Germany, Heer. An Officer’s 1693 Pattern Generalfeldmarschall Wrangel Parade Sabre, by Carl Eickhorn

(Heer Säbel für Offiziere “Generalfeldmarschall Wrangel”). A rare and well-preserved Heer Officer’s “Generalfeldmarschall Wrangel” parade sabre from Carl Eickhorn’s special edition “Feldherrn Serie” (Field Marshal Series), measuring 103 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 90 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 black leather buffer pad covering the seam. The hilt features a 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 oak leaf. A single piece of ribbed black celluloid composes the handle grip, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and roller wire cord. 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. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include faint running marks to the blade, slight loosening of the hilt, sporadic loss of finish to high-contact points of both the hilt and scabbard, and a crack to the scabbard loop. This high-quality, privately-purchased sword remains in an extremely fine condition.