WW 1 2 IMPERIAL GERMAN DAMASCUS LARGE LION HEAD PRESENTATION SWORD knife BEST!!

Description

I acquired this sword in 1984 from a WW2 US Army vet who resided in Paducah, Ky.  Vet was in a Tank Battalion and told me he "liberated" this from a chalet somewhere in Southern Germany.  Kept it with him in the tank and brought it back to the states. I've had it since 84 and showed it a couple times even at the Samurai sword show in Chicago.  Lots of "how much ?"
This is a magnificent sword and by far the finest German sword I have or probably will ever own.  True forged banded damascus and in near mint condition. Beautiful Gold and blued decorations and the presentation dated 1894.  This is a sword of Nobility and presented to one Artillery Officer from another.  A family crest is noted on the reverse langet and 2nd & 3rd panels of blade.
believe this is correct -
blade has;VON LIPPA FREIHERR VON STEIN  also
EISENHAUER ECHT DAMAST
Under guard; GESCHOTZIES (over) MUSTER
spine has the retailer;  GUST.GUNTER METZ.  EISENHAUER ECHT DAMAST noted on blade indicating true damascus steel.  The name STEIN would be the recipient of this historical sword.
Blade length;   33"   or  84cm
OA length of blade/handle;  39"  or  99cm
Width at ricasso  1 1/2"   or  38mm
Chrome/nickel scabbard has slight wear.
The sword looks even better in person than my humble photos !