Availability: Rare (< 12 known examples)
The front facing eagle was introduced on Jan 2, 1939 and was attached to the front engine of the train. It is the largest Reichsbahn eagle produced that was to be attached to trains.
Wingspan: 136-139cm (53″ to 55″)
Height: 63.5cm (Apprx. 25″)
Wreath & Swastika: The Wreath diameter is 23.5cm (9.25″) and the swastika is 10.5cm
Weight: 7.7 kg
Known materials:
- GAL Mg Si (The composition of the material used to make the alloy – Aluminium, Magnesium, Silicon)
Known Makers:
- The maker of these eagles is unknown, however there is a mark on the reverse of the eagle located in the middle of the swastika (at the join of the swastika legs). It is two rings with a letter and a number located in each ring. (“M” and “45”). Thi s may be a material designation and not a makers mark.
Bolt locations:
These eagles came with the following bolt configuration. Note the bolts have inner threads.
Points of note:
- The leaves of the wreath run upwards which is the opposite of the flat railway eagles but the same as Reichspost Eagles.
- The eagles were attached to the front of the engines following the curvature (wingtip to wingtip) of the vehicle.
- The eagles head and neck are hollow.
- Several of the surviving examples have had their wings cut off by the veterans to transport them back home. They have subsequently been welded back on which results in obvious weld lines.
Photos (inc. some period):
Examples:
This example has a removable swastika.
An interesting sample “painted” after the war. Measures: 178 x 70 cm.
A number of reproductions of this eagle exist. Due to the shortage of original examples they are often found in museums. The below example is commonly referred to as a reproduction due to the poor casting compared to others. It measures 140 x 80 centimeters
and weighs around 15-20 kilos.
Marking on back BN
Another reproduction example:
