German War Academy Prize Presentation Lion Head Damascus Sword

The sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 38 inches, with a blade length of approximately 31 inches. The blade shows a Damascus steel pattern with a gilt presentation panel on one side reading “Ehrenpreis Fur Hervorragende Leistungen auf der Kriegsakademie Haupt. R. Herweg” (“Honor Award for Outstanding Achievements at the War Academy [to] Haupt. [Hauptmann, or Captain] R. Herweg). The blade shows some spots, but overall the blade is quite impressive, with a decorative etched panel on the reverse side. The celluloid grip is without chips or cracks and it remains tightly triple wrapped with wire, showing some verdigris in the center recess. The langet features crossed artillery barrels. Much of the gilt finish remains intact on the guard. ferule, knuckle bow, back strap and lion hear pommel. The lion head carries two faceted red glass eys, and the top of the pomel was finished to blend the pommel screw into the mane of the lion. The matte black scabbard paint has scuffs, abrasions, and spots of rust.