Gold 27″ Railway Eagle

Product Description: This rare Gold 27″ Railway Eagle is an extraordinarily impressive piece, certain to be the crown jewel of any collection. Cast in a robust aluminum alloy and finished in what appears to be period-applied gold, this striking eagle possesses a commanding presence. The rich, golden surface exhibits natural wear and patina, indicative of authentic age and exposure, reinforcing the likelihood that this was an original, wartime-applied finish. The precise purpose of the gold finish remains a mystery, though its rarity suggests it was reserved for something of considerable importance.

The obverse remains stunning, with nearly all of the gold finish intact. Light wear along the high points reveals subtle glimpses of the base metal, adding to its character and authenticity. The warm toning and untouched surface give this Gold 27″ Railway Eagle a distinct and highly desirable appearance that has not been altered by modern cleaning or polishing.

On the reverse, the original four mounting studs have been removed—likely by the veteran who recovered it. Evidence of forceful removal is visible, including a torn lug, likely caused in the process of detaching it from the rail car. The back of the right wing is clearly marked with the manufacturer’s insignia, as well as the chemical composition of the aluminum alloy: GAL-Mg-Si. Additionally, the central portion of the reverse bears the designation LOK RZA4 BLN, further verifying its authenticity and origin.

Measuring an imposing 27 inches in wingspan, this Gold Railway Eagle is a true statement piece, exuding both historical significance and aesthetic grandeur. Few Gold 27″ Railway Eagle examples like this have ever surfaced, making it a remarkable opportunity for serious collectors.

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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