Presentation Third Reich Lion Head Sword Belonging to Karl Stamm with Documentation. F. W. Höller, thermometer inside double oval TM. A color illustration of this sword appears on page 13 of the 1941 Höller sales catalog as "Nummer 22 Der Beliebte Offizier-Lowenkopf-Sabel mit Hoheitszeichen, in Leichter Form." Gilted brass hilt fittings show only faint wear and minor light aging to the rich fire gilting on the lion head pommel with red glass eyes, oak leaf embellished backstrap and knuckle-bow, and langet with open wing Wehrmacht eagle & swastika. Black celluloid grip is perfect with no cracks or chips and is complete with tight triple wire wrap. Plated blade measuring 32" in length grades excellent++/Near MINT showing only minor runner marks with no crazing, lifting, or nicks to the cutting edge, and is complete with brown leather blade buffer pad. Center obverse blade features a 2-line gold-filled jeweler engraved inscription, "Zur Erinnerung an Meine Facharbeiterprüfung Karl Stamm" (in remembrance of my master worker examination Karl Stamm). Dent-free steel scabbard retains approximately 90% of the original black enamel showing only minor wear and some crazing. Documentation included with the sword indicates that Karl Stamm was a sword maker employed by the Eickhorn and Höller factories, with his last employment prior to military service being with the Höller Company. Also included with the sword is a large framed certificate presented to Karl Stamm's father, Herr Ferdinand Stamm for 50 years service (1877-1927) in the edged weapons industry. Superb Höller example with presentation blade that could be further researched. Exc++ (22513) $2,550.