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Like all swords, Imperial edged weapons are very quickly appreciating as reference material becomes available. With the Johnson/Wittmann Imperial Reference available, now is the time to begin your Imperial Sword collection while prices are reasonable. Our book pictures, identifies and thoroughly deals with all swords, some previously unknown. As has been demonstrated many times in the past, once collectors understand the historical significance of their purchase, the demand tends to skyrocket... As well as the prices!
SWDSIMP #30073 IMPERIAL CHEVAULAGER CALVARY SWORD
This Chevaulager Calvary sword is a basket hilt type having a stationary guard. The hilt is of nickel-plated finish and although it shows some mild age it appears that the plating is still quite good beneath the patination. The upper pommel area is a flat style cap with a round spanner like device which retains the tang. The D-guard and basket are a one piece unit. The basket comes into three sections and at the center area it features a circular form having a standard Bavarian lion with a sword in his right paw and he is retaining a checkered shield of Bavaria in his left paw. The lion retains the Bavarian crown on his head. The basket design has accent lines carved into its borders. The grip of this example is black bake-o-lite and the ribs are shaped to form a fine hand hold with a flared area at the lower portion. The bake-o-lite is in perfect condition. The triple etched blade of this example is about 32-inches in length. It is a straight blade making this piece officially a degen. The obverse panel is quite nicely portrayed having raised out floral designs at the beginning and the end and then there is a flanking design having a Bavarian artillery spiked helmet positioned over crossed swords at the bottom and at the top there is the head of a horse. In the center are raised out is “K.D.6.Chev.Regt.Prinz Albrecht v.Peussen.”. This designates that the sword’s owner was a member of the Bavarian king’s six Chevaulager Regiment which was honorary named after Prinz Albrecht of Prussia. There were only eight Bavarian Chevaulager regiments and this particular regiment was formed in 1803 and was garrisoned in Bayreuth. The reverse of the blade also has a fine panel which features floral designs at the beginning and the ends and there are also flanking designs with a Bavarian Ulan helmet over crossed swords at the top area and a Bavarian dress plume helmet positioned over war implements at the bottom. In the center there are some nice designs with an additional Bavarian lion with checkered shield and the motto of Bavaria in a ribbon, “In. Treue Fest.”. The spine of the blade is also etched with laurel leaves. This blade is nice and bright having all of the frostings in the backgrounds of the nickel-plated raised features. This blade easily rates in near mint condition. Although it is unmarked it is buffered by a black leather washer. The scabbard of this example is a blued finish type and it is perfectly straight throughout. It has a single ring permanently positioned for carry, an indication that the sword was produced after 1906. The scabbard shows only mild age but still has all of its blue finish. A very nice piece here and not a common imperial sword.
SWDSIMP #30072 IMPERIAL BAVARIAN CAVALRY PALLASCH - Carl Eickhorn
This imperial Cavalary pallasch has a fine brass hilt. Although the hilt has not been cleaned in many years it is possible to see that there is quite a bit of the original gilding still intact over the all brass hilt. In fact the gilding looks to be about 90%. The sword design consists of a curving back strap going upward which ends with a flat pommel cap. The pommel cap has decorative raised oak leaves on its edges. The curved back strap features beautifully done oak leaves and acorns which run its length with a prominent center stem. The D-guard is the flat type and both sides feature oak leaves and acorns raised. The langet features a shield design having a Bavarian crowned standing lion retaining a checkered shield in his left paw and a sword in his right. The reverse langet features a raised shield. The original Bavarian dress knot is still wrapped about the hilt. It is the style with a leather backing and having a blue lined brocade front. The knot shows some age and cracking here and there but overall it is still fairly sound. The grip is a black celluloid which is in perfect condition. The celluloid is tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire, the center being of larger dimension. The 31 ½-inch blade is a nickel-plated beauty being in mint condition. It is mirror bright and features on both sides a panel with a ribboned etch featuring the Bavarian slogan, “In Treue fest.”. The choice blade is stamped on the reverse featuring the large double oval circles with squirrel in the center. Between the ovals is the firm’s name, “Carl Eickhorn”. This Bavarian sword was probably produced in the 1920s judging by the trademark. The scabbard of this piece is straight throughout and features good original black paint. The scabbard has one carrying ring. A good example here.
SWDSIMP #29289C BAVARIAN CHEVAUXLEGER REGIMENT OFFICER’S DEDICATED TRIPLE ETCHED BLUE / GILD BLADE DEGEN - WKC
This Chevauxleger sword is one of the most beautiful I have seen in my forty year collecting career. But, this sword not only has great beauty and condition but it is also a rarely seen variation. The Chevauleger regiment was a specialty unique to the Bavarian army and the word literally means, “light horse”. The regiment was a Calvary type of course, and they were a little different from the norm in that they wore a dark green double breasted tunic similar to the Ulans. There were only eight Chevauleger regiments and this particular sword belongs to the fourth regiment known as, “Koenig” or King. It was one of the oldest regiments and was raised in Augsburg in 1744. If your not familiar with the design of the Bavarian Calvary officer’s sword it can be seen on page 30 of the Angolia Book. The hilt of this example is in pristine condition. It features a nickel over steel base basket style open guard which features the Bavarian lion standing on his back legs holding a sword in one paw and the checkered Bavarian shield in the other. This lion’s tongue is also flaring and he has a Bavarian crown on his head. The depiction is pierced and is quite good looking being placed in the center of three tiers. The pommel is a flatter style of matching nickel and it has a rounded cap at the top of it which is drilled with two spanner style holes. The D-guard assembly has a slot at the center area for positioning of a portepee. The grip is a shiny black bakelite and it is equipped with eight ribs which form a nice handhold. There is a ferrule at the bottom of the grip being plain matching the nickel hilt. The nickeling throughout this hilt is in totally perfect condition. Accenting the hilt is an original mint conditioned portepee. This portepee appears original to this sword. Is is a silver bullion type having textured surfaces featuring two sets of twin blue lines which run the length of the strapping. The bottom of the strapping has a bullion style slide and below this is a metal wire catch. The catch retains the slide, stem and lower ball. The slide and stem are beautiful bullion weaves which have “V” designs of blue highlighting. The lower ball is of all bullion and has a blue velvet insert. A most impressive portepee and really decorative on the hilt of this sword. It is properly tied through the upper slot and flowing downward around the grip and ultimately knotted through an opening in the basket hilt. The blade of this sword is really something to behold. It is a straight style blade and has pristine high quality nickel-plated surfaces. There is a single fuller and the blade measures a full 33-inches in length. The obverse presents an etched panel which runs about halfway down the blade. The background frosting is in perfect condition and the presentment involves a floral design with three separate panels. The two flanking panels feature a mounted officer with parade plume pickelhaube and the end panel features crossed swords with a parade plume pickelhaube in the center. The highlights of these two flanking depictions are gilded. In the center of the blade there is a panel which has a beautiful blue background. Raised out are the gilded letters of the regiment, “4. Baijr. Chev. Regt. Konig”. This etch with its colors and contrasts is very striking. On the reverse blade there are also two flanking panels with a center blue example. The panel near the ricasso is arabesque style floraling and the panel at the end area features a pair of elegant horses heads. The panel in the center is an incredible etching of eighteen mounted men with a single officer at the front with sword drawn and pointing straight ahead. The detail to the horses and all of the spiked helmets and uniforms is fantastic. The blue in the backgrounds does much to highlight the effect. The reverse blade does not have gilded highlights. The spine of this example is also etched in a leaf style pattern. This blade is in stone mint brand new condition. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the maker logo used at the turn of the last century featuring a side by side king and knight image. Below this are the initials of the firm, “W.K.&C.” A remarkable blade here indeed! The scabbard is a new-like example which is entirely straight and features original black painted surfaces. This paint is as good as you will ever see and still be original. The scabbard has a flared style throat which is retained by two side screws and the carrying ring is the fixed type as is shown in the illustration in the Angolia Book. Apparently this regiment called for the fixed ring application. Just looking at the scabbard it does not appear as though this sword was ever worn. If it were there would be paint chipping to the inside of the ring or possibly to the U bracket on the reverse. Even the screws retain all of their original paint. I believe that this sword was probably used as a display example in the regiment mess hall or perhaps it was ordered by a retiring Chevauleger officer who kept it as a memento of his service. Either way the preservation and condition here is astounding. A phenomenal example which would go well in an advanced imperial collection.
SWDSIMP #29057C PRUSSIAN IMPERIAL KINDERSABEL
This kindersabel is in the style of a Model 89 Infantry Officer’s degen. The hilt is of all gilded brass. It features the curved pommel style with flat cap and then the stationary basket has three tiers which end with a Prussian crowned eagle which grasps a sword and a scepter in each talon respectively. Raised out of the bird’s breast is the cipher, “WRII”, which of couse means Wilhelm Welks II. The grip of this example is a sharkskin and it is a fine blue color being in perfect condition. This sharkskin grip is wrapped in triple twisted silver wire, the center being larger and twisted opposite. This fine hilt is also equipped with its original portepee. This portepee is down to scale and it features a silver textured bullion strapping with a black line in the center. The lower ball is ovaled and has cat’s anus style black stuffing. This hilt is identical to the large counterpart just being of smaller proportion for probably an eight to twelve year old child. The same hilt design appears on page 257 of the Johnson Wittman Imperial Book. This entire sword length within the scabbard is 28-inches overall. The blade of this example is 24-inches long. It has a blunted tip because it was used by children and it is entirely nickel-plated. It is double etched and has the original owner’s name within a panel on the center obverse. It is raised out, “Rudi Delins.”. The blade is still in mint condition and has fantastic frosted backgrounds. Flanking the personalization panel on the left are beautiful floral designs. On the right there is a fairytale like scene depicting a knight on horseback riding through a village. On top is a neat looking crest having knight’s armor with a cross over the breast area. The ricasso is deeply stamped with the knight’s head logo indicating this sword was produced by the WKC firm. On the reverse there are more floral designs flanking a large center panel. Here there are two knights shown jousting at each other. They are depicted on horseback with lances and medieval clothing. An outstanding blade here. It is accompanied by a original painted scabbard in excellent condition. A wonderful sword here for the son of a militaristic officer father.
SWDSIMP #29058C BAVARIAN KINDERSABEL
This kindersabel is for a pre-teen boy. Overall, it measures about 28 inches in length. The hilt is in the design of a Model 89 calvary degen which is an NCO model. Apparently, the child that carried this kindersabel was the son of a top sergeant in the Bavarian Imperial Army. The hilt is all done in nickel plated steel base having the traditional design of the Model 89. The cap is a flat type and the basket hilt has 3 tiers which culminate at the lower end and the center area features in a circle the Bavarian logo. This consists of a pierced standing lion with crown holding a checkered seal in his left talon and an upward pointing sword in his right. The detail is quite good to this lion, all being hand finished. The grip, instead of being Bakelite like most of the large counterparts, appears to be a black ebony wood. It is nicely carved for the grip of a child and has 7 ribs. The blade of this example measures about 23 inches. It is a steel base having a blunted tip and nickel plated finish. The finish shows age in the surfaces and quite a bit of graying. There is a knighthead logo which is the “no neck” variety, putting the vintage of this sword at about before the turn of the century. The scabbard is made up of a leather composition shell. It is a brown color and is sewn on one side. The shell is fitted with brass mounts which are contained with screws in the reverse. These mounts are basically plain. A good representation of a child’s kindersabel.
SWDSIMP #28652 IMPERIAL BAVARIAN ARMY OFFICER PALLASCH
This Bavarian officer’s straight sword has a typical silvered hilt design. The design is the typical Bavarian look having the grip and pommel which turned to the left and a flat style “D”-guard below which ends in a quillon with a floral round design. The pommel of this example is flat on its top and has oak leaf designs around its edges. The backstrapping is a design of raised out oak leaf sprigs with acorns which travel throughout the entire fitting. The flat style “D”-guard also has a similar oak leaf motif. The langet of these swords are distinguished by its heart shape. The obverse langet portrays a standing lion which grasps a sword in one paw and a checkered crest of Bavaria in the other. The reverse langet has an open shield design, put there in the event that the owner would like his monogram engraved in this place. The silvering has turned dark with patination but looks to be all there. The grip is a black celluloid-over-wood and it is in perfect condition. This grip is tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire, the center twisted opposite and being slightly larger for contrast. A good untouched hilt here which should clean up nicely. The scabbard is straight throughout and has good original black paint. This paint is in about 98% condition. The shell is a straight example with no curve. It is equipped with one carrying ring. The blade of this example is 31-inches in length. It is completely straight having double fuller construction. There is an etch design on both sides which is identical. It portrays a set of trees which act as flanks and in the center there is a ribboned area with the Bavarian slogan raised out, “In / Treue / fest”. This slogan means, “Steadfast with Loyalty”. Below the ribbon there is a crowned lion holding the Bavarian crest. This crest, of course, consists of checkering which when it is seen in color is in blue and white. This blade remains bright and should clean easily to near full mint condition. There is a brown felt buffer in place protecting the blade. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the back to back squirrels which are representative of the Carl Eickhorn firm prior to 1919. A good Bavarian sword here.
SWDSIMP #21021 IMPERIAL MODEL 89 INFANTRY DEGEN WITH BLUE AND GOLD PANELS AND DAMASCUS BLADE - M. Neuman, Holieferant Berlin
This beautiful
degen is one of those Imperial examples, which tend to leave the
viewer with mouth agape at its sight. It is everything that we
have come to believe the German craftsman could master having
beauty, lots of blued gold, workmanship beyond belief and a sense
of art. The hilt is a model 89 type with folding clamshell but
it differs from the ordinary in that it has been completely hand
worked and it is also of fairly large proportion. If you have
a copy of the Angolia Book this hilt design is similar in workmanship
to the example shown on page 360. The pommel and backstrap area
reflect floral motifs however, they have been so extensively hand
worked that the engravings and background pebblings give them
more of a look of jewelry, than a weapon. The same beautiful designs
and workmanship apply to the D guard area. The folding clamshell,
of course, features the Prussian eagle with the ÷WII÷
motif raised out of its breast. This eagle however, has not only
been hand worked on its obverse but even the reverse of the eagle
reflects the same treatment. It is very rare to see this on a
Model 89 Degen. The lustrousness of this hilt cannot be overstated.
It appears to have approximately 95% of its original gilded finish.
The grip appears to be some form of a hard wood, probably ebony.
There are a couple of minor age cracks in the ebony but it is
nothing and they are on the reverse area only. This grip reflects
a cipher of Wilhelm II applied to the obverse. There is a crown
above the initials. The grip is triple-wrapped with beautiful
twisted tight wire. The center wire is slightly larger and twisted
opposite for effect. But, as nice as this hilt is, it is only
a preliminary message to the viewer, concerning the magnificent
blade. This blade is a very large proportioned straight example,
measuring about 32 inches in length, and having double fullers,
which begin at about the center area and run downward. The blade
is made of damascus, being a ÷Damaststahl÷ pattern.
The damascus pattern is very impressive, and easily remains in
a full mint state. The hand-forged damascus pattern is only evident
at the halfway mark of the blade where the fullers begin. Prior
to this area, the entire first half of the blade is gilded, and
also reflects blue panel treatment. The gilding and blue is nearly
new like, being in at least 98% condition. The fairly long ricasso
area of both sides is further decorated with engraved floral treatments.
The entire area is gilded. Below the ricasso, the gilding extends
in a unique border pattern, which completely surrounds the blue
panels. Raised out in the center area is a matching gilded dedication.
It is a frequently seen style citing a gift from one officer to
another, in admiration. The dedication is, "Kessler s. /l.
Günther". The "s/l" in the center is an abbreviation
for the German endearment term "seinem lieben". On the
reverse, the identical motif is maintained. The center area here
depicts the old German expression, "für Efr! und Pflicht
bis Herz und Klinge bricht.". This expression is translated,
"For honor and duty until heart and sword break". All
I can say is that it will break my heart when someone buys this
piece, as its beauty has everything we care about in this hobby.
If this were a Third Reich sword, its value would be astronomical.
We are lucky in that there were quite a few Imperial Damascus
masters, so we do see pieces of this caliber surface occasionally.
Although they are still expensive, thankfully they are somewhat
in the realm of our pocketbooks. Before I get to the price however,
it is also worth mentioning the gilded spine area, also featuring
raised out vine designs, has the name of a very famous military
uniform retailer, "M. Neuman". After their name is the
word "Hoflieferant" which means, "supplier to royalty".
This Berlin-based concern produced many of the more ornate and
priceless one-of-a-kind weapons made for the royal family. In
fact the large Grosser size naval dirk worn by the Kaiser himself,
was purchased from this firm by the Kaiserin, which can by seen
on page 155 of my Navy Book. Securing this beautiful blade for
eternity is a fine straight scabbard, which is finished in blue.
The blue is about 98 % and really looks good. This scabbard has
the usual flared throat, and is affixed with one carrying ring.
There is a second carrying band below this, but the ring has been
removed as per the 1906 order. This dates the degen prior to 1906.
It would be a fun job to research these two men, but it may be
slightly complicated, as the names are not particularly unique.
It could be done, however, by matching up the Kesslers and the
Günthers in the German Army prior to 1906 and after 1900.
I took a look in the 1906 Imperial rank list, and I find two doctors
with these names. It is entirely possible that these officers
could have been the recipient and the donor of this sword, as
it would have been normal for officers of the same branch to flatter
each other with such weapons. This is your opportunity to own
something really beautiful, and I guarantee you it will bring
a smile to your face each time you look at this weapon.
SWDSIMP #28030 BADEN INFANTRY OFFICER SWORD
This officer sword from Baden is a nickel plated hilt variety. The hilt is distinctive, having almost an Austrian look, as Baden swords very closely resemble this area. The hilt has a plain pommel and back strap with some design being that the area is beveled to produce segments. The “d” guard is plain with no segmentation, having a flip-up style to the reverse and remaining straight on the obverse quillon area. The cross guard proceeds to a quillon end which is curled. There are two slots in the area between the grip and quillon end which acted to hold a portepee in place. The nickel is still in excellent shape and just needs a little cleaning. The grip appears to be a wood base covered with black celluloid. The celluloid is in perfect condition throughout, stil having a good sheen to its surfaces. This grip is tightly wrapped with triple brass twisted wire, the center being of wider girth. The 33-inch blade has fine quality nickel plated surfaces. In fact, this blade would be in mint condition were it not for the fact that it has been sharpened. The sharpening appears to be from the period. Unfortunately, many participants in WWI symbolically sharpened their swords since they were going to war. The blade has its original off-white felt buffer in place. The scabbard is straight throughout and has pretty good original black paint. This paint has good, original sheen to its surfaces but it does show quite a bit of usage and rates at maybe 90%. As is usually the case with swords from Baden, there is a distinctive “bubble” design which makes up the carrying bands on both sides. The carrying ring is a standard type. A fairly rare sword here which can be obtained for a reasonable price because of the sharpening.(SIMP059)
SWDSIMP #26244 IMPERIAL SAXON ARTILLERY DAMASCUS SABER - Weyersburg Solingen
This Saxon
officer’s saber is of highest quality and must have been
an expensive item at the time. It is quite beautiful, being of
a larger size grosser pattern. The lion head is beautifully rendered,
having extensive hand-enhancing throughout. The areas around the
eyes, brow and snout all have little, tiny chased lines which
really give it a nice look. The brass is of best quality and it
still appears to have some of the original gilding spread throughout.
This lion has a great look, as the mane starts to flare outward
after the forehead area of the creature. This flaring out gives
a dramatic effect, and then all of the mane hair flowing down
the back strap is further hand-enhanced. There is a plug at the
top that covers the tang and this has also been sculpted to match.
The cat has a beautiful set of blood-red faceted eyes. At the
back strap, there is an ovaled plain area reserved for initials
if need be. The area is surrounded by hand-enhanced floral designs.
The “d” guard is particularly enticing, as it is large
in scope and also has been pierced. The “d” guard reflects
a center oval which features a goddess-like woman with flowing
hair. Surrounding the oval goddess treatment, there are oak leaf
and acorn sprigs, each of which has been beautifully pierced.
You do not see many piercing treatments on swords, as it was expensive
to do, requiring lots of individual treatment. At the bottom area
of the “p” guard, there is a fine floral motif. The
cross guard and langet are also heavily laurel-leafed. The langet
features a border of laurel leaves which at the top surround a
fine Saxon crown. The Saxon crown shape is unique and it has a
cross at the top. In the center of the langet are a pair of crossed,
well-detailed cannon. These cannon are raised out and relief is
shown to the crown and cannon depiction by random pebbling on
the reverse. The quillon ends in a roaring lion’s head. There
is as much detail rendered to this choice lion’s head as
there is to the large feline cat above. A very beautiful hilt
here, with much to study. The grip of this example appears to
be made of horn or possibly an ebony wood. It is a black color
and it is possible to see texture in the surfaces. The grip is
in perfect condition throughout. It is very tightly wrapped with
triple twisted silver wire. The center wire is a larger proportion
than the two outer examples. A beautiful hilt here! The hilt is
further enhanced with the original-to-the-piece portepee. This
portepee is the larger style and it is fashioned of black leather
strapping having triple stitching running the length. There is
some fray to the bullion stitching, but the leather still looks
okay. The slide at the lower is a black thong type decorated with
bullion, and the stem is the flat style with bullion crochet-like
covering. The lower ball is bullion with a textured bullion cloth
insert. The scabbard of this example is straight throughout and
has fairly nice nickel plating. The plating shows a little bit
of minor age in the surfaces, but it is not bad and is still all
there. This scabbard has the one ring carriage, which is indicative
of the fact that the sword was produced after 1906. But, as nice
as this sword is, the blade is really where it’s at. This
hand-forged quillback Damascus blade is 33 inches in length. It
is absolutely in perfect, mint condition and has a very striking
“band” pattern. The pattern is extremely pronounced
and is as effective to the eye today as it must have been back
in the Imperial times. This “band” pattern is just fantastic
throughout. It has the look of an Atlantic City Turkish taffy
candy being pulled, if you know what I am talking about. This
mint condition blade is a rare sight, indeed, and really would
look great centered on a cradle in the middle of your collecting
room. The obverse ricasso is stamped beneath the langet “Eisenhauer”.
The reverse langet is stamped “Weyersberg Solingen”
and the two names are formed in an arch which butt each other.
I forgot to mention on the hilt that the reverse langet has a
shield device which also has a scribed monogram. The monogram
appears to be the cipher possibly for the ruling Saxon king at
the time, as I can see the letter “R” fairly easily
in the complexity of the cipher. This also could be the monogram
of the original owner. Either way, a fantastic sword which would
display extremely well with a choice Imperial collecting room.(SIMP060)
SWDSIMP #19428 TRIPLE-ETCHED ARTILLERY OFFICER'S LIONHEAD - Paul Weyersberg
This is a magnificent
lionhead saber featuring the best of materials. I am not sure
of the vintage, but most likely it is Weimar period, although
it could be 3rd Reich, as the Weyersberg trademark is the same
as used during the 1930s. The sword hilt is a standard sized example,
being fire-gilded brass. The gilding is nearly all there, having
that beautiful contrast between the bright points and the muted
background areas. The gild is worn only on the edges, rating at
about 98%. The lionhead is the traditional German style with the
long snout. His whiskers, brow, and nose all reflect hand done
engraving. The cat has sparkling fire red faceted glass eyes.
The mane flows down the backstrap, becoming floral patterns afterward.
The center area has an oval point meant for a monogram addition.
The "P" guard has fantastic raised-out oak leaves, with
a random pebble pattern in the backgrounding. This area has that
awesome muted gild work - beautiful. Even the ferrule is a work
of art, having raised leaves and perfect gild work. The crossguard
and langet areas have added floral designs deeply carved into
the edges and the quillon ends with another detailed lionhead.
The langet itself is shield-like, portraying a detailed set of
crossed cannon, indicating the original owner was an artilleryman.
The grip of this saber is a fine purple-blue sharkskin, being
in perfect condition. The sharkskin grip is in excellent condition,
being tightly wrapped with triple brass wire, the center being
twisted. One of the best hilts you will see. The impressive blade
is a triple etched variety. The obverse features a frosted panel
of floral decoration with a center area portraying crossed swords.
The reverse has the same motif floral designs with a center area
of crossed cannon, drums, standards, etc. The frosted backgrounds
are 100%, highlighting the bright work of the etches. The spine
is etched with a panel of laurel leafing. This blade is in full
mint condition, measuring 33 inches in length. The reverse ricasso
is etched with the double oval trademark. The ovals trap the name
and location of the company, "Paul Weyersberg, Solingen".
Inside, is the sword flanked with wheat shafts. The scabbard is
straight but for a tiny kink dent toward the lower rear - it is
nothing. The black scabbard paint has quite a bit of age in the
surfaces on both sides - guess we should be thankful the scabbard
was here, as whatever caused the scabbard to develop rust, could
have done the same to the blade were it not for this protective
shell. The scabbard still does not look too bad, but compared
to the condition of this fine saber, it really should be re-painted.
Anyhow, a beautiful thing here and a great display piece to lay
on a set of cradles. Good value here.(SIMP006)
SWDSIMP #19126 WEIMAR FIRE OFFICIAL'S SABER & PORTEPEE - Carl Eickhorn
This fine saber
is in untouched condition. It is a nickel example having plain
style hilt. The nickel finish is all there, having a desirable
dull untouched patination. Fine look here. The grip is a purple-blue
color sharkskin being in perfect condition. The grip is wrapped
with twisted triple brass wire, the center wire being slightly
larger. There is a rarely seen portepee tied about the hilt. This
troddel is a most beautiful gold textured bullion strapping, having
single lines of red running down both edges. The gold bullion
slide and stem are highlighted with "V" design of red
thread. The lower round ball is a bullion yarn-like thread. The
lower insert has a pink/red felt insert being in perfect condition.
The scabbard is a black leather shell variety. The leather shows
some usage, but is in excellent condition, having dual accent
lines which run down the edges of both sides. The leather shell
is fitted with matching patinated nickel mounts. These mounts
have scalloped edges where they meet the scabbard, and as per
the fire motif established over a century, they are dual line
decorated on the surfaces. The three mounts are retained with
staples in the usual manner. There are numbers beneath the staples.
The upper and center mounts contain carrying rings. The 31 1/2
inch curved blade is a beauty, being triple-etched. The blade
is a wider style with fuller. The etching consists of floral panels
at the beginning areas and military themes at the endings. The
center areas portray hooks and ladders, hoses, axes, helmets and
the like. This blade is in mint condition. The spine is etched
with laurel leaves. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the Carl
Eickhorn trademark used during the late 1920s and early 1930s.
It is an oval single circle, having a squirrel in the center over
the initials, "C.E.". This sword would have been carried
into the Third Reich period. An excellent opportunity to acquire
a fairly rare example.(SIMP007)
SWDSIMP #23188 IMPERIAL PRUSSIAN MINER'S SABER
This beautiful
saber is composed of gilded brass, plain fittings throughout.
The hilt has a completely smooth pommel, backstrap, "P"
guard and teardrop quillon. The only detail on the entire hilt
is the application of an applied highly detailed Prussian crown
resting over a pair of crossed hammers. The pins which retain
these insignia are pushed through the langet and can be seen from
the opposite side. The gilding throughout this hilt is still fairly
good and has an almost coppery look about it. The gilding is about
85%. The grip itself is a beautiful finely grained ray skin. This
ray skin is in perfect condition having a purple blue color. The
grip is wrapped with triple silver twisted wire, the center being
slightly thicker. The scabbard shell is an all-leather example,
which has decorative lines on the edges of the obverse and reverse
and it is sewn-up the rear. This leather shows quite a bit of
age, however, it is still sound and is all together. The shell
has three mountings which are also plain gilded brass being the
same as the hilt. These mounts have scalloped edges where they
meet the leather. The lower mount has a built-in in chape fitting.
The upper mounts and center are equipped each with one carrying
ring. These mounts are staple held and the staple is missing from
the top example. It enables the viewer to see that the number
beneath the staples is, "14". The blade of this saber
is a 32-inch long example having triple etched motif. The etchings
are floral designs which have standard military themes. There
are drums, backpacks, horns, shields, etc., all visible in these
etch designs, which are further mixed with floraling. The spine
has laurel leaves raised- out. This blade shows only nominal age,
but still is bright and easily rates at excellent plus. I'm sure
this blade would clean up further with a little effort. Coal Miner's
dress swords are not seen too frequently. This example is identical
to the one shown on page 234 of the Johnson/Wittman Imperial Book.
A difficult pattern to find.(SIMP014)
SWDSIMP #23969 IMPERIAL NAVAL EARLY SABER (FRENCH) - Julius Voos
This saber, at first glance, has the look of an early German
example coming from the 1840s or 1850s. It may well be, or it
also could have been made in Germany for export to the French
navy. I am not sure, but it is a very rare early pattern and
should be desirable for collectors of this vintage. The sword
is a lionhead variety being of brass construction throughout.
The lionhead has an upward pointing open jaw and there has been
hand-enhancement to display teeth on this cat. His eyes have been
chiseled outward and the eyelids have hand detail to give relief
to the depiction. The cat's mane is nicely done flowing down the
entire length of the backstrap. There is a round style pommel
crown-like device at the top of the lion's head. The tang apparently
pierces this device and is peened over. The "D" guard
is in the traditional naval design and the clamshell at the bottom
is the stationary type depicting a fouled-anchor within an oval.
This sword looks nearly identical to the styles we see worn by
German officers in the 1850s and 1860s. The back langet is a
folding variety which is holed to lock over a male stem on the
reverse upper scabbard fitting. There is a teardrop quillon that
flows outward from the stationary clamshell. The grip of the example
is a deeply toned golden ivory or it is possible it is also bone.
This grip is in perfect condition throughout and is nicely ribbed
having triple brass wire wrap. This brass wire wrap is all there
and is twisted in the center. The scabbard shell appears to have
a metal base and it is covered with black leather. This leather
is sewn up the rear. It has a look of the French about it, as
the Germans did not normally use steel bases on their naval sabers.
The fittings are the traditional three brass mount variety. These
fittings are engraved throughout and the engraving looks to have
been done by hand. It features a series of square like figures
with an anchor depiction at the upper portion of the top mount.
These mounts have points where they meet the leather. The upper
two mounts are equipped with eyelets and carrying rings. The engraved
details are done on both sides. The blade is a 29 ½-inch
saber style. It is nickel-plated and actually is still quite
bright. There are signs of a little old sharpening on it, but
overall, this blade is still in pretty good shape. It is triple
etched having war type themes on both sides. The themes consist
of swords, daggers, cannons, spiked helmets and curass breast
plates which appear very dramatic looking. Both sides have similar
motif. The spine is etched with laurel leaves, but also has the
producer, "Julius Voos Fabrique d'armes Solingen". You'll
note that the producer is listed in the French language indicating
it is possible this sword was produced in Germany for use of the
French military. Either way, it is a very rare naval sword as
there are not many naval patterns existing from this period. This
sword shows some age and overall usage, but it is what it is,
and could be a real key to a proper Imperial Naval collection.(SIMP026)
SWDSIMP #24736 IMPERIAL ARTILLERY SABER WITH BLUE PANEL - Karl Kaiser
The hilt
of this Imperial Artillery saber is a fairly large size and is
in plain nickel finish. It features a traditional hilt design
with pommel back strap, “P-guard”, and cross guard with
langet. The upper part of the “P-guard” has a slot cut
into it which may have been for placement of a portepee. The nickel
throughout shows some minor age in the surfaces, but there is
no lifting and the nickeling is still really at 100%. The grip
is a fine blue-purple sharkskin. The sharkskin still mostly retains
its original coloring. It is still in good shape with no breaks
or problems. The grip is tightly wrapped with dual twisted silver
wire. The blade is a most impressive example. It is one of the
larger proportioned blades and it measures thirty-three inches
in length. This saber blade has fine nickel plated surfaces throughout
and remains in near full mint condition. The first half of the
blade is triple etched. The obverse has a most beautiful blue
panel. It starts out with a small panel with frosted background
having a floral device and ends with a slightly longer frosted
panel depicting war implements such as cross cannons, swords,
etc. In the center, the name and location of the regiment is raised
out and nickel plated with a choice blue background. It reads
“Feldartillerie..Regt.v.Peucker(Schles.) No6.”. This
regiment is the Field Artillery Van Peucker Regiment No. 6 from
Silesia, which is now a part of Poland. This regiment was originally
raised in 1808 and is garrisoned in the City of Breslau. The obverse
ricasso is stamped with the Colonel Kaiser trademark having a
crown over crossed swords with the letters “CKCO” interspersed.
The reverse blade has a long frosted panel, but does not have
a blue background. The frosting is 100%. It depicts more military
themes familiar to most collectors. The spine has a laurel leaf
design etched into its surface areas. There is a intact red felt
buffer protecting this impressive blade. The scabbard is in fairly
good shape, but does need a paint job. The paint is about 80%
on it and it shows substantial scratching and carrying time. There
are no bad dents or anything, so it could be repainted most satisfactorily.
The carrying ring is the type that is fixed. A nice looking example
here which will really display well in a collection room.(SIMP030)
SWDSIMP #24737 IMPERIAL PRUSSIAN GARDE ARTILLERY SABER - WKC
This Imperial
Artillery saber belonged to a member of a very elite regiment.
In fact, this regiment is listed the “first” in reference
books. It was garrisoned in Berlin and raised in 1816. It was
a Garde Regiment and therefore, was at the personal disposal of
the Kaiser. The hilt of this sword is a large proportioned example,
being in nickel finish and having plain fittings throughout. The
fittings consist of a pommel back strap, “P-guard”,
langet, and quillon. All parts are unadorned. There is a slot
in the “P-guard” which may have been for the purpose
of a portepee. The grip is a fine blue sharkskin which is tightly
stretched over a wood base. There are a number of ribs in the
grip, but there is no grip wire and it does not appear the sword
ever had any. The plainness of the hilt, though, is soon forgotten,
when the blade is drawn from the scabbard. This blade is a very
large proportioned example. It measures a long 34 inches, indicating
its wearer was a tall man. The blade is plated in beautiful nickel
and it remains in full mint condition. The obverse blade has three
paneled designations, each of which has a beautiful blue background.
The raised portions of the panels are in contrasting nickel. The
ricasso area depicts a mounted officer complete with pickelhaube
with plumes on top. The details to the officer’s uniform
and horse are very explicit and exciting. The panel has floral
decorations which separate it from the ricasso and the next panel.
The center example has the raised out designation of its owner’s
regiment, “1.Garde Feld-Artill.-Regt.Berlin.”. The First
Guard Artillery Regiment was indeed an elite group and chances
are original members needed to prove that they could afford the
finery and uniforms that went with their position. Outstanding
stuff here! The sword ends with a panel of crossed cannons which
are positioned over laurel leaves, also having blue backgrounds.
There is a finishing floral touch at the end which is frosted.
The obverse ricasso has the knight and king logo, showing that
this is a turn of the century W.K. & C example. The reverse
blade does not have blue panels, but has most impressive designs.
It is three separate areas, the same as the obverse, each having
100% frosting to their backgrounds. The first panel is surrounded
by floral designs, but in the center, is the “Garde”
star with its logo “suum cuique”. In the center is the
German black eagle. In the next center panel is a set of mounted
artillery men pulling a casson. Each of the mounted personnel,
as well as those sitting on the casson, are wearing pickelhaube
with ball top. The details to the wheels, horses, cannon, uniforms,
etc are outstanding. The panel ends with the heads of three horses
who are all positioned together. The spine depicts oak leaves
etched into the surfaces. This blade has been protected by an
in-place white leather washer. The scabbard is also quite nice,
being a nickel plated example. This scabbard has a couple of minor
dings which could be removed without too much trouble. The nickel
plating is still nearly 100% and remains nice and bright. The
hanger ring is a stationary type. A most beautiful sword here,
and certainly a great example for those seeking accoutrements
and weapons from elite regiments.
SWDSIMP #24973 IMPERIAL PRUSSIAN JAWLESS LION HEAD CALVARY SWORD - WKC
This all-brass
hilt is of high quality casted metal. It is deeply patinated and
has not been cleaned in years. I see little gilt remaining in
the surfaces or the recesses, but there is not excessive wear
either. The pommel features a jawless lion head. This cat has
excellent depiction and is the style with no glass eyes. There
is hand-enhancing evident around the feline’s whiskers, brow
and mane area. The lion’s mane flows slightly to the back
strap where it becomes plain. In the center of the back strap
is a flower device with a floral motif around it. The “P”
guard features a shield with swords behind it in the center area,
and an Iron Cross ribboned decoration above. The langet has a
series of crossed swords which are raised out, mixed with a laurel
wreath. The quillon ends in a floral ball. This identical hilt
motif is shown in the Angolia sword book on Page 368, left. The
grip is a sharkskin type. It looks good, having good blue color,
but there are a couple of places where the sharkskin has rotted,
but it does not really show. This grip is tightly wrapped with
triple twisted silver wire, the center being slightly larger.
A good looking hilt here. The scabbard is straight throughout
and appears to have a blue surface, although it has gone dark
from years of storage. The scabbard appears to have once had two
carrying rings, but the second one was probably removed per the
orders of 1906. The top ring is a contrasting smooth brass type
with matching band. The thirty-two inch curved blade is an impressive
example. It is the wider proportioned type and it has very bright,
fine nickel plated surfaces. There is almost no age in this blade
and it easily rates in Near Full Mint condition. A fine blade
here. The spine has the maker’s name and location raised
out of the surfaces. It is, “Gust Gunther, Metz”. The
original off-red felt blade buffer is in place. The obverse ricasso
is stamped with the side-by-side king and knight heads, and beneath,
is the firm’s initials “W.K. & C.”. A good
looking sword here, which could easily clean up to really look
great.
SWDSIMP #24947 IMPERIAL LION HEAD SABER WITH PIERCED HILT AND BAND STYLE DAMASCUS BLADE - M. Neumann
The hilt of
this Imperial / Lionhead sword is quite beautiful, featuring a
highly detailed lion’s head which is fitted with faceted
pink eyes. The detail to this feline is the best that you will
see, having hand-enhancing evident throughout the whiskers, brow,
mane and the flowing fur areas behind. The jaw of the lion looks
great as it has a beard feature which has also been hand-enhanced.
The back strap has some nice raised out designs which also feature
hand-stippling on the plain areas. At the center of the back strap
is a shield-like device which features the original owner’s
initials. The monogram, “PW”, is beautifully rendered,
having shaded areas in between the engravings. The “P”
guard is also quite interesting as it has a seldom seen pierced
feature between the oak leaves, which run down its length. Piercing,
for some reason, was not seen too often as it must have been quite
expensive, requiring lots of hand work. The ferrule is quite nice,
having overlapping oak leaves which run around its circumference.
The cross guard has a shield-like device and features a pebbled
finish with no other detail. It is the same on the reverse. The
quillon ends in a finely detailed lion head. There appears to
still be plenty of gilt remaining around the fine brass of this
piece. Frankly, it could use a good cleaning to show off at its
best. The grip is a fine blue/purple sharkskin. It remains in
perfect condition, with all of its original grain. The grip is
tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire, the center being
slightly larger. A beautiful hilt here, which is of a nature seldom
seen. The thirty inch long blade is incredible. It is in stone
mint condition and is a hand-forged Damascus example featuring
the “band” pattern. The band pattern has the look of
pulling apart a piece of Turkish taffy. That is the way the pattern
looks in the metal. This beautiful blade also has a quillback
at the end and the curve is more drastic than we normally see.
I cannot say enough about the beauty of this blade. It virtually
looks like it is moving to the eye. The original distributor’s
name is etched out of the top of the blade. It is the prestigious
Prussian supplier who was responsible for many of the items won
by the royal family, “M.Neumann Hoflieferant Berlin”.
Although Neumann did not make anything, they must have had contacts
with the best of the best, as rarely is a product seen bearing
this name that is not outstanding. The scabbard for this piece
is in good, dent free condition. The original paint shows some
age across its surfaces, but I think if it were compounded it
would come up quite a bit. A good hilt cleaning would also make
for a fine sword. The blade itself does not need a thing, as it
looks the same as it did when this sword was brand new one hundred
years ago. A very beautiful, highest quality product here and
something which will make you smile every single time you look at it.(SIMP039)
SWDSIMP #24809 OLDENBURG CAVALRY OFFICERS LION HEAD WITH PIERCED HILT - I. Robrecht
This beautiful
Oldenburg sword is in brand new condition. Hard to believe, that
it is one hundred years old, as it is easily one of the most beautiful
examples I have ever seen having condition extraordinaire. The
hilt is a oversized lion head. This feline has the absolute best
detail I have ever seen rendered to a sword hilt. The fire gilt
has both shiny and muted parts. The areas where the hand engraver
has lined his accent marks, gleam from the muted backgrounds.
The lion has a hand-accented beard, as well as pebbling to his
hand-accented whiskers, snout, brow above the eyes and, of course,
to all the fur flowing back in his mane. Easily one of the most
beautiful lion heads you will ever see. Adding to the cat’s
elegance are red faceted ruby eyes. These eyes have actual settings
and I think are the real deal. They are just outstanding, being
a deep blood red color. The back strap features floral style details,
which are highly raised out. There is a center area which has
been left smooth for an owner’s monogram. The “P”
guard is a pierced example which is wider at the center bend,
narrowing as it comes into the cross guard. This “P”
guard displays beautiful sprigs of oak leaves and acorns all appearing
to “float” in the middle. This “P” guard is
the best you will see. The cross guard features a langet which
has crossed Calvary swords. Applied over the swords is a contrasting
silvered, raised out insignia. This insignia has a sunburst in
the background, and superimposed over this, is the Oldenburg crown
resting over the state crest. The state crest is halved with one,
line-decorated side having an Excalibur style sword and the other
side of the crest, having two squares which are lined to contrast
with the smooth areas. The patinated, silvered application here
is just fantastic against the muted gilded base. The reverse langet
has a raised out floral decorated shield, which is also left plain.
The cross guard goes into a quillon end which features a detailed
lion. Take my word for it, collectors, this is easily one of the
most elegant and best conditioned hilts you will see. The grip
is also in great condition, being a sharkskin covered example.
The ribs seem to have a sharper edge to each one of them than
we normally see. All of the grain remains in the sharkskin and
it is tightly wrapped with triple twisted silver wire, the center
being slightly larger. The blade of this example is also in brand
new condition. It is a thirty-three inch long saber style blade
with quillback. It has the highest quality, nickel plated finish
I can remember seeing. It is absolutely stone mint throughout,
and the best you will see. On the spine in a raised out, frosted
background is the firm’s name, reputation and their location,
“I. Robrecht Hoflieferant. Berlin”. The word “Hoflieferant”
means that I. Robrecht was selected to supply the royal family.
The scabbard of this sword is in the same condition as the saber
itself. It is totally perfect, having a beautiful blued 100% finish.
Contrasting with the blue finish is a set of brass carrying bands
with only one carrying ring at the top. The eyelet for the lower
carrying ring has been removed per the Imperial order of 1906.
By way of background, the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg only had one
cavalry regiment. This makes this sword an extremely rare item
to begin with, and to find it in this condition, is of astronomical
odds. This is a great sword for the advanced serious Imperial
collector. I forgot to mention it in the description above, but
the original portapee is also on this sword. It is of black leather
construction, being the larger proportioned type. It has stitching
of silver with a red center running the length. The woven leather
slide is the same and the stem and lower ball are of silver bouillon.
The insert is a black color with silver dots.
SWDSIMP #26783 IMPERIAL BAVARIAN ARTILLERY SWORD - Unmarked Carl Eickhorn
This Bavarian
artillery sword is of all-nickel plated hilt construction. The
plating throughout the hilt does not look to have been cleaned
in a while, but it is still in excellent shape, showing only nominal
age. The hilt configuration has a smooth pommel and smooth back
strap with “D” guard which is also smooth, having a
slot at the top of it which accommodated a portepee. The “D”
guard travels through the cross guard area and ends in a teardrop
curl. There is an original portepee still through the slot. It
is a brown leather style which has a shaving brush, cream colored
end. It appears as though the cap portion has mostly rotted out,
but it is possible to see that this was once a yellow color. There
is no slide portion, and I don’t know whether there ever
was. The grip is made of a black ebony wood. It is nicely sectioned
into good, sharp ribs for a sound handhold. The scabbard is also
a nickel plated item. This scabbard shell is straight throughout
and the nickeling is still quite good, showing a little bit of
minor age here and there, but, overall, it rates at about 95%
- 98%. The scabbard shell is fitted with one carrying band and
matching ring. The blade is a wider proportion type and it measures
about 32 inches in length. The blade does not look to have been
cleaned in a long time and it does have some minor age spotting,
a lot of which would clean up. Both sides of the blade are etched
with the Bavarian motto “In Treue fest”. This slogan
is etched into a ribboned image which is twisted around floral
devices. It appears on both sides of the blade and the etch ends
in “Fleur de lis” devices. This blade grades at about
excellent, but certainly could clean up to excellent plus. The
ricasso is unmarked, but I am sure that this is an Eickhorn produced
sword, as it is identical to the example shown in the 1906 Eickhorn
catalogue. This identical sword appears on Page 124 of the Imperial
catalogue and is listed as Model No. 266. The original off-white
leather washer is in place. A good project here for someone who
wants to work a little with cleaning up this sword. It is all
still there!(SIMP044)
SWDSIMP #26736C IMPERIAL LION HEAD ARTILLERY SABER - WKC
This Lion Head
Imperial sword has a fine gilded finish to it. It is a more yellow
look than we normally see on swords, but it looks good. This sword
is very similar to the example shown in the Angolia book on Page
370. Much of this sword has been left plain to show contrast where
it occurs. The lion head is a nicely formed cat that is fitted
with pink faceted eyes. The cat has good detail to his snout,
brow and mane. There is lots of hand-enhancing evident around
these areas. The back strap is left plain with the exception of
the center area, which flows inward to the side tabs. This area
is done up in floral designs with hand-enhancing. The “p”
guard also is left plain, with only a little bit of raised floraling
at the very top. The ferrule has raised out oak leaf sprigs, the
same as the book example. The reverse cross guard features a fine
knight style crest over a blank shield. On the obverse, there
is a set of crossed cannon, indicating the owner was an artillery
man. The cannon have nice floral designs in between. The quillon
extends outward, ending in a roaring miniature lion head. Nice-looking
hilt here! The grip is a blue/purple color sharkskin. It is in
good condition throughout. The sharkskin is wrapped with triple
silver wire. These wires are all twisted, with a larger example
in the center. There is a brown color cloth portepee attached
to this sword. The portepee has a textured strapping and at the
slide area, there is a bullion depiction of a lion standing on
his hind legs scratching at air with his upper paws. I believe
that this is the sign of a Bulgarian piece. The lower ball ends
in an oval shape, having yarn-like brown bullion. I don’t
know whether this knot is original to the sword, but it looks
pretty nice tied around it. The scabbard is a good, straight example.
It is a wide scabbard which accommodates a larger proportioned
blade. This scabbard has no dents and good, original black paint.
The paint is nearly 100% and looks to be in near mint condition.
The blade is a wide sort and measures about 31 inches. It is of
high quality throughout and has outstanding nickel plated finish.
The blade is in mint condition with a wide style fuller. The obverse
ricasso is marked with the side-by-side W.K. & C. turn-of-the-century
style logo. The original red buffer is in place. A nice looking
Imperial sword here.(SIMP046)
SWDSIMP #26462 IMPERIAL JAWLESS ARTILLERY LION HEAD
This Lion head
sword is illustrated in the Angolia sword book on Page 368. The
hilt has good brass base throughout. It depicts a lion head with
a jawless design. There are no glass eyes in this cat. He does
have good detail, though, to his whiskers, brow and mane which
flows backward. The back spine has a floral detailing around the
center. The “p” guard has a shield device in the center
with three swords sticking out of the top of it. The cross guard
features a pebbled background and ends in a floral device holding
a ball. The reverse langet features a blank shield with floral
wreath around it. The obverse has raised out crossed cannons with
laurel leaves. This depiction shows some wear and has a nice yellow
color to its brass base. There may still be gilding throughout
which gives it this look. The grip appears to be a sharkskin type
and it is in fairly good condition, covering at 100%. This grip
is wrapped with triple brass wire, the center being twisted. There
is also an old leather portepee, which is still attached to the
hilt. The portepee appears to have been a black color at one time,
but it shows age now and it is hard to say its original color.
The scabbard is a straight example and reflects good nickel plating.
The nickel does not look to have been cleaned in years, but I
am sure it would come up nice, as there is no rust and no material
missing. The scabbard is fitted with dual ring carriage, indicating
this sword was worn prior to 1906. It is the same as is shown
on Page 68. The blade is a triple-etched 32-inch long example.
This blade is in excellent condition. It is not as bright as some
I have seen, but I believe it is meant to have this kind of a
matte finish. Both sides of the blade depict military themes.
There are panels mixed with armor, standartes, drums, spears,
etc. The blade appears to be in near full mint condition. The
obverse ricasso has the side by side king and knight logo used
by the W. K. & C. firm around the turn of the last century.
Not a bad sword here, which, with a little effort, will clean
up to be really nice.(SIMP047)
SWDSIMP #22220R IMPERIAL "GROSSER" SIZE PRUSSIAN CAVALRY M-89 BASKET HILT DEGEN - Weirberg and Company
This
M-89 basket hilt is a very large size degen. It appears to be
identical to the piece which is shown in the Angolia sword book
on Page 380. The pommel is a relatively square-like cap having
a spanner device on type, which retains the tang of the blade.
From the pommel is a large basket hilt extension. The basket has
three tiers, and in the center, it features a Prussian eagle.
The assembly is made of a steel base having bright nickel-plated
surfaces. There is minor age in the surfaces but for the most
part it is all there and looks good being slightly glitzy. The
grip is made of an ebony wood. This ebony is in perfect condition
and it is retained with two rivet and spanner hardware devices,
which are plated in matching nickel. The ebony grip has a handhold
consisting of ten ribs. The straight blade of this example is
a large proportion and is 33 inches in length. It has a quill
back design on the end. The blade remains nice and bright and
is in a near mint condition. This blade has a slab side with single
edge and fairly thick spine. The obverse ricasso is stamped with
the maker name and location, “Weyersberg and Company Solingen.”
The original black leather washer is in place. The scabbard is
also a nickel-plated version. The plating is still excellent,
but unfortunately there is quite a bit of denting throughout the
surfaces. This is kind of a shame, especially since the plating
is still so nice. There are some property stampings on the reverse
area below the throat. They appear to be a stylized capital letter
“R” and then a standard capital letter “E”
and then a Roman numeral “7” and then a capital letter
“A” after that. Beneath these numbers is a smaller stamping,
“67.” And above, another smaller stamping “12.”
There is a chain and hook assembly attached to the stationary
ring. Since this assembly is marked “France,” I do not
think it is original to this sword. This is a very large degen
and also has a good length. Quite impressive throughout.
SWDSIMP #28443R IMPERIAL PRUSSIAN TRAIN BATALLION BASKET HILT - Carl Eickhorn
This
Train Battalion saber appears the same as the example shown on
Page 293 of the Angolia sword book. It features an all nickel
basket hilt having three-tier construction. The basket is plain
throughout, as is the pommel and backstrap. The grip is a black
bake-o-lite variety having 11 rib construction. There is no wire
on this bake-o-lite grip and there is no sign that there ever
was. The nickel hilt has a golden glow about it, but this may
just be caused from old lacquer, which has changed color over
the years. The large proportioned saber blade is triple etched.
It is 33 inches in length. The obverse is etched with four panels
of detail, two being floraling and the other two having military
theme, i.e., Prussian eagle, flags, etc., and cross canons, bugle,
etc. In the center, is a larger panel which has the raised out
identification of the regiment, “WESTPR.TRAIN BAT. NO-17.”
Obviously this represents the West Prussian Train Battalion No.
17. The ricasso of the sword is marked “K56.” The blade
reverse has more floral designs than the obverse, and it has two
more panels featuring military theme, the upper being a Prussian
eagle in a shield above crossed flags swords, and the lower being
crossed flags over swords, bugle, etc. The spine is etched with
flowing laurel leaves. This blade shows some only minor age, but
the etches are nice and deep and still look very presentable.
This blade is easily in excellent plus, plus to near mint condition.
The reverse ricasso is stamped with the back-to-back seated squirrels.
This trademark was used by Eichorn throughout World War I. The
scabbard is a good straight black painted example. The paint looks
to have been touched up over the years and has quite a bit of
age in the old surfaces. The repaint, though, is fairly good,
but the painter did not bother to sand out the old finish so it
is irregular at best. The carrying ring is a stationary type.
Train swords are not that common and this is a good one to round
out an Imperial collection.
SWDSIMP #22209R IMPERIAL SAXON INFANTRY OFFICER DEGEN - WKC
This
Saxon officer hilt is of all brass construction. It is quite beautiful
and is identical to the example, which is shown on Page 445 of
the Angolia sword book. The pommel cap has the flared out style
indicative of a Saxon piece. The backstrap only extends a short
distance and has a fine floral design border with enhanced flower
in the center. The guard is shaped like a letter, “C”
as it flares upward where it comes off the pommel area. It is
relatively plain just having line design. It joins into a floraled
pierced basket design at the lower. This basket is quite beautiful
displaying a Saxon crest having the two lions next to the beehive
design and then there are pierced flowers, which make up the rest
of the motif. There is a quillon in a teardrop shape which extends
outward from the basket. This brass is still very beautiful having
a fine gold glisten to it. I would say the gild is still about
85% to 95%. The grip is a blue/purple sharkskin covered example.
The sharkskin still remains perfect having nice original color
and featuring all of the graining. This grip is tightly wrapped
with dual twisted silver wire. These two wires are twisted opposite,
making for a nice effect. The 32 ½ inch straight blade
is quite interesting being just like the book piece. It has three
fullers, which are run its length, terminating a few inches before
the tip. This blade is a nickel-plated item and it still reflects
a good bright plating which shows only the most nominal of age.
This blade grades in near mint condition. The top fuller has the
name of a distributor where this sword was purchased “C.A.
Westmann Dresden.” Dresden, of course, was the capital city
of Saxony. In the lower fuller are the words, “Eisenhauer”
and then, “Garantirt.” These words attest to the quality
of the steel used in this blade. The obverse ricasso is stamped
with the turn of the century king and knighthead side by side
with the firm’s initials below, “W.K. & C.”
The blade buffer has gone to time. The accompanying scabbard has
a few dings in the surfaces and it looks like the old paint has
been touched up over the years. The current paint job looks pretty
good, but you can still see the old part beneath it. It covers
though, at nearly 100% and still looks pretty good. Not a common
sword.
