Heer Lion Head Sword – Anton Wingen

Product Description: This Heer Lion Head Sword is an impressive piece. It measures 37-1/2 inches long overall, with a 31 inch blade. The blade is in excellent plus condition, with appealing shine and only minor runner marks. The maker mark of the firm of Anton Wingen, Jr. is stamped on the ricasso. The hilt is beautiful, with nearly all of the original gold finish on the metalwork. It shows slight wear, with an uncleaned old patina. The ornamentation on the fittings is nicely detailed, and both of the correct red ruby eyes are present in the lion’s head pommel. The grip is undamaged, and the grip wire is present, with a few loose areas. This Heer Lion Head Sword is complete with its original scabbard. About 80 percent of the original, factory applied, glossy black enamel paint is present on the scabbard. The exposed bare metal has some old corrosion. There is also one minor dent in the scabbard. The suspension ring and throat screws are intact. This handsome sword displays great, and remains in excellent plus condition overall.

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.

We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers free evaluations and the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates.

Feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com