Personalized Third Reich Lion Head Sword w/Double-Etched Blade. Paul Weyersberg, sword/wreath inside double oval TM. This pattern sword for many years has been labeled as an "Armistice" sword due, in large part, to the langet featuring an eagle in flight clutching an olive branch piece. However, as indicated by Robin Lumsden in his new book entitled, Edged Weapons of Hitler's Germany, a recent discovery in a 1938 Paul Weyersberg sales catalog indicates that this pattern sword was another variant Third Reich sword available for private purchase by Army Officers. Apparently the lack of the swastika on the hilt resulted in low sales of these pattern swords and, thus, their rarity on the collector market. Honey gold factory gilted fittings show only light surface wear to highlights with 100% of the gilting remaining in the recesses of the heavily chased lion head pommel with red glass eyes, oak leaf backstrap, knuckle-bow, ferrule, and crossguard with lion head quillon. Obverse langet features a heavily chased flying eagle clutching an olive branch while the reverse langet features the jeweler engraved initials, "GST" in shaded script letters. Based upon the configuration of the letters, the original owner of the sword was possibly Ritttmeister Stach von Goltzheim assigned to Cavalry Regiment 5 with a date of rank of "1.8.37". Plated double-etched blade measuring 31 1/8" in length grades excellent+ showing light surface wear/runner marks with some speckling/lifting to plating primarily along lower spine of blade and is complete with original brown leather blade buffer pad. Obverse blade features a 12 ½" long frosted panel with raised floral motif, Stahlhelm with crossed rifles and oak leaves, and closed wing Wehrmacht eagle. Reverse blade features a 12 ½" long frosted panel with floral motif, Stahlhelm with crossed swords and oak leaves, and open wing Reich eagle. Dent-free scabbard retains approximately 98% of the original black enamel showing only light surface wear with a few specks of scuffing on the upper reverse. Attached to the hilt is an original Army Officer sword knot with gray leather strap/bullion stripes and aluminum bullion stem and acorn. Nice double-etched Third Reich Army sword that could possibly be further researched. Exc+/Exc++ (22822) $2,500.