The newest addition to the collection is a WW2 German officer’s sword, personally named to Colonel Baumgart. This example carries a special significance due to its direct attribution: Colonel Baumgart is listed among the awardees of the Prussian Military Merit Cross, adding historical depth to the piece. The blade bears an inscription confirming the officer’s identity, making it not only a striking artifact but also a personalized relic of service.
Key Features
• Type: German officer’s sword (WW2 period)
• Named to: Colonel Baumgart
• Inscription: Blade etched with the officer’s name and details
• Condition: Service wear with honest patina; untouched blade and hilt
• Provenance: Documented officer who appears in award rolls for the Prussian Military Merit Cross
Collector’s Analysis
• Named swords are particularly desirable, as they provide a direct link between artifact and individual history.
• The connection to an award recipient enhances both the rarity and research potential of this piece.
• Untouched condition ensures authenticity, offering collectors an example that has not been postwar altered or polished.
• Such pieces appeal both to edged weapon collectors and to those interested in officer-specific militaria.
Historical Context
• German officer’s swords of the period were largely ceremonial, symbolizing authority and tradition rather than practical battlefield use.
• Personalized swords, often gifted or privately purchased, reflected the prestige of the officer class.
• The Prussian Military Merit Cross was a distinguished award, further cementing the importance of Baumgart as an officer of record.
