Maker: Paul Garthe KG (known simply as Garthe)
Availability: Rare (Both the Aluminium and the Bronze versions)
The Garthe eagles have two sets of markers on them. The makers mark is located on the main body (from the back).
A – Body markings
These marking were all indented.
1 – Makers Mark – Garthe. In the center of the reverse, cast into the bird, is an ellipse circle. Raised out is a winged railway wheel, that is positioned over what is the name of the maker, “Garthe”.
2 – Material:
- Aluminium version – Gal-Mg.Si PAV (The composition of the material used to make the alloy – Aluminium, Magnesium, Silicon, Pantal). Note the dash between GAL and Mg and the period before the Si.
Note: the bronze version – Rg5 (The composition of the material used to make the eagle – Rotguss (legierung) – 85% Copper, 5% Tin, 7% Zinc, 4% Lead and 0.08% Sulphur). More information on the Bronze Rheingold Garthe is here
Known sizes
The following sizes are known:
Studs
All known examples have 3 studs: Bronze & Aluminium 720 (28″)
The following combinations have been observed:
Points of note
- No RZM or BER/BERL designation is included on these eagles.
- Garthe is the only known producer of Bronze railway eagles and the aluminium versions are also hard to find.
Pictures:
Note: Further examples of Garthe eagles can be found here
Reproductions:
These eagles are rarely, if ever reproduced. More information on reproductions can be found here.