Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice patinated example of the plain nickel finished 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 has lost a good amount of the nickel plating, showing a lovely oxidized patina of age.

The grip is a very nice black celluloid over a wood base, showing some minor age related deterioration, but no major cracks or chips. It is wrapped with three strands of twisted steel wire, with the central strand being much thicker than the outer two. The wire was most likely originally plated, but now shows overall oxidation. There is some looseness in the wrappings, probably from the celluloid shrinking a bit. The original blade buffer washer is unfortunately missing.

The 33 3/8” blade of this example is in good condition, still showing most of the original nickel plating, however it definitely has signs of use and misuse. These were dress swords, not intended for use, so the edges were not sharpened. The edge on this blade has numerous dents, dings, chips, and other wear, making the edge mostly rough. It is possible that it was used as a "practice sword" at some point, either before or after the end of WWII. Unfortunately we do not have any further information on the history of the sword.

The reverse ricasso is stamped with the Carl Eickhorn "Two Squirrel" trademark over C.E., for manufacture by the legendary firm of Carl Eickhorn, located in Solingen, the "City of Blades" in Western Germany. Per J. Anthony Carter's book GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this specific version of the mark was used on swords, "walking out" bayonets, and other similar items after 1906, until new trademarks were designed in the 1930s. This is exactly the right trademark to see on a very early Pre-War NCO Sword. 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 steel scabbard of this example looks to have seen a good amount of use, and the shell has some denting and a "dog-leg" bend about 5 inches above the drag, however this does not interfere with sheathing the blade. The original black enamel lacquer is retained at about 75%, with crazing and age checking throughout, as well as wear and chipping. particularly near the drag. It still retains the fixed hanger ring and rectangular slot for "hitching up" the sword, and shows no signs of repainting.

Overall a very good service used 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: 33 3/8”
Overall length: 38 1/4”
Handguard: 4 1/2”L x 5 1/2”W
Scabbard length: 34 1/2”