Bought a Luftwaffe officers sword. Is it real or a reproduction's

**Backwards94** · 11-26-2021, 10:20 PM

I bought an officers sword today off a trusted source. I trust his opinion but I have seen similar swords on this site branded as reproduction's. Before i get my heart set on it i would like to ask if anybody else could shed any light on it for me. Any feedback or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Apologies if this is a bit cheeky for my first post.

Bought a Luftwaffe officers sword. Is it real or a reproduction's

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 11-26-2021 10:20 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**TWS** · 11-27-2021, 01:07 AM

Of course it is real. You are holding it in your hand. As to it being original, I think it's OK. However, hopefully a blade specialist will chime in. I'm just not crazy about the leaves on the pommel. I'm used to seeing nicer ones. Some have very nicely defined acorns, but I'm not familiar with all makers. Is there a maker mark on the other side of the blade that you are not showing? That would help speed up authentication. Make sure you wipe it off after holding the blade like that in your bare hand. Made me flinch a little seeing that photo.

**Backwards94** · 11-27-2021, 01:49 AM

"Gaeflen" is the only makers mark on the blade other side is plain.
My apologises on how I held the blade and im wiping it now thanks for the heads up.

**Larry C** · 11-28-2021, 06:46 AM

Hello Backwards..Not cheeky at all ..its why we are here........I feel that your trusted source should have your user name as this sword is parted junk. Invite him on here for a discussion

What I seen right away was the wrong oakleaf motif / grip wire / and producer logo.
FA Helbig did producer Luftwaffe swords and used a lightly hit logo with a waffenamt " stickbird " marking above the logo.
Gaesler or Gaefler never is without the Helbig name and is a trademark name that is within their producer logo.

The grip wire should be the springy type ..but that could vary by the later production types.
Regardless as seen in the photos of a FA Helbig pommel / producer logos used / and the sword logo used.
Compare both oakleaves on the pommels and you will see what is correct and what is not.

Photo Credit - GDC

Your trusted source needs to dig a little deeper..and that lone Gaefler inscribed on the blade is recently applied.

Sorry Mr B.

Regards Larry

**Backwards94** · 11-28-2021, 01:43 PM

Hey Larry I really appreciate the reply and the knowledge you have given on this post. Comparing the pictures I can see you what you mean. I'm glad that I came across this forum and that you allowed me to part of it. I love the officers sword so I am slightly saddened by the news but I guess its back to hunting. If you was closer in the world id offer to buy you a coffee as thanks.
All the best
Billy

**Larry C** · 11-28-2021, 02:41 PM

Hi Billy although quite a few miles away across the pond...meeting here together as members we all live on the same street.
Glad to help out ...there is alot more in this website than meets the eye. Enjoy your stay here on " Our Street "

Cheers Larry

**TWS** · 11-28-2021, 05:58 PM

Thanks for coming in here Larry. You are one of the specialists that I had in mind when I hoped someone could provide a better assessment than mine. You took my vague sense of unease about the pommel oakleaves and addressed it (and more) thoroughly.