Condition: Excellent
Size: 24”
Product Description: This 24” Railway Eagle is a very desirable, attractive and unique display object. This eagle has an outstanding look. It has not been cleaned, and it has a very light, mellow, even patina. The obverse shows only light wear, with good detail and some minor marks. On the reverse, the eagle’s mounting bolts have been neatly sawed away, presumably to allow it to be mounted to the included plaque for display. The eagle is well marked on the reverse, with a foundry mark of “PS” in a circle, the designation “LOK 600” indicating a locomotive eagle in the 600 mm size, and the material composition “GAL-Mg-Si.” This eagle is complete with the original wooden plaque to which it was mounted by the veteran who brought it back. The plaque has a field made look, perhaps being made from a crate. The veteran used combat helmet drawstrings to mount the eagle to the plaque. These became fragile with time, and have broken or been cut, though large portions remain. The outline of the eagle is clearly visible as an area of the plaque with less age patina, leaving no doubt this eagle was displayed on this plaque for many years. There are a couple of small areas, one on either side of the eagle, where it appears some other objects were also mounted at one time. This 24” Railway Eagle with its original field made display plaque is a choice piece, with exceptional visual impact. The condition is excellent.
Historical Description: 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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