Availability: Very Rare (5)
Maker: Marked with “KF”, although this may be the family name
Size: Wingspan approx.: 19cm, Height approx.: 28cm
Weight: 4.68kg
Material: Bronze
Artist: Unknown
Description:
Background** – This a a bespoke eagle that was designed and manufactured for a wealthy military/industrialist German family that were significant financial backers of the NSDAP. In all, 5 originals were made for particular members of the family. The back of the eagle is marked “KF” in German gothic text surrounded by an elliptical circle. This marking is raised from the surface of the eagle and the “KF” lettering may represent the family initials/logo or a makers mark. The eagles are cast in hollow bronze and are mounted on a 3-stepped green marble base typical of many Nazi desk eagles of the time. Of the 3 known eagles all are embossed with the words “Ein Volk! Ein Reich! Ein Fuher!” (“One People! One Empire! One leader”) on the marble bases – again in German gothic script. One example is embossed in gold (reportedly for the father) and the other two in silver. In the 1980’s the eldest son of the family was “erasing” some of the family’s Nazi past and sold/gifted the 5 eagles to a close business partner. Initially 2 of these were given or sold off and the business partner retained the remaining 3 of them. Becoming older himself, he sold off the 3 remaining eagles around 2017. The location of the original 2 are unknown, whereas 3 are known to be in collections.
Pics (Originals):
Example 1: Gold
Example 2: Silver
Example 3: Silver
Example 4: Silver
Example 5: Silver
Makers/Family mark:
Interesting points:
- This style of eagle has many similarities and was inspired by some KSE styles. This eagle however is not a KSE designed eagle
- A large building eagle was reportedly the inspiration for the desk eagle design. There is a screen grab from a video showing portions of this eagle which bears a resemblance, however no full size pictures are yet available.
Reproductions:
A number of reproductions (3) of this eagle have been found. These have different bases and the poor quality generally easily distinguishes these from the originals. Base don the photos and backgrounds it appears these are from the one person (the original holder)
Fake example 1:
Similar to example 2, both have the wrong base and poor casting
Fake example 2:
Similar to example 1, both have the wrong base and poor casting
Fake example 3:
This example has a higher quality in the casting however has a number of things wrong: Incorrect and non-period base, poor embossing, Inconsistencies on shape in various locations, incorrect mounting.
** A large portion of the description was supplied from an owner of these eagles. As such it remains un-verified.