Pour le Mérite and Oak Leaves bearer Siegfried Graf zu Eulenburg – his presentation sword, dated 1890Sturdy, straight blade of nickel-plated Eisenhauer steel with double fullers on both sides, a manufacturer's mark at the root, sharpened, the supplier's signature "M. Neumann, Berlin" on the spine, both sides of the upper third profusely etched with decorative tendrils, the inscription "Eisenhauer" and the dedication "S/l. S. Graf Eulenburg / E. Frhr. v. Meerscheidt - Hüllesem / 1890". Brass knuckle-bow hilt richly decorated in relief with remnants of gilding, Prussian eagle "WR II" on the guard plate. Brown rubber grip in a chequered design, wire winding, appliquéd guard star, leather finger strap. The family coat of arms engraved on the pommel, attached sword knot with a leather band. Black lacquered sheet steel scabbard (abraded, traces of rust) with a movable suspension ring. Slightly damaged in places, signs of handling and age. Length 112 cm.Siegfried Graf zu Eulenburg (1870 - 1961) joined the 1st Guard Regiment on foot in Potsdam on 23 April 1889. He was promoted to second lieutenant on 14 October 1890 and attended the military academy from 1897 to 1900. During the 1914 mobilisation, Eulenburg commanded the 1st Battalion and enlisted at its head in cooperation with the 1st Guard Division in Belgium. In the Somme, he took command of Queen Elizabeth Garde Grenadier Regiment No. 3 on 30 October 1916, replacing the commander who had fallen ill. After the previous regiment commander Friedrich von Bismarck was killed in action on 6 November 1915, Eulenburg succeeded him. His brigade commander Generalmajor von der Osten ultimately nominated Eulenburg for the Oak Leaves of the Pour le Mérite for his services. On 4 September 1918, Eulenburg was one of six regiment commanders to receive this rare, high order.The Freiherren von Meerscheidt-Hüllessem were a prominent Prussian family of generals.Condition: II