AN UNCLEANED & UNTOUCHED EARLY LUFTWAFFE SWORD BY HORSTER WITH FLIGHT AND DEPOT MARKINGS.

A beautiful sword, especially for those collectors who love untouched pieces. This early, all nickel, Luftwaffe Officers sword has been left uncleaned for many, many years. The high silver content fittings have darkened with patina and most are a dark blue /black. In addition this sword was owned and issued by the Luftwaffe airfield itself. As in many cases (navy bases etc) not all Officers could own their own edged weapons, so they were issued them from the base Quartermasters for parade purposes etc. This one has the Flighr markings beautifully engraved under one of the crossguard arms as well as the identical engraving on the reverse of the upper scabbard fitting. It reads '/Flea 47.I' and then the number '105' below. With a little research, this is what it means…….'The marking is from Fliegerersatzabteilung 47.This was a training and replacement unit and on my list it is shown as based in Stade on the 1st of October 1937. Interestingly, it moved from there by November1938.'The dark blue leather to the scabbard and grip is very nice with no cracking. The scabbard rings have the original crescent hanger sawn in place. The blade is heavily nickel plated and in near mint condition. The E.F. Horster oval trademark is deeply etched into the riccasso along with the number 105 which matches the ordinance number on the scabbard throat fitting. A great sword and worthy of more research.