Description
German WWII Luftwaffe Officer’s Sword from famous maker E. & F. Hörster of Solingen
This is an excellent early example of a German WWII Luftwaffe Officer’s Sword by the renowned Solingen maker E. & F. Hörster, a firm synonymous with high-quality edged weapons of the Third Reich period. Early Luftwaffe swords such as this were produced with Silver mountings, often plated, prior to the later wartime transition to lightweight “Air Age” aluminum fittings. These early materials age with a depth and warmth that later examples simply do not, and this sword displays that characteristic patina beautifully.
The pommel and crossguard are fitted with Brass “Sunwheel” style swastika emblems, now patinaed to an attractive golden tone. The pommel retains crisp definition to the oak leaf and acorn border, with only minor dents and handling marks. The cross guard remains sharp and well defined, with excellent detail to the feathered, downward-swept quillons, still retaining a significant amount of original plating with light oxidation consistent with age.
This example is notable for including the original leather frog for affixing the scabbard to a belt. These are often cracked and decaying if not outright missing. This example remains intact, with tight stitching and all hardware.
The grip is the correct wood-based type, wrapped in original Moroccan blue leather. The leather remains supple and intact, showing clear grain and only minor surface wear near the ferrule that does not penetrate to the wooden core. The original double-twisted bullion wire remains complete; while the plating has worn, the exposed copper base is typical and entirely consistent with period use.
The blade measures 27¼ inches and retains a striking nickel-plated finish, with only light runner wear on the flats. A few small edge nicks are present, but the needle point remains intact. The reverse ricasso is crisply marked “E. & F. HÖRSTER / SOLINGEN” within the firm’s oval lozenge, enclosing the distinctive downward-pointing sword piercing the interlocked HHS initials.
The scabbard is straight and undented, constructed of non-magnetic metal and covered in matching Moroccan blue leather. While there are scuffs, minor dents, and one area of leather loss exposing the aluminum body beneath, the seam remains firmly glued with no separation. The scabbard mounts match the sword’s nickel alloy fittings and retain much of their plating with attractive patination. The original leather sword hanger with box ring is present and complete.
A highly desirable early Luftwaffe officer’s sword from a premier Solingen maker, combining quality manufacture, honest wear, and strong visual presence.
An important and desirable feature of this sword is that both the sword and scabbard are unit marked. The marking “III 254” is clearly stamped on the scabbard mouth and repeated on the inside of the cross guard, indicating they have remained together as an original matched set since period service. Such matching unit marks add significant historical interest, as they allow the piece to be directly associated with a specific Luftwaffe unit formation, and they strongly support the originality and authenticity of the pairing of sword and scabbard.
