Condition: Excellent
Sold
Product Description: This Hermann Rath Police Officers sword with original felt cover is a veteran bring-back that was purchased directly from the family of the man who brought this back from Europe, Technical Sergeant Labonte. The blade is really nice, with a Hermann Rath manufacturer marking as well s a desirable SS proof mark. The blade retains most of the original luster, with some minor spotting and one area where the plating has lifted on one side. The original leather buffer pad is present on the blade. The handle shows light wear, with a nice patina to the metalwork. The original grip eagle is intact, with wear to the silvering exposing the base metal. The grip wire remains tight. This Hermann Rath Police Officers sword is complete with a fantastic original scabbard. The scabbard has been protected by the felt cover all these years, and retains nearly all of the original glossy black enamel painted finish. The silvered metal fittings on the scabbard have a pleasant old patina that matches the handle. The original felt cover is a rare accoutrement that adds another level of desirability to this set. It’s made of a gray felt, with this fabric edging. The cover shows wear and age toning, with some small holes and edge wear, but remains sound, with an intact and functional drawstring closure. This is a great example of this sword type, that has never been in a collection before, and never messed with in any way. It’s in excellent condition.
Historical Description: The traditional sword was part of the regalia of many of the Third Reich’s military and paramilitary branches, including the Wehrmacht, Polizei, and SS. Wear of the sword was typically limited to dress occasions, and was generally reserved for officers and NCOs. Each soldier or official had to purchase his own sword. These were made by a variety of manufacturers and made available through distributors. Although the overall pattern and appearance of Third Reich swords was regulated by the government or military, there were countless options that the wearer of the sword could choose from, depending on his personal taste, and how much money he wanted to spend. Blades were available with or without etchings. Some swords bore German national symbols on the handle, such as an eagle and swastika on the cross guard or grip, or an organization emblem or swastika on the pommel. Other swords were manufactured without these emblems. Swords could be personalized with engravings or etchings identifying the owner. In wear, they were suspended from a sword hanger worn under the uniform. The wide variety of Third Reich swords, and the generally extremely high level of workmanship used in the traditional craft of sword manufacture, makes these extremely interesting to collect and to study.
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