WWII Nazi German Army Heer Officer's Dove Head Sword

During the Third Reich there were many patterns and makers of swords for officers of the various branches of service. This example featuring gilt brass hilt with P-guard joining the dove head pommel with ears and integral backstrap. Quillon block with langets, depicting spread-wing eagle on the obverse and vacant escutcheon on the reverse; oak leaf decoration on knuckle guard, pommel, backstrap, ears, and grip collar. Black celluloid grip with double twisted silver wire wrap. Slender 34” slightly curved bright steel blade with ¾-length fuller, stamped “WMW/Waffen” (Waffenfabrik Max Weyersberg, 1938-1945). The maker mark hidden behind the langets and difficult to see or photograph. Black-painted steel scabbard with single carry ring. Gilding on hilt worn and remains mostly in protected areas, the rest with a pleasing brass patina. Blade smooth and bright with scattered pin-prick pitting. Scabbard with wear and a few chips in the paint and scattered rust pitting, primarily on the lower third. Overall length 39 1/4” (100 cm), not including scabbard.