Do the Heer Lion Head Swords often use rat tail type tangs?

[klaipeda]

Hello. I have run across a Third Reich Heer Lion's Head sword for sale with a hilt bent in relation to its blade: in other words the blade is not parallel to its hilt. I contacted the seller and he said that it is not a problem because he has now bent the grip back into its proper original angle, which implies to me that the sword in question must have some kind of rat's tail type of tang, since presumably a proper tang would not fold back and forth so easily. I understand that these swords were made for show and not for combat, but my question is whether such relatively weak tangs are common among such swords and whether I should be concerned about it?

A pic of the bent hilt is shown below. It is subtle but you can see how it does not align with the blade.

Many thanks for your input.

[Frogprince]

A standard method of construction for this type of sword I personally would be concerned for several reasons. I see some wires that look out of place and some posable damage to the grip covering near the top. So it's possible that it was disassembled and may have incurred some additional damage in the repair process. That said, there is not much else that can be said using the one photo posted - and it could better (or worse) than what it shows. Best Regards, Fred

[Larry C]

Im amazed the tang did not break off while being adjusted. Its old metal and the dexterity breaks down after decades.
I for one would be careful ..and would best choose an un altered example.

Regards Larry

[klaipeda]

Thank you for all your invaluable comments and help. Certainly the sword looks a bit scuffed up in the pics and who knows what it has been thru.

I should have uploaded more pics to give you all a better idea of its condition. Here are some more with better close ups.

[klaipeda]