Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used 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), one of which is engraved with a closed wing Wehrmachtadler Eagle. The hilt is is non-magnetic, and from what we can tell is probably nickel plated alloy, possibly zinc. It still retains a good amount of the nickel plating, but it is bubbling up and pin pricked throughout, indicating a good amount of use and exposure to the elements.

The grip is a very nice black celluloid over a wood base, and the covering is still bright and shiny, with no deterioration or cracking. It is wrapped with a skein of 4 brass wires, the center two of which are twisted. There is just a bit of looseness in the wrappings, which also now show an oxidized patina, with some dirt worked in underneath. The hilt components are definitely a bit loose on the tang, even though the leather blade buffer is still intact and in very good condition.

The 34 3/4” blade of this example is in good service used condition, not showing any sharpening to the edge, however the nickel plating is degraded in many areas, showing oxidation as well as flaking, which has allowed the steel to rust. The tip is intact and the edge is dent and chip free, though there is a bit of roughness from the oxidation.

The reverse ricasso is stamped with the 1935-41 Eickhorn trademark: a seated squirrel holding a sword, with the word ORIGINAL above and the firm's name and location, Eickhorn / SOLINGEN below. Unfortunately the chappe/rainguard partly covers the area, so we were not able to get a complete photograph. Carl Eickhorn is a legendary maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany. 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.

Like the sword, the scabbard shows a good amount of wear from service, and looks to have been exposed to the elements for a time. The steel body is relatively straight, but there is some denting and a bend about 12" from the bottom, and right by the drag there are more dents and a bit of a bend. This does not however interfere with sheathing the blade. The original black enamel finish looks to have been overpainted with matte dark gray paint in the past, and how shows wear through and oxidation where it is worn away. The hanger ring and rectangular loop for "hitching up" the sword are intact, though missing the finish.

Overall a nice 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: 34 3/4”
Overall length: 49 7/8”
Handguard: 4 1/2”L x 5 1/2”W
Scabbard length: 35 7/8”