UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons German Sword & Miniatures Forum Question about possible purchase

A fellow called me today that heard from a mutual contact that I like "old nazi stuff". He told me he has a lionhead sword marked "Paul Weyersberg Solingen". He said it has an eagle on the side over a swastika. I know nothing about swords, but I assume he has an army sword.
He said the lion does not have red eyes. Were some of these made without the red eyes? I'll try to get over his way within the next week and snap some photos.

Without photos it's really difficult for any of us to elaborate or provide information. Certainly that's a manufacturer, and chances are that it is NOT a repro. But without more info or images, providing details such as a model number or aproximate value is nearly impossible. Weyersberg made a number of different Army swords during the time. And yes, certain models do not have the jeweled eyes. However, lionhead sabers without the eyes are certainly in the minority. Be sure the eyes did not fall out or were removed. Replacing them is not really an easy task.

T

I didn't expect anyone to give me a value sight unseen or even a postive I.D. I was just curious if there were any produced by that maker without the jeweled eyes. If/when I get a chance to take a look at it, I'll snap some pictures like I mentioned and post them here. Then I'll pester you "what's it worth?".

I got to look at it today. Here are the pics.

To me it looks like it had glass eyes, but now they are missing.

It looks like the letter "HW" are engraved on the sideplate.

#3

#4

The motto.

One side of the blade.

The other.

The scabbard.

The face.

last one

I'd appreciate any input anyone could give as far as any history or information on this sword as well as rought estimate on value. Also would it be possible to replace or have the eyes replaced? And would it be worth the trouble/cost. Thanks in advance. The seller said he wants $250.00 for it, but I'm not sure a real value in it's current condition.

With the engraved blade and personalized, I can't tell if had eyes or not, 250.00 is quite a bargain. Mike

more of the eyes

another

For $250 i'd take it. Assuming the engraving/etch is real, $250 would be a steal. Never mind the eyes.

PS- I prefaced the 1st reply with value as I knew you'd ask. People always do. It's only natural.

Something else to check out, is Angolia, pg 131. Same configuration, however wehrmacht eagle langet is closed winged on yours. I also believe the etch is legitimate. We have a few etched/damascus, etc collectors that can probably speak to the authenticity of the engraving.

T

The fellow said his uncle brought it back from WWII. He said it had a "tassle" but his son tore it up playing with it as a child.

You guys have convinced me it's worth the price, but I'd like to learn as much about it as possible.

Does it look like it used to have glass eyes?

Are you refering to the initals or the design on the blade? Was this blade design standard or an extra cost to the officer?

Any details or time frame anyone could give me would be appreciated. Sorry for the ton of questions, but I'm just trying to learn about what I may end up buying tomorrow.

It's difficult from the photos to ascertain if it infact had eyes. It probably did. However, certain sabers were made without them. It doesnt sound like you have other photos of the lionshead, so next time you see it, you'll have to look to see if it looks like the "eyes" were cast in the hilt, or if it looks only like holes. If only holes, then "ruby" eyes were present.

T

I took a lot of pics. of the head. There are tiny holes. Hopefully someone can chime in with some answers to my other questions.

T, I normally collect firearms. I'm asked all the time to guesstimate the value of guns sight unseen, so I knew better than to even ask it without out even a picture to go by!

I appreciate your and MSapp's input!

Tim,
It probably had eyes in that case. With a saber like this, those are small potatoes. If you buy it, check Tom Johnson's website for eye replacements. Replacing them is a pain, but well worth it on this little lady, especially for $250. You can also probably find some membes on this site who'll do it for you for a small fee.

If the blade checks out as ww2 Period etched $1500-1800 ,I would say it never had the eyes as they are usually in prongs that would go deeper into the socket,these just looked carved out for effect.

Tom,

I think you are correct. After I mentioned the holes to sword-fish, I've spent the night looking at swords on various websites. I don't think this sword has deep enough sockets to have had the eyes inlaid. These are very small holes and there's detail carved around them.

The blade etching is along the spine of the sword as well. It's nice detail work. I can get more detailed pics of the etching tomorrow if it would help anyone.

Tim,
Im going to rescind what I said as I did not see the additional photos. I think the saber never had jeweled eyes. I believe this once had the eyes cast into the hilt.

Nice score.

Thanks for the help guys! I'll be picking this one up in the morning.

I noticed the handle had a slight wiggle. Is removing the top cap a big job? If removing the cap would cause damage, I'll just live with the wiggle.

Live with the wiggle. You don't want to get into repeening. Not adviseable at all. Very minor issue all things considered.

T

For gods sake you better hope its still there for $250

Will do!

That sword never had eyes. there are holes in the eye socket where the wires fit through and then bent over to fix in place.
GREAT DEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well it's not sitting in my truck safe and sound. I just need to figure out the best way to display the thing now

Bill Shea sells sword stands. Check his site. They are what I use.

www.therupturedduck.com

T

Those look like just the ticket.

Thanks again.

Tim,
If you want to see some examples other than what Bill has posted on his site, in terms of display, send me a PM with your email address.

T

George,
Do you have an example you can post? I'm curious to see it. I don't seem to have any reference photos of it.

Thanks,
Tom

Here ya go

George,
I don't follow. I was under the impression from your first post that the grip wire was bent trhough open eye sockets on the pommel.

The EYE Sockets have the hole for the stem(prongs) on the eye that get bent over INSIDE the lion head before it`s put together.