Original Item: Only One Available. Under provisions of the decree of 17 June 1936 Reichsführer-SS, Heinrich Himmler assumed full power over the entire German police organization and as such many members of the police held dual membership in the Police and SS. This sword is an example of this dual membership policy.

This is a genuine vintage World War II German SS Police Officer's Degen (Épée) Dress Sword, made by the famous Solingen-based firm of Carl Eickhorn. It is still in very good condition, looking to have seen moderate use at formal events. The nickel-plated steel fittings and the "D" guard are still present, with a lovely lightly oxidized patina, though the guard is definitely bent and distorted from the original shape. We cannot see any wear through to the base material, making this a really great example.

The "D" guard, while bent, does not show any cracks or other damage, so it could possibly be restored to the correct shape. It terminates in the usual teardrop quillon, and the sword has the correct officer's serrated pommel cap. The ferrule is decorated with six standing oak leaves separated by acorns, though the narrow sides were not well executed, or were ground down, making leaves very faint. Still, the ferrule has a lovely lightly oxidized patina, and the ebony grip is in very good condition, with the officer's aluminum grip binding fully retained, showing, showing moderate overall wear, but no major damage. The inset Police Civic eagle insignia is also in fine condition, and is bronze alloy, which was originally plated nickel, however that has partly worn away and oxidized, leaving a lovely patina. There are no cracks, chips, or other damage to the wood of the grip, and has almost no wobble at all.

The 31 1/2” blade is in good condition, originally produced in matte bright steel, however it definitely has suffered damage from surface oxidation and possibly water exposure, particularly near the tip of the blade. There is scattered light surface rust throughout the blade, which we have left in place to preserve the history of the piece. The leather buffer is still fully intact, held against the cross guard by the 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. 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 in very good condition, showing no bends or dents in the steel body, and it retains the black enamel finish at over 95%. There is crazing and checking to the finish, showing that it was definitely not repainted, and there are just a few scrapes, which have oxidized. The upper mount is in the "Wotan's Knot" configuration, which is also nickel plated, and is marked on the top with an SS-Kulturzeichen proof marking in a diamond. It is in very good condition, showing some minor oxidation and wear. It still has both retaining screws still present inside of the "knot" on both sides, with the obverse screw showing some rust. The drag fitting is in great shape as well, with a nice matured look, and both retaining screws present. The hanger ring is intact, as is the rectangular slot for "hitching up" the sword, though there is definitely some lost paint and oxidation.

These SS police swords are quite rare and desirable, and we have only had a handful previously. This is definitely a great example, made by the most legendary of all Solingen makers, ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 31 1/2"
Blade Style: Single Edge w/ Fuller
Overall length: 36 3/4“
Guard dimensions: 5" width x 4 3/4” length
Scabbard length: 31 3/4”