Produced for wear by a high ranking member of the German Diplomatic Corps, the Diplomat's Sword was never an issued item; diplomats and occupied territory officials would receive a dagger appropriate to their task, with the swords being a purely special order item. Making the sword doubly scarce is the Damascus blade, which was again a special order feature, only produced in its true form by a limited number of top Solingen bladesmiths. While techniques were developed that would allow for a simulation of the distinctive patterns in a mass production setting, the multiple pattern-welded layers of metal in a true European Damascus blade, physically beautiful without compromising the strength of the steel or the purpose of the sword, are the turf of a true master. The sword measures 35 3/4 inches in overall length, with a 31 1/4 inch unmarked blade, outfitted with offset single fullers, a transition to a diamond cross-section beyond the fullers and a notably sharpened yet functional tip, all deviations from the typical Diplomat Sword profile of a smooth surface, full length lozenge cross-section and a chiefly cosmetic tip; though no information was left behind by previous owners regarding the original recipient of this sword, the combination of these features on a special order blade suggest a high ranking member of the Diplomatic Corps who honestly thought that he might have to use the sword as more than just a uniform accessory at some point. The hilt is finished in silver, following the general profile of the Diplomatic Corps sidearms, with a left-facing eagle languet on the guard, a stylized eagle head pommel, and a pair of smooth mother of pearl grip panels. The sheath is constructed from black dyed leather, with aged nickel finish on the tip, which is stamped "8" below the staple on the reverse, and the throat, which is fitted with an engraved and carved oak leaf frog stud. When worn on the hip, the sword would appear a fairly typical Diplomat's sidearm, with the most impressive features not revealed unless the blade is drawn, which again gives a few hints to the mindset of the mystery owner, who seemed to have a good knowledge of what made a top rate sword but little interest in overt displays of wealth. Combined with the implications behind the blade profile, these clues could start as the basis of a campaign of deeper research, which may turn up the identity of the original owner, and by extension fill in the blanks on the history of this attractive and interesting sword.

Excellent. There is a small patch of pitting, less than dime sized, on the right side of the blade ahead of the fuller, otherwise the blade is in superb condition, showing attractive contrast between the layers of metal and an attractive pattern overall. The pattern is sharp even down into the fullers and well defined along the edges, where the traditional methods of "flaking" Damascus would have issues laying down a clean pattern. The hilt is excellent, with some variance in color in the finish and a small amount of flaking along the back of the grip appropriate for handling. The sheath is very good, with areas of brown leather starting to show through the dye, coloration of the components to match the hilt, and some minor scuffs and handling marks overall. A top quality example of both the rare Diplomatic Corps Sword and the craft of the Solingen Damascus Bladesmith, worthy of a top position in a collection of German or European swords.