Original German WWII NCO Dove's Head Sword by Carl Eickhorn with Scabbard - 1935-41 Trademark

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice 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 embossed 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 almost all of the nickel plating, with a lovely patina overall, and just a few scratches through to the base metal.

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 aluminum wires, the center two of which are twisted. There is just a bit of looseness in the wrappings, and the hilt is still tight on the blade, with no wobble we can detect. The original leather blade buffer is in place on top of the cross guard, showing wear from age.

The 35 1/2” blade of this example is in very good near excellent condition, with the nickel plating retained almost completely. These were ceremonial swords, and not really intended for cutting. There are just a few scuffs and tiny dents on the edge keeping this blade from being excellent, and there is just a bit of oxidation near the cross guard.

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 scabbard is dent free and shows just a few bends to the steel body. The black enamel finish is very well retained, probably at over 90%, only showing major loss on the drag of the scabbard. There is a lot of checking and crazing overall, only possible after decades, so we see no evidence that the scabbard was repainted. The hanger ring and rectangular loop for "hitching up" the sword are intact, though missing the finish.

Overall a very good 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: 35 1/2”
Overall length: 40 3/4”
Handguard: 4 1/2”L x 5 1/2”W
Scabbard length: 36 3/4”