WWII Nazi German Army Heer Officer’s Lion Head Sword

Description

This sword features a slightly curved single-edged 30 3/8″ (77 cm) blade with 3/4 length
fuller, marked on the ricasso in an elaborate cartouch depicting Siegfried wielding his
hammer, surrounded by the words “ERNST PACK & SOHNE M.B.H. WAFFENFABRIK”,
over “SOLINGEN/WAFFEN”. Gilt cast brass P-guard with spread-wing eagle on the langet
on one side and vacant oval escutcheon on the reverse. Lion head pommel with simulated
ruby eyes; integral backstrap decorated with acanthus and “ears” featuring an 8-petaled
rosette (found only on Pack & Sohne swords). P-guard decorated with oak leaves in relief;
single scroll quillon. Original black Bakelite grip with triple strand brass wire wrap and base
ferrule with acanthus decoration. Original leather and silver bullion portapee. Scabbard
with original black paint and single carry ring. Overall length 35 3/4″, not including
scabbard. Very good original condition, the hilt with some original gilding, the rest with
pleasing patina to the brass. Grip is perfect, with no chips or scratches. Blade generally
smooth and bright, with a few scattered small areas of light pitting and age staining.
Scabbard with no dents, but has some scratches and chips in the paint from typical use.
Never before on the market, having just been acquired from the granddaughter of the
veteran who brought it back. There were very many variations of the German WWII era
army officer’s sword and quite a few makers. While we have seen all the features found on
this sword on other swords, we have never seen another with all these features on the
SAME sword. For example, we have seen a Pack & Sohne sword with the hilt identical in
every way, except it had a closed-wing eagle instead of the spread-wing eagle found on this
example.