Nazi Army Officer’s Lion Head “Blucher” Pattern Sword

Description

In the mid to late 1930’s, the Solingen firm of Carl Eickhorn produced a series of swords
named for famous military commanders in German history, named the “Feldherrn Serie”
(Commander Series). This example, introduced in 1938, is known as the Pattern 1710
“Blucher”, named after Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blucher, of Waterloo fame. It
features gilt brass hilt consisting of reverse scroll quillon, P-guard connecting to the mouth
of the lion head pommel with integral backstrap, and black Bakelite grip with aluminum wire
wrap. A spread-wing eagle holding a swastika in a wreath is depicted in low relief on the
obverse langet and a vacant oval escutcheon is on the reverse; the balance with oak leaf
decoration. Underside of guard stamped “GES. GESCH”, as typically found on Field
Marshal Series swords. Bright, slightly curved 33 1/4″ (84.5 cm) single-edged blade with
3/4 length single fuller; the reverse ricasso with the Eickhorn Squirrel mark (partially hidden
under the langet). Black-painted steel scabbard with single carry ring. An excellent
example, showing only minor wear from typical parade use. The blade bright and smooth,
with a few light scratches. Minor handling marks to the hilt. A few scratches on the
scabbard and minor paint loss on the reverse. Overall length 38 ½” (97.8 cm), not including
scabbard.