Original German Pre-Franco Prussian War Lippstadt Lion's Head Officer's Sword with City Coat of Arms on Guard & Scabbard by A&E. Holler of Solingen

Item DescriptionOriginal Item. One-of-a-Kind. Lippstadt is a town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is the largest town within the district of Soest. In 1851 the whole of Lippstadt, which up to then had been divided between the Kingdom of Prussia and Lippe, was added to the Prussian royal province of Westphalia.This is a tremendous sword carried by an officer from Lippstadt manufactured by A&E Holler of Solingen, a firm which only operated from 1839-1869, dating this example to the Pre-Franco Prussian War period. The guard of the sword has a fantastic carved coat of arms for the city of Lippstadt between the stamps:H. SCH. V.LIPPSDADTThis may be associated with the Lippstadt Veterans' and Militia Association (Krieger- & Landwehrverein Lippstadt) which was formed in 1868. Or it may be for a unit of the city militia during this period. The hilt has a great wire-wrapped sharkskin grip which shows wear and looseness to the wire. The lion's head pommel is more of a half lion but the shape is retained well.The 30 ⅞' blade is in great shape with etching on both sides though it is now extremely faded. The ricasso is stamped:A&E. HOLLERSOLINGENThe overall length is 35 ¾' and the blade is in good order with some minor chipping along the edge but just heavy wear from cleaning.The now-stiff leather scabbard measures 31 ⅜' and is in fair condition though the leather has now shrunken a bit from age, not entirely fitting over the blade now.A really great sword from Lippstadt which requires a lot more research! Ready to display.Specifications:Blade Length: 30 7/8'Overall Length: 35 3/4'Scabbard Length: 31 3/8'Shipping RestrictionsThis product is available for international shipping.Payment OptionsEligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle