Named Luftwaffe Fighter Pilot’s Officer Sword by David Malsch of Steinbach

The Model 1934 Luftwaffe officer’s sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 36-1/2 inches. The nickel plated blade shows shows spots, smudges, and some freckling of the surfaces, but the blade is generally bright and would likely benefit from a careful cleaning. The riccaso bears the maker mark of the firm of David Malsch of Steinbach. The blue leather washer is in place at the top of the blade. The blue leather covering of the grip exhibits scuffs and scratches while retaining the twisted wire wrapping. The guard and pommel all show a dark and untouched patina. One side of the pommel was fitted with a round black enamel plaque  bearing the name and unit of “Leutnant Max Webber JG I-52”. The enamel plaque has patina and a few small chips but it remains quite legible. The sunwheel swastikas on the guard and the opposite side of the pommel have a dark patina and do not appear to retain any of the gilt finish. The blue leather scabbard cover displays scuffs, scratches and abrasions, but the leather covering is complete and intact. The scabbard fittings, like the sword components, show uncleaned patina. Overall good condition.

Jagdgeschwader 52 (JG 52) was a fighter Geschwader (wing) that exclusively flew the Messerschmitt Bf 109 throughout the war. The unit was originally formed near Munich in November of 1938, and then moved to a base near Stuttgart. JG 52 became the most successful fighter-Geschwader of the war, with a claimed total of more than 10,000 victories over enemy aircraft during World War II. It was the unit of the top three scoring fighter aces of all time: Erich Hartmann, Gerhard Barkhorn and Günther Rall.