Lions Head Sword with no Swaz

[shinerb]

Guys,

I usually lurk around the uniform forum but am interested in a sword and figured this was the place to come for help. It is a lion's head version but the area under the hilt where the adler usually is on most models it is simply two crossed swords.

Does this signify a certain branch and is this unique? Also, is near perfect gilding still seen on these 60+ year old pieces? Are they ever re-gilded?

Thanks.

[SCHUPO]

Shinerb,

You are describing a Cavalry Officer sword. You will also find crossed cannons on the langet indicating Artillery or crossed lances indicating Ulan Officers. Some will simply have a generic motif such as laural leaves or nothing at all. You can spot a re-gilded sword pretty easily as they are not fire gilt and are either painted or bright and brash looking.

[SwordFish]

I concur with George.

Alot of collectors dismiss period pieces that are devoid of the National Socialist symbol. This is unfortunate as some examples were at the time, a greater investment for the officer or NCO to purchase. Some of the hand worked pieces required a higher degree of time to make vs. thier cast counterparts which could be made in quantity. I really like the Ulan langeted sabers as much as I like the chissled crossed oak sprig langeted pieces.

[shinerb]

Thank you. Great information! (as i expected, lol)