Excellent German Imperial WWI Officer Sword By CLEMEN & JUNG Engraved Blade

Hand forged Damascus sword once owned by the historically famous World War II General of the Artillery and Knights Cross with Oakleaves winner Walther von Seydlitz-Kurzbach. Background: Most every student of military history, especially those of German military history, will recognize this name immediately. Walther von Seydlitz was the General who disobeyed Hitler's express orders not to surrender to the Russians at Stalingrad. Doing so anyway, and then changing sides to fight for the Soviets with an army he attempted to form from Soviet held German prisoners of war made him the most disgraced German Officer of the entire 20th century. Condemned to death by Hitler but unable to be apprehended prior to the wars end he was further shunned by the German people and government after his repatriation from a Russian PoW camp in the 1950s. His ostracization included his not being able to receive any type of post war pension afforded all regular Army, Navy, or Air Force veterans. Sword description: Handmade Imperial German quil back type blade forged in the pattern of maiden hair Damascus steel and etched with gilt washed presentation dedications covering each side. These special dedications include the name of the recipient to whom the sword was gifted along with the date, location, and circumstances of the occasion. Etched upon the face of the blade a gilt washed dedication reading: Seydlitz s/l Kutzschenbach/Seydlitz my dear Kutzschenbach. Upon the back side of the blade is the dedication continues with the inscription Anklam, Juni 1911./Anklam June 1911.. In a fairly common tradition von Seydlitz gifted his own sword as a graduation gift to his close friend Rolf von Kutzschenbach on the occasion of their graduating from the war college at Anklam in June of 1911. Engraved upon the backstrap of the ruby eyed lion headed grip are the initials SK -Seydlitz Kurzbach surmounted by a crown. Further proof of prior Seydlitz ownership is his family's Coat of Arms which are found engraved upon the swords reverse langet. Found professionally mounted upon the front langet is an enameled badge of the famed Gardekorps. No significant problems can be found with the blade. All elements of this sword are in excellent to very good condition but do show normal light to moderate signs of age and use along with light areas of rubbing. The black fish skin grip retains all of its grip wire and remains tightly bound. The bone black painted scabbard is also sound and in good condition. Full Length 39.5 Inches, blade Length 32 Inches.

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