A SS Ceremonial Band Glockenspiel Topper Eagle

This is a scarce topper eagle belonging to a Glockenspiel/Schellenbaum of a SS ceremonial band or musical corps. It is cast in solid aluminum, and consists of a rightward facing national eagle “Hoheitszeichen” clutching a wreath in its talons, with a voided swastika painted in black on both sides; the reverse of the eagle is marked “Nr. 533” and “S. Gesch.” (for “Ges Gesch.”, but it appears that the die did not strike the surface of the eagle adequately) on the eagle’s tail; with a threaded bolt base for attachment to the Glockenspiel instrument; measuring 243 mm x 262 mm; light surface wear on the aluminum with scattered chipping on the black paint on the swastika; overall extremely fine condition.

Footnote: A Glockenspiel (“Glocken” - Bells, “Spiel” - game”) is a hand-held percussion instrument similar to a xylophone, composed of tuned metal keys loosely attached to a metal frame. It is also referred to in German culture as a “Schellenbaum” (“Schelle” - metallic sounding bells, “Baum” - Tree) due to its signature sound and tree-like structure. Glockenspiel instruments were often found in ceremonial bands or musical corps in the Third Reich.