Germany, Luftwaffe. An Officer’s Sword, Unit-Attributed, by David Malsch

(Luftwaffe Schwert für Offiziere). A Luftwaffe Officer’s sword, measuring 92.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 72 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the edges and tip, and with fuller running approximately one-third of the length of each side. The reverse of the blade bears a stamped unit dedication of “III/FL. 154”, possibly indicating issue to Kampfgeschwader 154, with a weapon number of “172”. Also visible on the reverse ricasso is a maker’s mark of “DAVID MALSCH, STEINBACH (THÜR)”, circumscribing the firm’s monogram logo. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy crossguard which takes the form of a pair of stylized wings with feathering executed in detail, inset on both sides with central gilded sunwheel-style mobile swastikas. An intact leather buffer pad covers the seam where the blade meets the crossguard. The handle grip consists of a wooden core wrapped in ribbed blue Moroccan leather, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and rolled wire cord. It culminates in a flattened and rounded alloy pommel, similarly bearing double-sided, gilded, sunwheel-style mobile swastikas, screwing in to maintain the sword’s structural integrity. Accompanying the sword is its original scabbard, constructed of a magnetic metal shaft lined on the exterior with dark blue Moroccan leather. Aluminum alloy fixtures are secured to both the tip and throat, with dual rings emanating from the latter for the accommodation of a hanger, which consists of a panel of dark blue Moroccan leather with an aluminum clip. Stamped onto the throat is a matching unit code and weapon number. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks to the blade, significant deterioration of the handle grip, moderate wear to the scabbard, and the loss of functionality to the former’s spring catch. This interesting and unit-attributed example remains in a very fine condition.