UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons German Sword & Miniatures Forum Doubt: eagle head orientation on sword guard

Hello Guys,

I was looking at some swords and noticed differences in the orientation of the eagle's head in a specific type of guard.

The Wehrmacht eagle, in documents, helmet decals, insignia, has its head turned to the left. However, in some sword guards, I see the eagle turned to the right. For example, those from the manufacturer Weyersberg and some Eickhorn.

Is this right? Is this eagle not patented (ges. Gesch.)?

Best regards,
Schmidt

This is correct and from what I have seen is the most of the swords that have these added emblems are reworks of WW1 swords to fit in with the new regime. There was also new ones with the same emblems but the examples that I have come across were reworks. I dont think there was a specific rule that sword makers had to follow on the direction of the eagle buy I could be wrong.

From what I've seen the manufacturing time period seems to have had some influence over the orientation of the eagle, and as it was not directly connected to the NSDAP not strictly controlled. Best Regards, Fred

Hello

Eagles looking on the left are said to be very early examples of a saber model.

For example, let's choose the EICKHORN 1693 Wrangel saber. Most of the models will be looking toward the right with the 35-41 logo.

I have a brass one with eagle facing left and the logo is the pre 35 double oval logo.

REgards

K.

You can see the same thing in some other Army insignia. The eagle on the 1st pattern Heer enlisted belt buckle (approved in 1935) faced left. The 2nd pattern pattern eagle (approved in 1937) faced right.

I have seen Eickhorn swords of a certain pattern which had the eagle pointing in different directions, I believe it just an interesting variation. Not sure if it was Wrangel of Blucher, or the 1695. I will see if I can find the variation in different original catalogs and post photos if I come up with any original source material. Joe S

Thanks Guys for replies!!!