According to the included notarized letter from LTC (Ret) Thomas Johnson, author of several texts on German edged weapons, this is a top notch example of a Herder Model 1017 officer's sword. 32 inch single fuller blade with the "RICH.A.HERDER/star/SOLINGEN" marking on the left ricasso. Gilt finished brass hilt, with raised scroll decorations, a Nazi eagle on the right languet, blank inscription oval on the left, lion head pommel with red glass eyes and a black celluloid grip with 7 strands of wire. With a black leather portapee with silver wire, a solid silver acorn and a black enamel finished scabbard. Also included are photocopies out of reference works cited by LTC Johnson in his letter.

Excellent, showing some light handling marks on the blade and 80% of the original gilt finish on the hilt with a fine aged patina on the exposed brass on the high points. The portapee shows some unattached wire and fraying. The scabbard has some scratches and flaking.