Army Officer Prinz Eugen Pattern Sword by Eickhorn

A sword that was popular not only with army officers buy with officers of the Waffen SS, this example remains in an uncleaned state. The hilt, backstrap, and crossguard have taken on a copper tone with patina. The components of this sword were a metal alloy over which a gilt finish was applied, and the gilt is almost always gone from these swords. In this case it can be seen that there has been wear to the finish on the chest feathers of the crossguard eagle, as the base metal shows through in this spot. It appears, though, that beneath the patina on most of the other components there is likely still original gilt on the fittings. The grip is black celluloid, triple wrapped with wire. The wire remains tight and in place, and the grip is free of any chips or cracks. The sword has an overall length in the scabbard of 38 1/2 inches, with a blade length of 32 inches. The blade has a few minor scratches and spots but it remains mirror-bright and would be regarded as in very fine to near mint condition. The scabbard, like the sword itself, is uncleaned, with the scabbard paint approximately 90% intact. Overall a very fine sword in uncleaned condition.