My father is very hush hush about his side of the family. I know he immigrated here with my grandmother from Germany when he was 14 and I know my grandfather was a Polish man who survived a number of concentration camps including Auschwitz. He was a personal cook for the soldiers. My dad won't say much but he thinks he got it from his grandfather. Any ideas?
It is a Löwenkopfsäbel for Wehrmacht Officers.
The "Löwenkopfsäbel" of the Wehrmacht was mostly worn by higher officer such as “Major” or “Hauptmann”. It was of course not meant for real fighting, because it was a ceremonial-weapon.
Its origin comes from the German Empire. In the time of WWI the Löwenkopfsäbel was worn by every officer and was a symbol of their rank in the military. If there was a dishonourable discharge the Sword was broken to symbolise their removal from duty.
edit: Sources are in my next comment.
You could try /r/swords. A great subreddit.