Measuring 39 1/2 inches in overall length with a 34 1/2 inch blade, the overall profile of the blade invokes the classic German "grosse degen" (great sword), a European answer to the cutting blades of the Middle and Far East, with a rolled quillback spine and a flared 13 1/2 inch false edge for increased strength, rigidity and striking power in the slash without sacrificing utility as a point-weapon, to which a Solingen "Damascus roll" pattern has been applied down to the 13 1/2 inch etched panels on each side and the spine. The E.F. Hoerster logo is stamped on the right ricasso with the Solingen address etched on the spine in a niter blue panel behind a gilt vine, and each side panel features gold accented floral scrolls and lettering with niter blue backgrounds and letter shading. On the right side is "Eherenpreis/fur hervorragende Schiessleistungen 1937" (Honor Prize for excellent shooting performance 1937), and "Hptm. Friedrich Wupper, Schutz. Rgt.2." on the left. Included with the sword is an extensive chain of correspondence between a prior owner and a number of sources, both in America and abroad (note: much of the correspondence is in German, without a supplied translation), which indicates that Hauptmann Friedrich Wupper of Rifle Regiment 2 is a Friedrich Carl Wupper born July 30, 1897 in what is now North Rhine-Westphalia. Conflicting records of his date of death are due to destruction of Wehrmacht records towards the end of the war, but records point to the Eastern Front, either June 29, 1941, during Operation Barbarossa or December 6, 1942, during the Battle of Stalingrad. The hilt is gilt brass, with extensive engraved oak leaf and acorn decoration, brown leather finger loop, gilt wire wrapped black celluloid grip and a dove head pommel. With a single ring black anodized steel scabbard, stamped "I" on the throat and "eagle/Su41" on the drag.

Extremely fine. The excellent blade shows a small amount of gold loss from wear, particularly near the guard and along the spine, with the etching and Damascus pattern still sharp and finely detailed. Mild wear is present on the finger loop with a few handling marks on the hilt and areas of exposed, well aged brass from hand rubbing and high edge contact. The fine scabbard shows a mixed gunmetal blued color with mild spotting and dings. A superb example of a pre-War Nazi Damascus Pattern Honor Prize "Grosse Degen" Sword