SS General Theodor Wisch SS Sword

With Himmler Signed SS Sword Citation 

Great Provenance

Theodor Wisch was one of the most important SS Generals of W.W.II, commended for his bravery, and leadership qualities. Wisch ended up as the Commander of the 1^st SS Panzer Division 'Leibstandarte Adolf Hitler', directly under SS-Oberstgruppenfuhrer, Sepp Dietrich. Awarded the SS sword in 1935 (one of the very first to be awarded the SS sword), the sword, along with other artifacts remained with the Wisch family until recently. The Wisch sword, along with his Knight Cross citation were sold by the well-known UK-based specialist auctioneers, Dix, Noonan & Web, in their auction of July 2021.

The sword complete with original portepee, and mouse grey felt storage bag. The sword an early example with solid nickel-silver fittings throughout. The top hilt-capping unscrews to reveal the standard 'stepped' fitting to the inside. This style being typical for the manufacture of  most SS swords. Wisch’s initials ‘T.W’ engraved to the pommel.

The SS Officer sword with ebony grip, highlighted with 13 metal bands. The silver metal Runes disc fitted to the centre. The underside to the  hilt shows the SS Rune symbol within an octagon shape.

The blade in polished steel and without maker name and logo.  A white leather washer still in position. The scabbard with black painted shell. The nickel-silver top mount bearing the SS Rune symbol within an octagon shape. Wisch’s SS membership number ‘4759’ also stamped to the top mount. The bottom nickel-silver fitting correctly pressed into position. The SS sword  complete with its original SS officers silver-wire portepee, and mouse grey felt storage bag. Overall size: 100cm.

The citation  for the SS sword letter-press printed in gothic script on hand-made parchment. Dated 9.November 1935 (the first awards of SS swords), typed awardee details, ‘SS=Hauptsturmfuhrer Wisch, Fuhrer in der Leibstandarte SS “Adolf Hitler”. The citation signed to the base in ink by Reichsfuhrer-SS Heinrich Himmler.

Condition report: Wisch’s SS officer sword survives in excellent condition throughout. The solid nickel-silver mounts crisp and well defined. The ebony grip showing just light use. The white leather, hilt-to-blade washer with light age. The blade in excellent condition, with the original polished steel finish free from pitting or graying. The scabbard shell with approximately 98% black paint finish (some age spidering present). The silver portepee showing just light age and use.  The felt storage bag complete with its grey tie. The bag with some signs of general wear and some mothing. The leather bottom section with some distress.The citation surviving in excellent overall condition with a few light creases, but free from folds. No damages. Ink signature clear.and unfaded.

Notes about Wisch: Taken prisoner by British troops at his home he was transferred to a prisoner of war hospital in Wiltshire, England. In 1947 after 5 months of standing trial in Hamburg the court ruled in his favour, dropping all charges brought against him. After the Second World War Wisch became a leading member of the SS Veterans Association (H.I.A.G) and attended many of their meetings. He was also heavily involved in fund raising for the H.I.A.G organisation. Wisch died on 11th January 1995.

Provenance: Wisch family to the major UK auction house, Dix, Noonan & Web. Included in their July 2021 sale as lot 724. Wisch’s Knight’s Cross of the Iron Cross presentation citation and folder was also offered for sale at the same auction as lot 723. The sword sold via the UK-based military antiques specialists, Regimentals, and remaining in one collection since.