Measuring 38 7/8 inches overall with a 33 3/4 inch blade and an early style gilt brass hilt featuring a Nazi eagle on the right languet and guard, raised oak leaf designs overall, a copper wire wrapped black celluloid grip and a lion's head pommel with engraved eyes. The left ricasso of the blade is stamped with the Cologne (Koln) address of Esser & Company with 12 1/4 inches of etched vinework on the spine and a 12 1/2 inch panel of scroll etching on each side featuring a group of three crossed swords on the right and the marking "I. Schiesspreis 1935/Regierung Koln" (First Shooting Prize 1935/ District of Cologne) on the left. While no documentation is included with the sword, the inscription is reasonably self-explanatory and indicates the sword was the first place award for a shooting competition, likely military, in 1935, shortly after the Nazi rise to power. Included with the sword is a green leather portapee with silver acorn, a black enamel finished single ring scabbard, and a black leather hanger with hook.

Fine with some minor handling marks on the blade, a well-aged patina on the hilt, and some loose wire on the grip. The portapee shows a typical amount of cracking and tearing with mild wear on the scabbard and hanger. The etching and decoration on the excellent blade is all sharply executed.