Spring 2024 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
June 7th, 8th, 9th, & 10th, 2024
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EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH PRESENTATION GRADE STAFF & FIELD OFFICER’S SWORD BY CLAUBERG
02-21732
Overall length: 39 3/4″. Blade length: 32”. Blade has a single wide fuller with a secondary fuller near the spine. The blade features intricate etching on a gilded field over the first 14”. The etching features a spray of arms on each side near the ricasso. There is an American eagle on one side, and the other has a large “US” with a 4” panel that reads “Union for ever”. The ricasso is stamped “W. CLAUBERG (knight) SOLINGEN”. Blue leather pad is intact. Small downturned pre-guard formed of feathers & eagle talons. Exquisite gilded brass hilt featuring an elaborately pierced semi-basket guard embellished with foliate motifs and a large, old English style “US” in the center. The opposite guard is a small folding example that facilitates wear with a uniform. The folding guard is attractively adorned with pierced foliate decoration. The quillon is a fully formed and well-presented downturned eagle head with ruby/garnet eyes. Four small branches flow seamlessly from the basket into the heavily embellished knuckle bow with a central knop that has 3 round ruby/garnet cabochon stones. The pommel is engraved throughout with foliate motifs, and the bottom edge has well-articulated leaves & berries rising from the surface of the pommel. The top of the pommel boasts a brilliant 1” red cabochon. The ferrule, at the base of the grip, shows zigzag foliate decoration. The grip is formed of four mother of pearl panels, carved in an overlapping fish scale motif. Each individual scale has a gold star embedded in the center of the scale, producing a very dramatic visage. The top & underside of the grip have a silver, 1/4″ band with a motif emulating the fish scale grip. The scabbard body is silver, or heavy silver plate, with heavily gold-plated mounts. The two mounts & throat are completely adorned with foliate & geometric decoration. The quality and depth of the decoration is truly exceptional. The support bands are done in a fish scale design, and the rings are reminiscent of twisted gold ropes. The same rope design forms a 2 1/2″ framed oval panel between the mounts, presumably for an inscription. The tip & drag are enhanced with truly artistic hand chasing in foliate & geometric motifs. A wonderful presentation grade sword featuring spectacular embellishments throughout the entire sword. A true centerpiece for virtually any sword collection. CONDITION: blade shows substantial original factory polish, with some slight scattered staining. Hilt retains virtually 100% of the original gilded finish and shows no damage. Grips show the lightest possible wear, with all of the gold stars intact. The scabbard retains 100% of the gilded finish on the mounts, and the body is lightly tarnished with a few tiny scratches. Upon magnification, no base metal can be seen in the scratches.