Among the many collectibles that my father brought back from Europe in 1945 is this "Carl Eickhorn Solingen" 31 3/4" sword in a steel scabbard. On the top of the blade there is a stamp reading "W12" topped by a small crown. There is another indecipherable marking beneath it also marked by the crown. On the top of the hilt is what looks like a stylized "VE" stamped twice also topped with the crowns. Dad was one of the first few officers to enter the Eagles Nest and among the collectibles is a number of film reels. One of these reels shows him at the door of Hitler's hideout while it is still smoking from the attack and some GI had hastily put up a handwritten sign reading "Hitler Doesn't Live Here Anymore"- you gotta love the spirit of our fathers! I don't know if this sword came from there or not, but I'm sure Dad must've picked up a few items. Any clues??

At first glance it appears to be Austian, definately not Third Reich. Looks like a neat sword in any event. If you can provide close up photos of the hilt we can give you a better identification. Joe S

PS. Based on the general hilt design, it could be a Third Reich miners' sword. Joe S

Walkjoy,

Your father brought back an Imperial German Officer sword. The blade markings indicate it is Prussian and made in 1912. The knot is Saxon. These were worn by various state units so I can't tell who wore your particular sword.

I hope this is helpful.

Thanks, guys!! Here's some close-up shots. I have no idea what the engraving below the W12 is though.

Any clue what it's worth and/or should a sword like this be insured for?

The other little crowned letter stamps are inspector markings. Your sword was an item of issue rather than a private purchase sword.

Your father brought home a very nice sword.

Actually, the hilt looks like the Hessian pattern to me, but the knot does look Saxon. Probably not the first time items were switched.

George (and Barry) are correct. While it's hard to make out for sure, what looks like a 1912 dated government issued (relatively scarce) Infanterieoffiziersäbel für Unteroffizier mit Portepee. It looks to be in relatively good shape, although I think the scabbard might need some work with active rust nodules. The army of Hesse was absorbed under the “umbrella” or control of Prussia prior to WW I. FP

Should I go ahead and cleanup/restore the scabbard, or will that lower the value. The sword hasn't been touched for probably 60+ years.

If it were mine, I would probably leave the decal as it is part of the family history of the sword. I would also simply clean the painted scabbard with light oil (gun or sewing machine oil - NOT WD40 or spray oil) to get the active red rust and grime off. Don't overclean or restore it as that will lower the value.