Original El Salvadoran Army Major General Theodore F. Bogart, Commander, U.S. Southern Command Presentation Sword German Solingen Made “Double Lion Head” Sword and Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Now this is an absolutely stunning sword. This sword was made by a German based firm in Solingen for the El Salvadoran Army. This is a high quality sword and bears an uncanny resemblance to the infamous WWII German Lion Head swords with only minor differences. The sword itself is marked on the scabbard De La Escuela Militar De El Salvador, “From The Military School of El Salvador” with “To General Theodore F. Bogart” beneath it. During this time, General Bogart was Commander of the US Southern Command where he started “Operation Friendship” within the Central American area, mostly Panama as tensions were rising. Time magazine had an article mentioning him too. “Major General Theodore F. Bogart, 55. Lanky General Bogart got to know and like Panama when he was stationed there as a lieutenant in 1941. Now, as the man who might have to order U.S. troops to fire on Panamanians if violence threatens, he is sponsoring a remarkable Operation Friendship, using his troops to stage events that bring together Panamanians and Americans.”
The sword itself is an incredible Solingen made “Double Lion Head” sword, named as such due to the Lion Head pommel as well as another Lion Head present on the upturned quillon. This example is in fine condition showing nice blade condition, with only a few (if any) areas of light oxidation. The blade has not been sharpened and has a lovely undamaged edge. It is stamped on the upper spine near the hilt but is unfortunately hard to read due to a light surface rust but you can just make out SOLINGEN. The maker of the sword is usually stamped under the rain guard (chappe) but we cannot find any markings.

The right rain chappe has a lovely detailed Coat of Arms of El Salvador with the other side being blank. The coat of arms of El Salvador has been in use in its current form since 15 September 1912. The coat of arms has the words “REPÚBLICA DE EL SALVADOR EN LA AMÉRICA CENTRAL” (transl. ”Republic of El Salvador in Central America”) in a bold and heavy sans-serif Boris Black Bloxx typeface, in a golden amber color.

The national motto, “DIOS UNIÓN LIBERTAD” (transl. ”God Union Liberty”), in a bold version of Trajan Roman-type Roman square capitals. The letters are colored amber gold on the civil flag, and black in the coat of arms.

The date “15 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 1821” (transl. ”September 15, 1821″), the date Central American independence from Spain was declared, also in a bold version of Trajan Roman-type Roman square capitals.

The scabbard of this example still has much of the original nickel/chrome plating, which has aged beautifully. It now has scattered areas of light oxidation but nothing significant. There are some areas with the finish worn away, which have now oxidized. The scabbard still has an intact hanger ring with the body not having any dents or bends.

This is truly a wonderful sword and comes more than ready for further research and display.

Specifications:
Blade length: 31 7/8”
Overall length: 37 3/8”
Scabbard length: 32 7/8”
Guard dimensions: 5 1/2″ width x 4 1/2” length