September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/11/2024
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 Corps daggers. The German Diplomatic Corps was headed by Joachim von Ribbentrop from 1938 to 1945. In 1946 Joachim Ribbentrop was tried at Nuremberg, found guilty of crimes against humanity, and executed. The overall condition of this Eickhorn Diplomat sword is near mint. The 31-1/4" nickel plated blade is acid etched along both sides of the blades 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 "Original Eickhorn, Solingen". The firm of Eickhorn produced a wide variety of the various styles of Third Reich dress weapons. However, in regards to the Diplomatic Corp's dress daggers and swords, the firm of Alcoso seemed to have been awarded the larger contract, as the majority of the diplomatic edged weapons found on today's market were produced by Alcoso. For unknown reasons the firm of Eickhorn did not produce very many of these already extremely rare swords, so finding an original Eickhorn produced Diplomatic Sword is quite literally like finding "the golden needle in the haystack". 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 condition. The cross guard design is the standard left facing diplomatic corps eagle with outstretched wings, clutching a wreathed 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 remain in their factory condition, and are very expertly fitted to the contours of the grips backstrap and pommel features. The scabbard, which measures 32-1/4" in length, is made of a thicker leather core which was then professionally wrapped in a fine blue goatskin leather. The leather remains bright and is without any damage or discoloration. The seam of the scabbards leather wrapping is barely visible on the left edge (as viewing). 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. The numeral "1" can be seen stamped on the fitting under the staple. 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. The throat of the scabbard is also stamped with the numeral "1". Accompanying this sword is a rare original metal quality control Eickhorn tag. This tag appears to have never been removed from the sword. This particular sword is also accompanied with a copy of the sales receipt and certificate of authenticity from respected author and dealer "Thomas Johnson". The letter is dated 20 April 1983, over 40 years ago. At this time Mr. Johnson valued this sword at $9,000, a staggering number in those days. Mr. Johnson also states in his letter that the swords internal parts are numbered "1", which corresponds with the numerals seen on the scabbards throat and fittings, making this sword correctly matching numbers. The Diplomatic Official's Sword is an item that deserves the truly special classification of rare. Adding to this, the fact this example is an Eickhorn produced Diplomatic Sword puts it in a category of it's own. Finding a complete original Eickhorn example, on the open market, is a rarity amongst itself. Here is an example which deserves the consideration of even the most discerning collector. Don't miss your opportunity. DMW
Item Dimensions: L: 37"
Paperwork
Copy of Johnson letter and Holocaust Museum Letter