Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of the "Prinz Eugen" (Prince Eugene) variation of the popular Feldherrn Serie (Commander Series) of German Army Officer's swords by famed firm Carl Eickhorn of Solingen, 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 Feldmarschall (Field Marshal) series by collectors, even though only four of the nine actually held that rank. These included the Wrangel, 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.

The 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. Many other makers made some similar designs to the series.

The Pattern 1765 - Prinz Eugen Sword is named after Prince Eugene Francis of Savoy-Carignano (18 October 1663 – 21 April 1736), better known as Prince Eugene. He was a distinguished field marshal in the Army of the Holy Roman Empire and of the Austrian Habsburg dynasty during the 17th and 18th centuries. Renowned as one of the greatest military commanders of his era, Prince Eugene also rose to the highest offices of state at the Imperial court in Vienna spending six decades in the service of three emperors. The Prince Eugen style was very popular among SS officers before their own M36 Officer's degen sword was introduced.

The hilt of the sword is the later war style, made with an aluminum alloy base that looks to have been nickel plated and then gilt or coated with gold lacquer. This coating is probably only retained at 25%, with the rest of the hilt showing the nickel plating, and just a few areas of the aluminum base metal. The Prinz Eugen design features a less ornate pommel than many others, with simple leaf designs, back strap, "P"-guard and ferrule. The "dove's head" has an NSDAP Reichsadler (National Eagle) on it, and the cross guard has an "SS-Style" open-winged eagle which looks to the viewer's left. This art-deco eagle has fine crispness to his eye, breast feathering and raised out swas (hook cross) within a wreath. It was these insignia that made it so popular with officers in the SS.

The hilt is very tight to the blade, without any wobble that we can detect. The black celluloid covered wooden grip is tightly wrapped with quadruple brass wire, with the center pair being twisted. The wrapping shows loss of plating and oxidation, and the celluloid is still in great shape, showing just a small cut near the bottom of the grip.

The 32 3/8" long blade on this sword is made from spring steel, and features the highest quality nickel plating. This is very well retained, showing wear and scuffing from use, as well as some areas of light oxidation. There is however no flaking of the plating or major damage. The edge is unsharpened and free from dents and chips, and the tip of the blade is intact and unbent. Really a lovely blade!

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.

The steel scabbard of this example is straight throughout and has just one or two small dents, which do not interfere with sheathing the blade at all. The original black enamel lacquer finish is in excellent condition, retained at over 95% with only a few areas of loss on the drag. There is a lovely pattern of light checking and crazing, which take years to form, proving that the scabbard has not been repainted at any time. The hanger ring is still intact, as well as the rectangular loop for "hitching up" the sword in close quarters

This is a lovely example of the Rare "Prinz Eugen" sword by the most legendary of all Solingen Makers, complete with the original scabbard. If you are looking for a great example to hang on the wall, this one should do it!

Specifications:
Overall length: 37 3/8”
Blade length: 32 3/8”
Blade Style: Single Edged with Fuller
Guard dimensions: 5 1/4" width x 4 1/2” length
Scabbard Length: 34 1/8"