Germany, Heer. An Officer’s Parade Sabre, by F.W. Höller

(Heer Säbel für Offiziere). An extremely well-preserved Heer Officer’s parade sword, measuring 42 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 78.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a gentle curvature and with double-sided fullers running approximately two-thirds of the length. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of  “F.W. HÖLLER, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic thermometer logo. It sits securely within a multi-piece hilt featuring a gilded brass crossguard, back strap, and hand guard. The obverse of the crossguard features a semi-oval medallion bearing a raised Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika, while stylized floral and arabesque imagery is distributed throughout the back strap and hand guard. A single piece of ribbed black celluloid comprises the grip, with the ribbing retaining an original wire cord. Wrapped around the hilt is a matching portepee, consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorn suspended from a slate-grey leather strap, itself decorated with dual machine-embroidered silver aluminum wire tresses. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. An integral band is set into the shaft near the throat and retains a loop for the accommodation of a hanger. The throat retains a functional spring catch to firmly hold the sword in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include slight running marks to the blade and scratching of the scabbard, but the sword is an otherwise exceptional example retaining all original components and remains in an extremely fine condition.