Germany, Heer. An Officer’s Parade Sword, by Robert Klaas

(Heer Säbel für Offiziere). A very well-preserved Heer Officer’s parade sword, measuring 100 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features an 84 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a gentle curvature and a narrow fuller running approximately two-thirds of the length of each side. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “ROBERT KLAAS, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic mirrored crane logo. The blade sits securely within a multi-piece hilt with an intact brown leather buffer pad covering the seam. The hilt features a gilded brass crossguard with double-sided semi-oval medallions, the obverse of which bears an etched Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika. A backstrap decorated with oak leaves transitions into a hand guard curved into a wide arc to accommodate the user’s hand. A single piece of ribbed black celluloid comprises the hand grip, with the ribbed retaining an original silver wire cord. Wrapped around the hand guard is a matching portepee, consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorn suspended from a dark grey leather strap, in turn trimmed with dual silver aluminum wire tresses. The sword is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. The upper quarter of the shaft features an integral band accommodating a loop for suspension from a hanger. A functional spring catch is retained within the throat to firmly hold the sword in place during storage, and is fastened in place with dual side rivets. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include minor running marks to the blade, with additional scratching and loss of paint to the scabbard. A fine-quality example produced by a noted manufacturer of edged weapons, the sword remains in a near extremely fine condition.