Original Item: Only One Available. This is a beautiful classic Lionhead German WWII Officer sword hilt that was turned into a candlestick holder by an American soldier after the war or during. The all brass hilt consists of a finely detailed lion head with an engraved backstrap and "P" guard. The Lion is fitted with blood red faceted "jewel" eyes. There is nice detail throughout his whiskers, chin, and muzzle. The handwork is beautifully rendered throughout this brass. The backstrap consists of the classic German "Oak Leaves & Acorns" pattern, seen on many of these swords. The "P" guard also has a lovely raised out oak leaf and acorns, as does the grip ferrule, making a lovely grip.

The crossguard has a spread winged eagle which looks to the viewer's left. The breast area of this eagle, as well as the wings, have been hand-enhanced. The hilt still retains much of the original gilt finish, with some areas worn down to the brass base metal.

The reverse has a small plate where a monogram is sometimes added, though this example is blank. The grip is a very good black cloth-over-wood base, with no cracking or other damage that we can see. It is wrapped with two twisted aluminum wires, which are still in excellent condition. The handle appears to have been re-wrapped by the soldier during the process of making this example.

This is a lovely piece that is not to be confused with the “commercially” made cast examples that were a common sight on officer’s desks during the war, this was produced from an actual issued sword. Stands at approximately 8 ½” tall.

Comes more than ready for further research and display.