Third Reich SS (Schutzstaffel) Lion Head Officers Sword by Alcoso, Solingen, good lion head pattern officers sword with jewelled ruby eyes, silver plated mounts (possibly originally gilded and worn off), black celluloid grip with wire binding. Bullion sword portepee with black fleck, type associated with the SS. Housed in the blackened scabbard with single hanging ring. Plain curved blade with fuller to three quarters of the back edge. Makers trademark to the base under the langet. Blade measures 85 ½ cms, overall 107cms. Some wear to the scabbard and blade but still a desirable sword. Before the introduction of the standard SS sword degen, many German army swords were worn by SS officers, many either being silver plated or having the gilt finish removed, some examples have green jewelled eyes or the red like this example. See Swords of Germany 1900-1945 by Angolia for more information on these swords.