Original German WWII Field Marshal Wrangel Pattern Dove Head Officers Sword by Carl Eickhorn with Steel Scabbard

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of the "Wrangel" 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.

The Pattern 1693 - Wrangel Sword is named after Friedrich Heinrich Ernst Graf von Wrangel, a Generalfeldmarschall of the Prussian Army. A Baltic German, he was nicknamed "Papa Wrangel" and was a member of the Baltic noble family of Wrangel. He served for many years during the years when the German Empire was being formed, and held various high positions in the military and government. He is probably most remembered in connection with the revival of the Prussian cavalry from the neglect and inefficiency into which it had fallen during the years of peace and poverty since 1815. In 1856, after 60 years of service, he was made a field marshal.

This piece is a real treasure as it is not constructed from the later war aluminum, but rather is made of solid brass. It really looks magnificent, retaining much of the finely gilded finish, and comes with a black enamel finished steel scabbard. This type is described in Swords of Germany 1900-1945 by John R. Angolia on page 77, and along with the "von Stein" pattern is very much the prototype for other Dove head swords made by other makers.

The "dove's head" back strap and pommel, "P"-guard, and ferrule are all covered with embossed and hand-enhanced German Oak Leaf and Acorn motifs, which also extend onto the grip side tabs. The Wrangel pattern in particular has an immense number of leaves, with the P-guard showing them closely together, curving to the left and the right. Unlike other members of the Field Marshall series, the Wrangel pattern was actually seen with both left and right facing eagles. The cross guard of this example features an art deco "open-wing" closed-wing Reichsadler Eagle which looks to the viewer's right. This art-deco eagle has fine crispness to his eye, breast feathering and raised out swas (hook cross) within a wreath.

The black celluloid covered wooden grip is tightly wrapped with a skein of four brass wires, the center two of which are twisted together. The celluloid itself is still in great shape, showing a shiny surface with no degradation or cracking like we sometimes see. The top of the cross guard is stamped GES. GESCH., for Gesetzlich Geschützt (Protected By Law), indicating that the handle is a trademarked design. The hilt overall is a bit loose on the blade, with all components showing some wobble.

The blade on this sword is an incredible example in excellent condition. It measures 31 5/8 inches and has the highest quality nickel plating, which is in great shape with only a bit of scuffing, and no wear through or oxidation that we can see. There is just a bit of wear to the edge, and the tip is straight and unbent. Definitely a top quality blade with no signs of post war abuse like we often see.

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. The original leather blade buffer is in place, and in good shape.

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 scabbard of this example is in very good condition, showing a bit of a bend at a dent near the middle of the scabbard. This does not interfere with sheathing the blade, and the black enamel finish on the exterior is retained at about 60%, showing a good amount of finish flaking and oxidation towards the lower half of the scabbard. The top of the scabbard is in better cosmetic condition, and the remaining enamel has a great aged look with checking and crazing in the finish. There is some wear on the hanger ring, through to the base metal as is typical, and the rectangular ring for "hitching up" the sword is still intact.

This is a wonderful looking example of an Eickhorn "Field Marshall" sword, one of the rarer patterns seen, with a nice patinated scabbard. If you are looking for a lovely example to hang on the wall, this one should do it!

Specifications:
Overall length: 36 3/8”
Blade length: 31 5/8”
Blade Style: Single Edged with Fuller
Guard dimensions: 5" width x 4 1/2” length
Scabbard Length: 32 5/8"