Germany, Heer. An Officer’s 1765 Pattern Prinz Eugen Parade Sabre, by Carl Eickhorn

(Heer Säbel für Offiziere “Prinz Eugen”). A rare and exceptionally well-preserved Heer Officer’s “Prinz Eugen” parade sabre from Carl Eickhorn’s special edition “Feldherrn Serie” (Field Marshal Series), measuring 97 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features an 81.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a gentle curvature. Retaining factory-original sharpening to the tip, the blade also has double-sided fullers running the majority of the length of the top edge of each side. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “ORIGINAL EICKHORN, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic logo of a squirrel clutching a sword. The blade sits securely within a multi-piece hilt, with an intact red leather buffer pad covering the seam. The hilt features a nickel-plated metal crossguard, hand guard, and back strap, all finished in gilt. The obverse of the crossguard bears a raised Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, while the reverse features a shield-shaped medallion with a blank void awaiting the addition of an owner’s initials or monogram. The hand guard and back strap are decorated with oak and laurel leaves, while the pommel bears a raised Heer-style German national eagle clutching a mobile swastika. A single piece of ribbed black celluloid composes the handle grip, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and roller wire cord. Wrapped around the crossguard is a matching portepee, consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorn suspended from a slate-grey leather cord, in turn decorated with silver aluminum wire tresses. Accompanying the sabre is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. An integral ring situated just below the throat features a loop for the accommodation of a hanger. The former is included, and consists of a brown leather panel riveted with a functional spring clip, culminating in a loop for uniform suspension. The reverse of the clip is maker marked with the logo of F.W. Assmann & Söhne, Lüdenscheid. A functional spring catch situated within the throat firmly holds the sabre in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include faint running to the blade and minor loss of gilt finish throughout the hilt. This rare, privately-purchased, pre-war Officer’s prestige sabre remains in an extremely fine condition.