November 7-8, 2018 Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/8/2018
Designed and authorized in 1938, the Diplomatic Official's Sword was authorized for wear by German Diplomats in formal attire. The sword's design was derived from the more commonly encountered German diplomatic daggers. The German Diplomatic Corps was headed by Joachim von Ribbentrop from 1938 to 1945. Ribbentrop was later tried and executed at the Nuremburg trials, after the war in 1946, for his role in Germany's crimes. The overall condition of this sword is near mint. The 32-1/4" nickel plated blade is acid etched along the upper half with a very ornate floral design and a central motif with eagle clutching a swastika. The upper reverse of the blade is marked with the maker's logo and name "ALCOSO, Solingen". The firm ALCOSO made the vast majority of the diplomatic daggers, so it's not much of a surprise to see that this firm also manufactured the more prestigious diplomatic sword. The single piece constructed cross-guard and D-guard are made of artificially aged silver plated brass which exhibits signs of hand finishing and is in near mint condtion. The cross guard design is the left facing diplomatic corps eagle with outstretched wings, clutching a swastika. An "Art Deco" styled eagle is the grip's pommel, and holds in place the elegant mother of pearl grip plates. The grip plates have slight debris buildup near the edges, from handling and storage over the years. The scabbard, which measures 33-1/4" in length, is made of a thicker leather core which was then professionally wrapped in a finer black leather. The lower fitting of the scabbard is made of an artificially aged silvered brass which is held in place on the leather by a staple on the reverse. The upper fitting of the scabbard is also made of an artificially aged silvered brass which has been attached to the leather by a single staple on the reverse. There is a single hanger lug in the shape of an oak leaf on the upper scabbard fitting. This lug was used to attached the sword to its appropriate hanger for wear. Accompanying this sword is the original portepee. The portepee has been tied to the grip and D-guard. The Diplomatic Official's Sword is an item that deserves the truly special classification of rare. Finding a complete original example, on the open market, is a rarity amongst itself. Here is an example which deserves the consideration of even the most discerning collector. This exact sword is featured in John Angolia's book "Swords of Germany, 1900/1945" on page 271. Don't miss your opportunity!