Germany, Heer. An Officer’s Sabre, Lion’s Head Version, by E. & F. Hörster

(Heer Säbel für Offiziere mit Löwenkopf). A very well-preserved Heer Officer’s dress/parade sabre, measuring 105 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features an 82.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a gentle curvature and which retains factory-original sharpening to the tip. A wide fuller runs the majority of the length of the upper edge of each side of the blade. The obverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “E. U. F. HÖRSTER, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s classic monogram logo. It sits securely within a multi-piece hilt with an intact blackened leather buffer pad covering the seam. The hilt features a gilded brass crossguard with a hooked quillon, decorated on the obverse with a raised Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, while a reverse oval medallion is engraved with owner initials of “WK”. A backstrap emanates from the crossguard, decorated with arabesque imagery, and culminates in a pommel which takes the form of a detailed lion’s head with its eyes inset with red glass gems. A hand guard emanates from the lion’s mouth, decorated with raised oak leaves, and curves around to link up with the crossguard. A single piece of ribbed black celluloid composes the handle grip, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and roller wire cord. Accompanying the sword is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. An integral band set into the upper quarter retains duals loops for the accommodation of a hanger. A functional spring catch situated within the throat firmly holds the sabre in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include minor running marks to the blade, some loosening of the handle wire, and moderate scratching and loss of paint to the scabbard shaft. This high-quality sabre, exemplifying the owner’s pride of service, remains in an extremely fine condition.