Original German WWII NCO Dove's Head Sword by F.W. Höller of Solingen with Steel Scabbard

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice example of the relatively plain Dove Head sword worn by Army NCO's, made by the well-known firm of F.W. Höller, Waffenfabrik (Weapons Factory), a highly desirable maker of edged weapons. 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). The hilt on this example is made from non-magnetic zinc alloy, originally nickel plated but now showing overall wear and some wear through on the edges. We have also seen these in gilt brass, nickel plated steel, as well as solid nickel, so there looks to have been a wide variety of materials used.

The grip is a very nice black celluloid over a wood base, which is still shiny, though there is scuffing and it has a split near the pommel, which has exposed a bit of the wood. It is wrapped with a skein of four plated copper wires, which has the center pair twisted. The wrapping shows wear and oxidation, but is still complete and tightly in place. There is no leather finger loop present, and the leather blade buffer is missing, so the cross guard is not held in place well, and has a bit of wobble, while the rest of the hilt is still tightly attached.

The 31 3/8” blade of this example is in very good condition, and looks to not be nickel plated, instead having been produced in "matte" bright steel. It has suffered some past oxidation in areas, which looks to have been cleaned away in the past. These were ceremonial swords, and not really intended for cutting, and the edge is still completely blunt, without any dents, and the tip is unbent.

The ricasso is maker stamped with a "losenge" style trademark logo that reads F. W. HÖLLER / SOLINGEN, surrounding the trademark Höller "Thermometer" emblem, which is partly under the chappe. This is a well-known maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany, which produced many fine edged weapons. F.W. Höller, Waffenfabrik (Weapons Factory), located in Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in western Germany. During the WWII Period they manufactured many SA and NSKK daggers, both with their "thermometer" trademark and later with the RZM code M7/33. They also produced numerous 98K bayonets and other edged weapons. The firm was founded in 1866, and registered in Solingen in 1883. By 1900 ownership had passed to Emil Höller, and it continued manufacture after WWII, finally closing in 1974. For more information please see J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS.

The scabbard of this example is mostly straight and free of major dents, still retaining the original black enamel lacquer at about 75%. There is some checking, crazing, and scratching in the finish, with no signs of having been refinished. Towards the drag there are areas missing the finish, which have oxidized. The original hanger ring and square loop for "hitching up" the sword are still intact.

Overall a very good condition high quality NCO sword, made by a desirable German sword maker, based in Solingen, the "City of Blades" in Western Germany. Ready to hang on the wall!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 31 3/8”
Overall length: 36 1/4”
Handguard: 4 1/2”L x 5 1/2”W
Scabbard length: 33 1/8"