Railway Eagle 27 Inch by HE.

Product Description: This rareRailway Eagle 27 Inch by HE. is an extraordinarily impressive display piece, destined to serve as the crown jewel of any advanced collection. Constructed of robust aluminum alloy, the eagle commands immediate visual presence, its rich silvered surface exhibiting natural age, honest wear, and an untouched patina that speaks to decades of history.

The obverse remains striking and well preserved, showing only light wear to the high points and, importantly, no evidence of modern polishing or restoration. All four original mounting studs remain intact—an increasingly uncommon feature, as most surviving examples show heavy loss or complete removal of these posts. Traces of the original green paint are still present across the surface, with expected areas of loss and gentle wear, creating an attractive and authentic period appearance seldom encountered today.

Clear period hand-shear marks are visible along the top of the head and wings, a textbook manufacturing characteristic that firmly supports originality. These honest production details, combined with the untouched surface, give the piece the unmistakable presence collectors often describe as a true “one-looker.”

The reverse is crisply marked with the manufacturer’s code HE., along with the alloy composition G-Al-Mg-Si, denoting aluminum, magnesium, and silicon. The central reverse bears the designation LOK RZA4 BLN:
LOK referencing Lokomotiv Reichsbahn Zug (national railway locomotive),
RZA indicating the Reichsbahn-Zentralamt authority responsible for issuing eagle patterns and molding specifications, and
BLN signifying Berlin.

Measuring just over 27 inches in wingspan, this Railway Eagle 27 Inch by HE. represents a powerful blend of industrial artistry and historical importance. Large-format examples of this size surface only rarely, making this a truly exceptional acquisition opportunity for the serious collector seeking a museum-level centerpiece.

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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