Ultra Rare Herder Model 1007 Lion Head Sword w/Unique Langet. Richard Herder, 4-point star, Solingen TM. An illustration of this pattern sword appears on page 144, left, of Collecting the Edged Weapons of the Third Reich, Volume I. Additional photos are available on page 85 of Swords of Germany 1900/1945 by John R. Angolia. This model sword was available with either a silver (Model 1017) or gilded langet eagle (Model 1007). The example in the photograph has the silver eagle, while the eagle on this sword is gilt/brass. Lacquered brass hilt fittings show uniform dark age patina with portions of factory lacquer remaining on the underside of the knuckle-bow and crossguard. The hilt features a heavily chiseled lion head pommel with red glass eyes, floral and oak leaf embellished backstrap and knuckle-bow, as well as crossguard with unique 1-piece cast langet/ferrule with large brass Wehrmacht eagle. Black celluloid grip shows only minor surface wear, but no hairline cracks or chips and no damage to the tight twisted brass wire wrap. Plated blade measuring 30 7/8" in length grades EX, showing surface wear and uniform gray speckling to flats of blade with several tiny surface nicks to cutting edge. Blade is complete with original black/dark brown leather buffer pad. Dent-free steel scabbard retains approximately 98% of the period repainted black enamel which shows surface crazing/pitting to the obverse/reverse shell and a small spot of missing paint on the lower reverse shell. EX+ (26160) $2,450.