Honor Sword Identification

[mue454]

I purchased from a German auction house a Waffen SS honor sword for the 1942 campaign on the eastern front and can not determine the name on the blade and would greatly appreciate any assistance in further identifying the original owner and his unit. The blade has the following etching: "Für Tapferkeit im Ostfeldzug 1942, SS Obersturmbannführer (possibly Bruns)” with the standard “Meine Ehre heisst Treue!” The manufacturer was Ernst Pack & Sohne Solingen and the blade measures 29.25 inches. The auction house stated the scabbard was not original
and the pommel was an old collector reconstruction. I am interested to know the officer's name, how I can research his unit and his possible awards, how an individual was recommended for the honor sword, and the basic criteria for eligibility to receive the honor sword. An internet search indicated a SS honor dagger for Obersturmbannführer Bruns with gold lettering was available for sale in 2010. I would post images of the sword etching but I don't seem to have that option. Please contact me if you would like a .jpg. Thank you.

[sdesember]

The photos:

[The Red Baron]

I'm sorry, but from what I can see I don't like the blade etching. It has characteristics similar to other fake ones like this.....

[SCHUPO]

Certainly not good photographs but the sword does not look like a good one to me either. The grip and runes are also improper. The blade etching is also problematic. This sort of etch, with these very specific distinctive leaves, is often faked.

I would post some better photographs if you want more opinions.

[Rheingold]

These inscription is also seen on fake ss daggers

[james m]

I have a loose blade with the same inscription. My understanding is these were etched, probably in Great Britain, back in the 70s. If you don't mind how much did you pay for it? It still might be a good deal as a display piece. I believe the name on the blade is supposed to be Brandt.
Jim

[Frogprince]

I have a loose blade with the same inscription. My understanding is these were etched, probably in Great Britain, back in the 70s. If you don't mind how much did you pay for it? It still might be a good deal as a display piece. I believe the name on the blade is supposed to be Brandt.
Jim

I've been told that the UK was the probable source also - although I imagine that the blades could have originally come from Germany. With RZM markings, generic etches and other names also seen etched onto the blades. And even some unmounted etched "SS" saber blades as well, all waiting for a "donor" sword to be remanufactured and sold as a more valuable "SS" sword. FP

[tobau]

Sorry,this sword is a well known whole fake!

[Robert H]

from where you bought it please?

[dave peifer]

the knot is also incorrect.........dave

[kiwitedferny]

Sooty Mate. I'm not qualified to give an opinion, but I FEEL YOUR PAIN!
I've been burned before - not blades, but helmets..
I hope you are able to get your money back.

[wolfslair]

I have a loose blade with the same inscription. My understanding is these were etched, probably in Great Britain, back in the 70s. If you don't mind how much did you pay for it? It still might be a good deal as a display piece. I believe the name on the blade is supposed to be Brandt.
Jim

Can you please show photo of your same blade inscription.
This will prove that it's fake.
Steve

[james m]

Steve:
Here's some pictures of the blade I have. I'm lousy at photographing shiney objects and this is the best I was able to do.
Jim

[Frogprince]

Steve:
Here's some pictures of the blade I have. I'm lousy at photographing shine objects and this is the best I was able to do.
Jim

Jim, The pictures are not that bad, and I think that you made your point. While the first full length photo appears to be a slightly digitally compressed lengthwise - there should have been no doubt for a number of reasons that this was a fake. And because I think that it was digitally altered I can’t be 100% sure, but it does for me have an uncanny resemblance to a sword sold in 2012 by a German dealer that was acknowledged as being made as a “collectors piece” - with parts from a Police sword. That had a minimum starting bid of 400 Euros, but ultimately sold I believe for 2600 Euros.

Best Regards, Fred

[james m]

Fred:
If my memory serves me correctly Tom Johnson was selling the similar loose blades he had several years ago for $1500 each. I expect they've all been made into "collectors pieces" by now a point that will conveniently be forgotten somewhere along the line.
Jim