24 Inch Railway Eagle

Product Description: This 24 Inch Railway Eagle is an extremely impressive and very desirable display centerpiece, with a great look. These 24 inch eagles are a perfect size for display. The wreathed swastika in the eagle’s talons retains its original red, black, and white paint. The swastika is painted black, with red paint on the field behind it and white paint on the raised edges of the swastika, giving it a more pronounced look. This paint shows some weathering from time and use. The wreath and eagle are unpainted, and are clean, with only a slight patina. All of the original detail is present. The reverse of this handsome eagle is complete, with all of the original lugs. The lugs have holes for cotter pins, for mounting. Behind one wing is some masking tape that is obviously very old, and possibly placed on the eagle by the veteran who brought it home. Lettering on the tape reads “Souvenir of Deutsche Reichsbaun” (sic).  This 24 Inch Railway Eagle is really a very nice eagle, with outstanding character and eye appeal. It is one I would definitely keep, if I didn’t already own several. The overall condition rates as excellent plus.

Historical Description: During the Third Reich, all rail transport was nationalized and organized under the German Reichsbahn. Reichsbahn rail cars were state property and included everything from the locomotives used for transporting freight, to passenger cars, street cars and trolleys. In the Nazi era, and during WWII, the Reichsbahn adorned their locomotives and passenger rail cars with large metal decorative German eagle and swastika national emblems. These were made in various sizes and had a variety of finishes to suit different purposes and vehicle types. Generally, these eagles were manufactured from aluminum or zinc alloy, with integral threaded studs on the reverse that were used to affix these to the fronts of rail cars. These eagles had a striking and imposing appearance and were an iconic part of Nazi regalia. After the war, Allied denazification policies required these to be removed. Many were destroyed, though these were eagerly sought after by Allied troops hunting for souvenirs. They are extremely collectible and desirable artifacts today.

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