating, showing some light oxidation and a bit of plating loss.

The grip is a very nice black celluloid covering over a wood base showing a crack through the covering near the bottom. 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 grip shrinking a bit, and we can see dirt and past oxidation present. The original leather blade buffer is still present, however it is definitely worn from age.

Wrapped around the grip is an all yellow German-style troddel knot, which is all yellow, which does not conform to any of the WWII patterns we are aware of. We believe it is most likely a post war addition, and is coming unraveled.

The 32 3/8” blade of this example is in excellent 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 near the ricasso from the scabbard throat. There is some minor scuffing and no damage to the edge or tip, though we did notice that it has a slight bend to it.

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. 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 arguably the most desirable of all German makers.

The scabbard of this example is dent free and mostly straight, just showing a bit of a bend towards the drag, which does not interfere with sheathing the blade, though it can take some effort. The original black enamel lacquer finish is retained at about 75%, showing a lovely pattern of age checking and crazing throughout. There are areas where the finish has flaked away, allowing the steel to oxidize. The hanger loop and square slot for "hitching up" the sword remain, though they are missing most of the finish. There is the remnant of a leather strap tied around the loop.

This German Army NCO dove-head sword retains its early Carl Eickhorn trademark, plain nickel-plated hilt, wire-wrapped black grip, leather blade buffer, and matching black-painted steel scabbard. The 32⅜-inch blade remains especially well preserved, with nearly complete plating, only minor scuffing and oxidation near the ricasso, and a slight bend. The hilt shows light plating loss, the grip covering is cracked near the base, and the wire wrap has loosened somewhat, while the scabbard retains approximately 75% of its original enamel finish with age checking, flaking, oxidation, and a slight bend near the drag. The all-yellow troddel does not correspond to a recognized wartime pattern and is most likely a later addition. Overall, it remains a well-preserved and clearly maker-marked example of the simplified German Army NCO sword pattern.

Dimensions:
Blade length: 32 3/8”
Overall length: 37 1/1/4”
Handguard: 4 1/2”L x 5 1/2”W
Scabbard length: 33 1/2”