Germany, Heer. An Officer’s Sabre, Lion’s Head Version, by Emil Voos

(Heer Säbel für Offiziere mit Löwenkopf). A very well-preserved Heer Officer’s dress/parade sabre, measuring 106.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 92 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a gentle curvature and which retains factory-original sharpening to the tip. A wide fuller runs approximately two-thirds of the length of the upper edge of each side of the blade. The obverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “EMIL VOOS, SOLINGEN”, flanked by the firm’s classic logo of a snake wrapped around a tree trunk. It sits securely within a multi-piece hilt with an intact blackened leather buffer pad covering the seam. The hilt features a gilded brass crossguard with a hooked quillon, decorated on the obverse with a raised Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, while the reverse has an unspoiled shield-shaped medallion awaiting the addition of an owner’s monogram or initials. A backstrap emanates from the crossguard, decorated with stylized oak leaves, and culminates in a pommel which takes the form of a detailed lion’s head with its eyes inset with red glass gems. A hand guard emanates from the lion’s mouth, decorated with raised oak leaves, and curves around to link up with the crossguard. A single piece of ribbed black celluloid composes the handle grip, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and roller wire cord. Wrapped around the hilt is a period portepee, consisting of a stylized silver-grey and gold threaded acorn suspended from a slate-grey leather strap. Accompanying the sword is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. An integral band set into the upper quarter retains duals loops for the accommodation of a hanger. Issues consistent with age and ear are evident, and include minor running marks to the blade, loss of finish to the hilt with some loosening of the structure, and minor scratching and loss of paint to the scabbard. The sabre remains in an overall better than very fine condition.