History

The German Wehrmacht was composed of three main branches, the Heer (Army), the Kriegsmarine (Navy), and the Luftwaffe (Air Force). The Heer and the Kriegsmarine had a long history of edged weapons dating back to the late 19th century. Conversely, there were no edged weapons used by the Deutsche Luftstreitkräfte, the First World War German Air Force.

The first sword associated with the Luftwaffe was the Honour Sword (Ehrenschwert), which was introduced by Hermann Göring in 1934. This sword was originally issued to personnel of the Fliegerschaft who were specifically chosen by Göring. When the Luftwaffe was decreed an official state establishment in 1935, the Honour Sword was re-named the Officer’s Sword and made the Luftwaffe’s official sword.

The General’s Sword was based on the designs of the sword commissioned by Göring as a birthday gift for Prince Edward, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. Göring liked the sword so much that he based the 1st model of the General’s Sword on its design.

This sword was purely ceremonial, and it was only permitted for wear by Generals and Officials with the rank of General. It was also known as the Fliegerdegen or the Degen Type sword.

This sword was issued in two models, the 1st model was awarded from 1935-1938, and the 2nd model was awarded from 1938-1944.

The 1st and 2nd models feature fittings and molds made from brass gilt; they are meant to appear as gold. Both models are also decorated with floral designs on the pommel, knuckle guard, crossguard, and shell guard. The knuckle guard of the 2nd model features an eagle in mid-flight with extended wings and holding a swastika.

The 1st model grip is completely covered in rows of silvered, twisted wire. In the middle of the obverse hilt is a gold-coloured eagle and swastika, following the pattern of the Luftwaffe national emblem. The 2nd model grip is made from yellow or orange plastic with a downward spiraling segments. The spirals are decorated with a twisted silver-coloured wire, but no eagle is present on the 2nd model grip.

The 1st and 2nd model blades are composed of steel, and both have inscriptions and ornamental engravings on the blade’s obverse and reverse. The inscriptions are gilded and the background section is blued. The 1st model obverse inscription reads “IN DANKBARER ANERKENNUNG” which translates to “in grateful recognition,” and its reverse inscription reads “DER OBERBEFEHLSHABER DER LUFTWAFFE HERMANN GÖRING” which translates to “the Commander-In-Chief of the Air Force Herman Göring,” with a facsimile of his signature. The 2nd model obverse inscription reads “IN DANKBARER ANERKENNUNG,” and the reverse inscription reads “DER REICHSMINISTER DER LUFTFAHRT HERMANN GÖRING” ("the Reich Minister of Aviation Hermann Göring) or “DER OBERBEFEHLSHABER DER LUFTWAFFE HERMAN GÖRING” with a facsimile of his signature.

The 1st and 2nd model scabbard is composed of black leather, and feature two fittings/mounts, one at the top (locket) and the other at the bottom (chape) of the scabbard.

This sword could be worn with a portepee secured around the grip and knuckle guard.

The manufacture marks are acid etched onto the ricasso.