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!

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1.  SWDSIMP #33294C Grosser Pattern Imperial Model 89 with Dedicated Damascus Blade – WKC

   This Model 89 Sword is extremely desirable have a huge Grosser pattern hilt. The hilt is all cast of finest brass and has about 60-70% of the original gilt still in the recesses. The pommel is a flat style having the original owner’s monogram beautifully jeweler engraved into the surfaces. The monogram is “OM”. The initials are beautifully intertwined. The forward bottom portion of the pommel has raised oak leaves running around its circumference. The portion of the hilt below the pommel also features raised oak leaves. The area which retains the grip features a fierce god like head which appears to have a long hanging mustache with heavily slanted eyebrows. It is a great looking ferocious head designed to instill fear in the enemy. Below the head is a floral device. The “P” guard of this example is three tiered and features some fine raised leafing having lots of hand done pebble features in between the leaves. At the lower portion of the basket hilt there is a wonderfully carved Prussian eagle which looks to the viewer’s right. The eagle is equipped with a Prussian crown with cross at the top. On the bird’s breast it is the Kaiser’s monogram, “W” over Roman numeral, “II”. In each talon the bird grasps a sword and scepter respectively. The bird has outstanding detail throughout which has all been hand rendered. The lower portion of the basket hilt is also hand rendered with elaborate floral design. The same is true of the upper portion of the hilt being finished completely to include the reverse of the bird. It is interesting to note there is a shield at the front side of the lower hilt which may have been an area for personalization. Outstanding work and detail throughout this extra quality hilt.

   The ferrule features floral designs which run throughout its circumference. Below the ferrule is a white leather “finger hold” which is still completely intact showing some age cracking but it all remains in place. The grip is a very fine ebony wood being toned downward from right to left. This grip is in totally perfect condition and is tightly wrapped with triple twisted silver wire, the center wire being of larger proportion. Applied to the center obverse of the grip is the Prussian monogram consisting of the intertwined monogram of the Kaiser, “RW” with the Roman numeral, “II” beneath. The monogram features a Prussian crown at its top. Adding to the nice look of this hilt is the original portepee. It is a gold colored bullion having fine texture throughout with twin yellow accent lines which run the length. The slide is a bullion weave and the stem is a gold colored metal type having a crochet-like bullion covering. The lower acorn ball is yarn-like bullion with a black yarn stuffing. Other than age toning this knot is in perfect condition. The scabbard is straight throughout. This scabbard is finished with a fine nickel-plated surface which is 100% throughout. This plating is still as good as the day it was done.

   The scabbard features a flared throat retained by two dome head screws. It is equipped with dual bands and carrying rings as was the style before 1906. A fine scabbard here! As nice as as the outside is on this sword though, the blade has to be where it is at! The blade is a beautiful straight degen style having a permanent maiden hair Damascus pattern. The Damascus is in perfect condition throughout. This blade is heavily etched with beautiful floral decorations. On the obverse the decorations completely surround a two-line dedication. The gilding to the blade work appears to be all there. The blade bears the two-line dedication, “Die Veteranen des Ferndorfer Kreigervereins i./l. Herrn Lieutenant O. Münker / zur freundlichen Erinnerung au die Veternenfeier am 26. Februar 1898”. This presentation basically says that the sword was given in friendship and has a remembrance of the veteran’s club of the town of Ferndorf. The sword was presented to Lt. O. Münker on February 26, 1898. The gilded characters throughout this blade are nearly 100% and are extremely striking. The reverse of the blade is equipped with beautiful raised out depictions which at the ricasso show the figure of Germania being winged and holding a wreath above her head. The backgrounds have 100% blue. The center panel also has nice bluing being about 85% showing a military theme of drums, standartes and swords. The upper panel has 100% blue with a gilded military motif of helmets, shields and the like. The spine of this example features gilded raised oak leaves. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the turn of the century marking featuring a king next to a knight head. Beneath are the initials of the firm, “W.K.&C.”. The original leather washer is in place. This is a wonderful blade to really be enjoyed by an ardent collector. This sword would make a fantastic display resting in a cradle in a collecting room. We did a little research on Lt. Münker and find that he was probably born about 1865 and joined the Prussian army as a reserve officer in 1888. He was with infantry regiment 87 and rose to the rank of Hauptmann. Since there were no wars going on at the time of his career there is nothing that is distinguished about his service. He retired in 1908 and probably was called into World War I but since he was about fifty at that time he probably would not have served in combat. In 1913 he was given the right to wear his reserve officer uniform. No doubt Münker was a distinguished officer in his home town veteran’s league Ferndorfer. Assumedly more research could be done on this officer. This is a great opportunity to acquire a fantastic imperial sword having all of the bells and whistles. It is a very substantial piece and would make a great addition to an investment quality imperial collection. This sword is accompanied by the dossier we worked up on the career of this man.

   Near Mint. $10,995.00

2.  SWDSIMP #33369 Imperial Naval Officer’s Sword

   This Imperial Naval Officer’s Sword is absolutely stunning and is probably in the best condition I have seen to date. Considering that this sword is at least one hundred years old it virtually looks like it just came out of the box. This sword has the traditional lion head look. The lion head is the type with the longer snout. It has beautiful detail throughout its jaw area, snout, brow and flowing mane. The mane flows only backward to the beginning of the backstrap. This beautiful cat is fitted with green and red faceted glass eyes in keeping with the nautical theme. This hilt has near 100% of the original gilded surfaces. It appears to me as though a small portion of the lion’s upper head may have been touched up in the past by a previous collector. I may also be wrong but the gilding at the top of the head is slightly more dull than the rest of the gilding leaving me to this conclusion. It is no big deal though and if anything finishes the treat to the viewer’s eyes when this sword is looked upon. The reverse backstrap has raised out oak leaves which end in flowers on each of the grip tabs. There is a small plain oval left for use of a monogram. The “D” guard is also a real beauty having 100% of the gilt. The center area of this guard features raised out C clamps and at the lower section there is a curled dolphin. Very beautiful indeed and these features all have hand enhancing. The folding clamshell is nothing short of spectacular. This clamshell features an oval in the center being pierced. The center area features the distinctive imperial crown atop a fouled anchor. The piercing gives a very unusual effect to the crossguard and something rarely seen on naval swords. In keeping with the “D” guard motif this clamshell outside areas features reeds and cattails and at the right lower area there is an additional dolphin or some sort of sea animal. The gilding is 100% throughout this depiction and could not be nicer. A very beautiful thing to behold! The reverse clamshell is also folding providing a hold lock mechanism which folds over a male counterpart on the upper reverse scabbard. It is interesting to note that the lower portion of the locking device also has raised sea plants. Beautiful work here!

   The grip of this example is a celluloid over carved wood base. In keeping with the condition of the sword the celluloid is still very white having not experienced age toning. Apparently this sword was wrapped up somewhere in a dark closet or cedar chest for the last hundred years. The celluloid is in perfect condition except for a tiny, tiny hairliner just under the jaw of the lion. This slight flaw though does not appear to be something that will grow in time. This fine celluloid grip is tighly wrapped with dual twisted silver wire. Setting this hilt off is its original imperial sword knot. This silver bullion knot is in fantastic condition being set in place in its original naval tie. The bullion is speckled with black and red spots. It is interesting to note that the knotted area around the bottom of the hilt still retains its original silver color as obviously the clamshell is in an upward position protecting the air from toning this cord. The portions of the cord which extend upward and below the clamshell have deep patina from age. The lower portions of the cord are in the same fine condition with bullion slide and stem, both parts having red and black “V” designs. The lower ball is of silver yarn-like bullion with a stuffing of red, white and black thread. This is one of the most beautiful hilts you will ever see. Adding to the gorgeous features of this sword is a full mint conditioned scabbard. The leather shell is in pristine condition showing little to no age. This black shell has the decorative lines which run on the edges of all four sides and the reverse is sewn up the rear. The scabbard mounts are also extra cost types. These scabbard mounts are finished with hand pebbled surfaces. They have traditional naval scenes intermixed with the pebbling where the areas are left plain for contrast. The eyelets are also pebbled as are the carrying rings. The lower chape area has some interesting floral leaves being stacked up with an arrow like device piercing through the three leaves. These scabbard mounts have absolutely 100% of the original gilt finish. The scabbard mounts are retained by staples and on this example the staple manner is slightly different from norm. It features the small style staples on the upper and center mount with large style staple on the lower chape. As we would hope, the double etched blade is in stone mint condition. It reflects outstanding mirror bright nickel finished surfaces with needlelike tip. The obverse portion of the blade features a dreadnaught making its way over the ocean waves. This dreadnaught is equipped with four stacks and flies three ensigns from its mast. The detail to the dreadnaught is fantastic with smoke pouring out of the foremost stack. Next up is a crossed oar and trident with floral decoration, and following that is a fouled anchor positioned over a pair of crossed oars. The beautiful pattern is ended with floral devices. The frosting in the backgrounds is 100% nicely accenting these raised details. The reverse of the blade features another dreadnaught heading directly into the face of the viewer over a bed of waves. On this depiction much of the superstructure as well as the porthole areas of the bow can be easily seen. The crows nest is quite visible and since the ship is coming directly at the viewer only one ensign can be seen flying. After this comes an etch of floral devices and then in the center is an unusual depiction of a rifle across a spy glass with an oar and a rigging device having a flying flag above it. The etch is finished with a crossed oar and trident with more floral devices. The spine has laurel leaves running about half the length of the blade.

   There is no maker mark on this blade and I tried looking up these patterns as well as the outside motifs but I could not find them in any of my old imperial catalogs. Whatever company made this sword they must have been a small outfit but absolute finest of quality. If you are looking for an imperial naval sword that can not be upgraded this one should suit your needs. A most beautiful example here!

   Mint. $3,995.00

3.  SWDSIMP #33245 Imperial Grosser Heavy Cavalry Pallasch

   This massive Heavy Cavalry Sword appears in an untouched state on the outside. The outside does not look to have been cleaned in the last hundred years. The massive hilt is produced of all high quality cast brass and the scabbard appears as though it once had a nickel finish. All of these features though could be easily remedied with cleaning of the hilt and a repaint of the scabbard. The blade though is extremely impressive and has been preserved “as new” all of these years. We will get to that in a moment however. The hilt portion of this sword is equipped with a rounded style plain brass pommel. Below the pommel area the hilt section is extended to accept the grip. This area is also plain. The basket hilt is the three-tiered type immediately identifying this sword as being used by heavy cavalry. These horsemen were generally very large men and wore heavy armor during wartime. The entire hilt of this example has a deep patination from a century of time. It is interesting to note that on the upper portion of the guard there are three notches that have been cut into this surface. They appear to have been done on purpose and the reason for this is not known to me. The grip is a heavy carved ebony or some other dark hardwood. It has sections which run downward from right to left. The grip is wrapped with triple twisted brass wire which seems to be totally intact. The inner areas of the ribs are filled with years of dirt and residue. The scabbard is a straight type and it is equipped with dual carrying rings as was the style prior to 1906. Some of the original nickel finish still appears in the surfaces. The lower portion of this dent free scabbard has a chape acting as the drag. The throat is nickel-plated and is probably the finish the entire scabbard had at one time.

   Taking the blade out of this scabbard is a real effort as I am not a big enough man to actually withdraw the blade with my arms extended. That is how large this sword is! The massive blade extends almost 37-inches. It must have taken a six foot six tall man to wear a sword of this length. The blade has double fullers which extend nearly to the tip. The blade has a beautiful nickel finish which is still bright and easily in near full mint condition. A spectacular blade here! The first half of the blade is etched with frosted backgrounds on all three sides. The obverse of the blade features a starting etch of floral devices with a panel in the center. Past the panel are more floral devices and a set of crossed standartes. The etch finish with more floraling. However, the panel in the center is outstanding and a real treat to the eye. It has blue backgrounds which appear to still be 100%. Raised out in two lines is the inscription, “Kürassier Anderbrügge / I. Esk.Kür. Regt. von Briesen (Westf.) No4.”. I believe that Anderbrügge is probably the name of the original carrier of this sword and obviously he was from the Westfalia area. His regiment is also there so it should not be too difficult to research this officer. On the reverse of the blade there are more beautiful floral etches with military themes of standartes and spears. In the center area are four blue ribbons which have 100% of the blue background. Etched out of these blue ribbons is the standard remembrance, “Zur / Erinnerung / an Meine / Dienstzeit”. The spine is etched with oak leaves. A remarkable sword here and a weapon that will really stand out in your collection. I personally think that the hilt should be cleaned and that an attempt to clean the scabbard should be made. If any of the nickeling is left to the scabbard so be it. If the nickeling is gone it would pay to take this scabbard to an approved body shop and have it probably repainted. The blade of this example is simply gorgeous and it would be nice to see the sword’s outside compliment its inside. These heavy Cavalry Pallasch’s are extremely desirable. You will not find a larger sword carried by cavalry officers and men who must have been super he-men of their day. Just imagine the sight these mounted cuirassiers on parade mounted on magnificent stallions attired in bright brass armor with lobster tail eagle topped helmets and these very long heavy swords. Quite a spectacle indeed and now is your chance to actually own a piece of this kind of military history reminiscent of the times when men were really men! A similar Pallasch can be seen in the Johnson Wittman Imperial book on page 165.

   Excellent Plus, Plus. $2,995.00

4. SWDSIMP #33222C Imperial High Quality Naval Sword

   This Imperial Naval Sword is highly hand enhanced with decorative panels, which would have been a costly bill at the time. The hilt is the standard long snout style lion head pommel. There is much handwork to the lion’s snout, his lower jaw and the mane above. This cat has red and green glass eyes. The back strap consists of raised oak leaves and acorns and there is lots of handwork evident to the veining of these leaves. The grip side tabs feature swirl designs. The basket guard features oak leaves and acorns also having much handwork and pebbling along the plain areas. The crossguard is a clamshell type which has a folding hinge. It depicts an oval in the center which has a raised out fouled anchor with fine high finial imperial crown at the top. There is more random pebbling around the anchor design. Flanking the oval are more oak leaves and acorns on both sides. This beautiful gilded brass work is as nice as you will see and the gilding remains at about 95%. The grip is a fine genuine ivory. This grip has toned nicely having golden colors in the surfaces here and there. It also has some typical cracking more noticeable on the obverse than the reverse. There is also a small chip that has come out of the lower left rib but it is not bad. The grip wiring that is in place consists of a single twisted brass type. At one time this grip had also two other wires, one on each side of the brass, but they are now gone to time. This grip could be rewired but it is a fairly expensive proposition but should the next purchaser desire this please say the word. The reverse langet is a folding type which is holed to flap over a nail prong positioned at the upper scabbard mount. The leather black scabbard is in remarkable condition still being supple and showing very little age. This fine leather is accented with twin lines that run the length of the edges on both sides. The scabbard mounts are absolutely exquisite. Each mount features a oak leaf and acorn panel at the upper and lower portion and in the center areas they have had a fish scale design cut into the surfaces. The workmanship is outstanding throughout these scabbard mounts. The upper and center mount have a separately applied carrying ring. The ring consists of beautiful overlapping single oak leaves with acorns. Attached to the carrying ring are eyelets which have twin serrated surfaces and carrying rings attached. These beautiful scabbard mounts are retained with small style staples. Like the hilt, nearly 100% of the original fire gilt still remains. The blade of this example is a further treat to the eye. It is about 32-inches in length and is the style with quill back. This blade is forged in a Damastuhl pattern Damascus steel and is still quite beautiful showing little age and rating in near full mint condition. The blade is unmarked and quite frankly is a very beautiful sight to behold. The original red felt buffer is in place. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful naval sabers I have handled to date. A great addition for the serious imperial or naval collector.

   Near Mint. $5,995.00

5. SWDSIMP #33223C Imperial Naval Grosser Pattern Sword with Dedicated Blade

   This Grosser Pattern Naval Sword is extremely impressive. The hilt is a huge, oversized example featuring a very large lion head of a different structure than I have seen in the past. This lion has a kindlier expression on his face than the normal felines that we see on naval hilts. He has remarkable handwork evident throughout his features to include the whiskers, brow areas and the mane. As is norm, this cat is fitted with red and green faceted eyes. His large mane flows backward and covers the entire backstrap. Needless to say much of this mane is all hand worked. The “D” guard is different than most in that it features what appears to me to be the ends of wave white caps. It is a nice design and has hand pebbling in between. The clamshell is a folding type and it positions a fouled anchor not quite horizontal being enclosed by an oval of rope. The anchor is highly raised out having an imperial finial crown with streamers coming down from it. This design is also different from others I have seen. To the right of the oval are more cresting wave designs. The reverse langet folds down where it is holed to accept the stud on the reverse of the upper scabbard mount. This langet is jeweler engraved with the surname of the original owner, “Jantzen”. There are several “Jantzens” listed in imperial references so it will be the job of the next owner to narrow these names down to the original carrier. The grip of this example is an outstanding large genuine ivory example. The grip shows a tiny chip at the obverse upper area and it looks as though there is a crack in the reverse upper area where a chip began but did not fall out of the grip. This grip has toned to a fine golden color and there are grains which run through it. It is tightly wrapped with triple brass wire, the center being a larger style being the spring like variety we see used quite often on later pieces. The original imperial sword knot is still tightly in place tied in the prescribed manner. This knot tie is extremely complicated and really looks great. The imperial knot shows a little bit of fraying around the upper loop but other than that it is in fairly good condition. It is a silver bullion which has flecks of black and red running through the cord. The stem and the slide have “V” decorations in red and the lower ball is a silver bullion type with a cat’s anus style stuffing. A really remarkable hilt here. The scabbard leather shows some age and some usage but it is still in good condition with no real problems. It looks as though someone long ago may have lacquered this leather as it has a slight shine to the finish. The reverse is sewn up in the normal fashion. The scabbard mounts are matching brass and they are all decorated with the traditional naval engravings. These mounts are held in place by flush mount rivets, one on the edge of each mount. The upper and center mount have smooth eyelets and carrying rings. The blade is of very large girth and it measures 31-inches in length. It is equipped with a single fuller construction that runs about three quarters of the length. The blade still has bright nickel-plated surfaces throughout and there is a little old pitting towards the tip but it does not really take away from this example. The blade is a double etched variety with a dedication panel on the obverse. The panel has a blue background which still has about 90% of its blue finish. Raised out of the panel is the dedication, “Baslin s. / l. Jantzen”. Obviously Baslin gave the sword to Jantzen. The “s. / l.” abbreviation between the two names stands for Seinen Lieben which is a admiration term amongst two men. It was fashionable at the turn of the century to give swords to one’s closet buddy usually while going to cadet school. A good way to find out which Jantzen this sword belonged to would be to find a record of Baslin. Once the two names can be tied together on the same year of graduation you will have the proper identity. This is not a hard job to do and maybe it will bring great rewards! Around the dedication panel at the end are sea plants which have dolphins swimming among them. At the beginning after the ricasso is an old fashioned dreadnaught steaming along through an ocean of waves heading towards the viewer. At the ricasso is a sea plant. The reverse of the blade also has a sea plant at the ricasso with a four stacked dreadnaught with ensign flying from the bow. This ship is also steaming towards the viewer. Next on the blade is a fine fouled anchor with imperial crown over its top. Next on the blade is an interesting etch I have not seen before consisting of a flag with cross in the center, a ship’s steering wheel a foul weather gear hat, what looks like some sort of a gathering box and at the bottom a spooled rope. The final etch features dolphins among sea plants. I do not know who made this sword but I do know it is not a big producer as this etch is not familiar to me. The spine is etched with oak leaf designs. This blade grades in about excellent plus condition. There are small pieces of the original red felt buffer that remain beneath the blade shoulders. An outstanding heavy sword here which is very rare to find today. A great example to highlight a sophisticated imperial naval collection.

   Excellent Plus. $5,995.00

6. SWDSIMP #33173C Imperial Prussian Garde Schützen Sword With Damascus Blade

   This Imperial Garde Schützen Sword is the first one of this pattern that I have seen. It is extremely rare and, at first, I thought it was a sword from Meklinberg because of its eagle head top. After studying this sword and looking at the Garde star on the langet, it finally occurred to me that this sword is not from Meklinberg but is rather an officer’s version of the Prussian Oberjäger Hirschsfänger. If you have a copy of the Johnson Wittman Imperial Book, you will see this Hirschsfänger pictured on page 301. At any rate, this sword features an outstanding eagle head with open beak which acts to accept the “p” guard. The eagle is equipped with engraved eyes, a fine curved beak with nostrils and nice hand-done feathering running throughout the bird’s head and neck area. It is a most interesting design, as the head of the bird is dipped in the same fashion as the Oebjäger Hirschsfänger. The rest of the sword is all in plain brass to include the duration of the back strap with grip tabs, the “p” guard, the cross guard and the quillon which ends in a teardrop shape. The langet on the obverse is also most interesting as it has a high-quality, deluxe raised out Garde star pinned into the center. The star is highly vaulted, having a silvered background and in the center is the white enamel diameter with order of the black eagle inside. The slogan of the Garde de Korps, “SUUM CUIQUE” is in gold lettering on the white enamel diameter and at the bottom there is a wreath of leaves. This motto in English, of course means “TWO EACH HIS OWN”. Fortunately, despite the large vaulting of this Garde star, all of the enamel is completely intact with no fractures. There is lots of patination that has built up between the star points but this if anything adds great realism to this very rare sword. Although I am not highly versed in Imperial regiments, I do know that the so-called “Garde” regiments were at the beck and call of the Kaiser and normally were composed of elite officers. The Garde Schützen and Jäger regiments were also under the Kaiser’s immediate authority. The man who owned this sword, I am certain, was a highly thought of individual, as officers who served in these regiments were extremely skillful with rifle and hunting techniques. The grip of this example still has 99% of its original sharkskin intact. There are a couple of spots at the center bulbous area where there are nicks in the material but they are very nominal. The grain is also still in the sharkskin and it is tightly wrapped with triple silver twisted wire. There is a portepee on this sword, but I am not certain that it is the original example. The portepee has a bullion surface with lined texture and the inside is covered in red leather. At the bottom is a hinge device which retains the built-in slide and stem as well as the lower bullion ball. There is some blue trim in the stem and slide. This knot appears to be set in place so it is possible it is the original knot for this sword. The scabbard is a fine nickel plated example having two carrying ring construction. There are a couple of minor dings – one in each side – but otherwise the scabbard is nice and straight. The throat is retained by two large flathead screws which appear original to this piece. The plating throughout this scabbard is still in near perfect condition. The blade of this example is a fairly long 34”. It is a Damascus blade having a fine quillback design at the end. The Damascus pattern is a prominent maidenhair. The obverse of the blade is in very nice condition, having a couple of minor pits at the quillback edge and also at the lower edge near the tip. On the reverse, there are more pits toward the end of the blade but again, it is not too bad. The rest of the blade is in nice condition showing little age. The initial portion of the Damascus is etched with floral designs having a gilded finish. These designs are worn slightly and maybe 50% of the gilt remains. The reverse portion of the design has the words “DAMAST/STAHL” and on the obverse “EISEN-HAUER”. These words, of course, mean “THE BEST OF STEEL” and “DAMASCUS STEEL”. The upper portion of the blade is etched with laurel leaves and has the name of the famous distributor to royalty “M. Neumann-Berlin”. The original brown leather washer is in place. If you are a serious Imperial sword collector, I would think that this sword would be a great addition to your historical assemblage.

   Excellent. $6,995.00

7. SWDSIMP #33012 Imperial Naval Sabre

   This Imperial Naval Sabre appears to be a WKC variety but it is not marked so I don’t know for sure. I can tell you this – this example appears to be the identical motif as the color picture I show on page 462, far right. This sword has quite a bit of patina over the surfaces but the gilded finish still appears to be mostly there to the tune of maybe 65-70%. The hilt is of course a beautiful brass having lots of hand highlighting throughout. The lion head has a pretty long snout and he is equipped with the nautical feature of green and red eyes, both of which have faceted surfaces. The cat has lots of hand enhancing evident around his whiskers, brow and to his mane. This cat is really a great looker! The backstrap has a series of raised floral designs all of which have handwork evident throughout their veining. The “D” guard is in the traditional naval design having the three rope like structures which follow the outside borders and also on the inside area. The plain area in between has fine random pebbling throughout. The clamshell is a folding example. It depicts a horizontally laid out fouled anchor with a highly defined imperial crown above. This beautiful anchor is highlighted around the plain areas with lots of random pebbling and the clamshell is bordered by laurel leaves on all sides. The reverse langet is the style that is merely positioned downward but has no locking device. The grip is a fine genuine ivory. This ivory has a small crack at the reverse and the center area with a minor chip near the obverse center edge. This grip is a nice golden color and has lots of graining especially throughout its center and reverse area. This outstanding grip is tightly wrapped with triple twisted brass wire. The twisted brass wires are small on the two outsides and a large dimension on the inside. This grip wire has trapped a hundred years of residue and dirt within which to me always is a great feature as your literally seeing physical traces of where this sword has been for the last century. The grip is enhanced with its original silver bullion knot. The silver bullion feature was first adopted in 1923 so for sure this sword was worn after the Great War. This knot is tied in a triple loop at the bottom which really looks fantastic and is looped singly at the top. There is no fraying on this knot and all you see is lots of patination. The stem and slide have the traditional “V” designs and the lower ball is the thick yarn like bullion. As we usually see the lower portion of the knot is stuffed with a cat’s anus like material. A great looking hilt here! The scabbard is also in fairly nice condition. The leather shell is still in good condition showing some minor age in the surfaces and some usage signs but it is not bad and a little polish would really bring it up nicely if so desired. There is one minor kink toward the lower portion of the scabbard leather but the flaw is only noticeable on the obverse not the reverse. This scabbard is tightly sewn on the reverse. The scabbard mounts are all brass with traditional naval designs. I do not see a lot of gilt remaining on these mounts but they still look very, very nice. They are retained via small style staples with only one staple being used on the center mount, which is slightly unusual. The fine blade is a double etched type which does not have a pronounced quill back. The blade is quality nickel-plated throughout and still remains bright. It has only the most nominal of age in the surfaces but still easily grades in excellent plus, plus to near mint condition. The obverse etch features a Hohenzollern eagle within an oval. Above the Kaiser’s family monogram is an imperial crown which is nicely detailed with cross on top and it is positioned over a fouled anchor. Below the anchor are a set of crossed imperial war flags. Below this near the ricasso is a finely rigged sailing ship flying an ensign. The etch winds up at the top with a series of military implements being a standarte, a spiked helmet, oars, cannon and a drum. The reverse blade features in the center merely a fouled anchor. Above this is a crossed oar and trident and at the top is a set of crossed cannons with oar and standarte. At the bottom near the ricasso is a fully rigged sailing ship with its super structure hidden behind a floral plant design. The spine has nice laurel leaves running about half way down. There is no maker mark on this blade and it is protected by its original felt red buffer which is still in place showing only minor age. If you are looking for a nice imperial sword with etched blade, ivory grip and beautiful sword portepee this one would be hard to pass up.

   Excellent Plus $1995.00

8. SWDSIMP #33064 Saxon Infantry Officer’s Lion Head – Carl Eickhorn

   This outstanding sword is in a nickel finish throughout the hilt and scabbard. This is the model 219 produced by Carl Eickhorn and it is pictured in the Eickhorn imperial catalog on page 112. The sword features a fine lion head with long snout being the type without glass eyes. The workmanship throughout the cat’s head though is outstanding having evidence of good hand enhancing and also some pebble designs to give relief throughout the depiction. The lion’s mane runs to the upper portion of the backstrap where there is a raised floral motif with flowers on the grip tabs. In the center there is a smooth place left for the insertion of initials. The “P” guard is also floral decorated with raised out large leaves. In the center there is a floral surrounded Saxon crest. The crest has the appearance of a “beehive”. The ferrule is nicely done having oak leaf raised depictions. The grip is a celluloid over carved wood. This grip is still in perfect condition and it is tightly wrapped with triple twisted wire, the center being of larger proportion. At the top of the “P” guard is a slot which is probably left for the insertion of a portepee. The obverse langet features a shield like device in the center, the same as is shown in the catalog. The reverse also has a similar shield. The quillon ends with a roaring lion. This hilt would clean up nicely as it only shows patination. The same is true of the nickel-plated scabbard. This scabbard is straight throughout and has a fixed carrying ring. All of the plating still appears to be there and in easily cleanable condition. The choice long blade is just about 34-inches in length. It has high quality nickel plating and is mirror bright throughout. There are some very tiny signs of age here and there but the blade still easily grades in near full mint condition. It is interesting to note that the Carl Eickhorn logo used from 1933 through 1935 is stamped on the reverse ricasso. It features a set of small double ovals which contain the firm’s name and Solingen location. Inside is a seated squirrel. The original brown leather buffer is in place. It is a known fact that lost or destroyed imperial swords could be repurchased through WKC or Eickhorn at any time as these models were still available. A great example here of a rarely seen sword. This sword comes direct from the veteran family.

   Excellent Plus. $895.00

9. SWDSIMP #33143 Saxon Cavalry NCO Sword- F.W. Höller

   This large sword looks like it may have been made for more than just dress occasions. It is of large proportion and certainly would take a bit of sword play should the need arise. I am fairly certain it is Saxon because of the design of the bake-o-lite grip. It appears the grip and pommel appear identical to a model 89 sword shown in the WKC catalog as model number 142. This sword though is not a model 89 but appears to have a standard Cavalry style “D” guard. The hilt is all of steel construction being plain throughout. The pommel has a flat top with a spanner like device which retains the tang. The “D” guard goes around through the crossguard and ends in a teardrop shape. The grip is a very large bake-o-lite type which has a flare out right below the ribbed area. This seems to be the case with other Saxon swords thus my identification. If I am wrong I’m sure somebody out there will correct me. The bake-o-lite grip is in perfect condition and is retained by rivet and spanner hardware. The scabbard is a matching steel finish and other than a couple of very minor carrying dings on both sides toward the bottom the scabbard remains in good condition. It is the style that has a fixed carrying ring. The blade is a very large proportion no nonsense type. It is equipped with a quillback end and is finished in a matte polish. The blade shows very little age and is in first class condition throughout. This curved blade measures just over 31-inches and easily grades in near mint condition. The reverse ricasso is stamped in an arch shape with the manufacturer’s name, “F.W. Höller” and beneath is the town of “Solingen”. The original black leather washer is in place. A nice fighting style sword here.

   Excellent Plus Plus $495.00

10. SWDSIMP #32766C Model 89 Infantry Degen with Dedication – WKC

    This Imperial Model 89 Sword is a bit unusual in that we normally associate these sword types with Prussian states. In the case of this example though it is definitely a Bavarian sword. The pommel and short backstrap of this sword have very elaborate raised out floral designs. The designs have been hand enhanced and are extremely well done. The pommel cap has laurel leaves which are also vaulted outward running around the outside area. The upper cap has the monogram of the original owner which appears to be, “HW”. The letters are very beautifully rendered and professional in every way. The “D” guard also has fine floral decoration and is two tiered. The clamshell which would have been a folding hinged type has gone to time. It is possible that the original owner may have had the clamshell removed as the area where the hinged device was located has been made smooth by solder being melted across the top. I do not know why a clamshell would have been removed but perhaps this was something that was done at the time to make wear of the sword easier? The reverse langet has a fine jeweler done presentation. It is beautifully engraved in Gothic script, “Priester s/l Widtmann / 1. Juli 1894”. This would indicate that Priester gave the sword to Widtmann on July 1, 1894. These “gifts” from one officer to another were often done on the graduation from candidate school. There is probably enough information here for researching the career of these two men. The grip of this example is a fine sharkskin wrap. The sharkskin is in excellent condition throughout stil having most of its blue / purple color. This sharkskin is tightly wrapped with triple brass wire, the center being twisted. In the center of the grip is an applied Bavarian national crest. It features the lions on each side of the checkered Bavarian seal with a crown in the center. The scabbard is an all nickel-plated type having mostly straight edges. There are a couple of really small dings on the reverse. This scabbard is equipped with dual carrying bands and rings an indication that the sword was worn prior to 1906. It is also interesting to note that studying the lower chape reveals that the bottom area is worn off at a 45 degree angle. This is indicative of how low these swords were worn and also the fact that they were worn on a 45 degree angle. This kind of thing is interesting because it brings “life” to an otherwise old piece of metal. The blade of this example is a standard size having dual fuller construction. It is nicely nickel-plated and has a little bit of old hardened grease on the surfaces which should come off with very little work. The blade grades in near mint condition. This blade is etched on both sides with the Bavarian slogan, “In Treue Fest”. The obverse ricasso has the small W.K.&C. knight head logo used prior to the turn of the last century. In addition, the name of the store where this sword was origally purchased is etched onto the blade spine, “Lorenz Stanko, München”. The original blade buffer has gone to time. Accompanying this sword is what appears to be the original storage bag. This bag is a olive drab color being made of a cotton material. It shows some age and some soiling but still is in fairly good shape. An interesting example here which had it not been missing the folding clamshell would grade much higher. The sword is priced accordingly.

    Good Plus $595.00

11. SWDSIMP #31475 Imperial Artillery NCO Sword

    This artillery NCO sword has a fairly large plain nickel hilt. The hilt has good plating throughout showing only nominal age and some usage signs. The grip is a wood base being covered with sharkskin. The sharkskin is a blue purple color and is in perfect condition with no rot. This sharkskin is wrapped with triple twisted brass wire, the center being slightly larger. The scabbard of this example is straight throughout. It does show quite a bit of wear and age though to the original black paint and the paint probably rates at about 40-50%. The areas where the paint are missing though has toned nicely from age and still look good. The sword is equipped with a stationary carrying ring typical of NCO types. The blade of this example though is extremely impressive. It is a large proportion type which still is in near full mint condition. It is triple etched and has blue panels on both sides. The obverse blade has typical military scenes at the bottom with a horses head at the upper portion and finished off with rose and floral devices. In the center is a choice blue panel which features the name of this artillery regiment, “Triersches Feld Artill. Regt. No44”. Obviously this sword comes from Trier and was worn by a field artillery man. On the reverse there are more etched military scenes and in the center is a highly detailed blue background panel which features a canon on a casson. The casson is being pulled by three pairs of horses with mounted riders on three of the horses. Leading the casson parade are two other mounted officers. Sitting on the casson are five artillery men and the detail is so clear it is easy to see the ball on the top of their Pickelhaub. The detail to the canon, spoked wheels, horse reins, saddles and men’s uniforms is spectacular and hard to imagine how this could have been accomplished with the use of acid. The spine of the blade has a laurel leaf motif. A most impressive example of a plain Jane sword on the outside and something really great to look at on the inside.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $1295.00

12. SWDSIMP #31477 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.

    Excellent Plus. $1195.00

13. SWDSIMP #31469 Triple-Etched Artillery Officer's Lion Head Sword - 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.

    Near Mint. $ 1495.00

14.  SWDSIMP #31468 Weimar Fire Official's Saber and 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.

    Uncleaned Near Mint. $995.00

15.  SWDSIMP #31440 Early Naval Saber - 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.

    Excellent. $1495.00

16.  SWDSIMP #31439 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.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $1,195.00

17.  SWDSIMP #31436 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!

    Excellent. $350.00

18.  SWDSIMP #31434 Imperial Jawless Artillery Lion Head Sword

    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.

    Excellent Plus. $695.00

19. SWDSIMP #30942 Baden NCO Drill Sergeant's Sword with Whistle

    This NCO dove head sword has the standard plain fittings throughout and it is an all brass hilt. The hilt is in good condition and if it had any fire gild on it originally it is mostly gone now. The grip is a nice looking sharkskin. There are two ribs that have triple wire wrapping at the bottom and the rest of the ribs have a single wire. I assume that the other two wires are missing from this grip but it does not look as though anything is missing however. We also touched it up to give it its original blue purple look. The thing that is really interesting about this hilt is that built into the quillon end is a brass whistle. This whistle almost matches the brass of the hilt itself but it does catch the eye as it is recognizable as something that we have not seen in the past. This whistle still works well and has a very high, shrill tone to it. To my way of thinking the only reason for this whistle would be for use by a drill sergeant or a parade sergeant. The whistle is simply blown by raising the reverse hilt to the lips. This would have been something that a drill sergeant could have easily done during parade exercises. The scabbard of this example is straight throughout except for a tiny ding on the obverse position just below where the langet rests. The scabbard has its original black paint which shows some age but for the most part is still all there and would clean up pretty nice if someone wanted to work on it with some wax. The blade on this example is a triple etched variety having military scenes. This is how I know the sword comes from Baden as on the obverse etch in the center there is a distinctive Baden coat of arms. The rest of the etchings are just the usual military types with standartes, drums, cross canons, etc. The etchings are all fairly light but are still discernable. On the area just beyond the ricasso the word “Iesenhauer” is raised out which is an indication that the blade was made of “good steel”. Looking below the obverse langet the sword is stamped with the side by side king and knighthead logo which was used by WKC at the turn of the last century. Below the symbols is the initials of the factory “W.K. & C.”. This blade also has a little bit of old sharpening but it is hard to see. The blade is 33 inches long and is also of a quill back design. Overall this blade grades at about excellent. If you are an imperial collector I would think that this sword would have to go into your grouping. I found it irresistible and had to buy it. I hope someone also will buy it from me as my staff is tired of hearing me blowing this whistle all the time. A pretty interesting sword here.

    Excellent. $595.00

20. SWDSIMP #30635 Model 1889 Infantry Degen from Mecklenberg

    This Model 1889 Infantry Degen looks like the conventional nickel type having a black bakelite grip, until the viewer studies the depiction on the hand guard. This sword comes from the small state of Mecklenberg–Schwern. Before we get to the crest, we will describe the rest of the sword. The nickel mounts are the NCO type, having a “D” guard with slot in the center area left for a troddel. The clamshell device is spring loaded and folds. The upper pommel is the flat style, having a steel spanner-style screw on the top. The grip is the black bakelite, having 9 ribs. There is a crack in the bakelite grip that does extend around the grip, and also a couple of small chips in the fourth rib in the reverse. But none of this really shows from the front and does not affect the sword really, as this grip is not going anywhere. It is tightly held by the spanner on top of the pommel. The nickel parts throughout the sword are lined decorated. Now for the crest area. It shows a crown over a slightly ovaled circle which is broken into six parts. Four of the parts have a crown over an Iron Cross, a griffon, an arm, but the two most prominent figures that are easy for the collector to recognize are the heads of a cow at the upper and lower segments of this crossguard. The reason that the cow image is shown in the crest is because of this animal’s importance to this area of Germany. This is the area where the Holstein cow comes from, and of course, it is also a big milk producer in America. Mecklinberg items are very seldom seen as this is a relatively small state, and therefore, did not have a large population compared to the state of Prussia. The overall hilt is in good shape, despite the crack at the grip. The blade of this example is 32½ inches long. It is a state degen type and it is ended as triple etched. The obverse has a beginning etch scene of military implements featuring a standarte, sword, trumpet, and also a fur-style Hussar’s cap. On the end of the etch there is a fully reined horse head, and then there are some flowers that look like roses. But in the center of the blade is a large panel with blue background. It is raised-out, “1.Grossh.Mecklbg.Drag.Regt.No 17.” This blade was owned by an NCO member of the 1st Grand Ducal Mecklinberg Dragoon Regiment No. 17. This regiment was garrisoned in the town of Ludwigslust, and was raised way back in 1819. This blade still has pretty good brightness showing a little mild age, but certainly rating in excellent condition. The blue backgrounds on the etch are still fairly good, rating at maybe 75% to 80%. Just passed this etch is a faded ghost etch. "F. Gerneke". This etch is most likely the owners last name and accompanied with another horsehead. The reverse blade is also etched and has a blue panel. The beginning of the etch features a couple of roses, and towards the end pattern are more roses and war implements that appear to be an uhlan pickelhaube positioned over crossed swords, standartes, and a trumpet. The blue panel on this side, though, has a charging cavalry with the officer in front having his sword straight out as the horses gallop trailing the dress plumes of the men behind the officer. There are about nine soldiers in this horse charge. They are running past a small village which is very detailed with chimneys, trees, and steps. Just below the charging cavalry is a beautiful crown, which no doubt represents the Duke of Mecklenberg, and below the crown is a cipher which appears to be an “F” and “W”, over the Roman numeral “III”. I think that this would stand for Friedrich Wilhelm, who was the Duke of Mecklenberg from 1860 through 1904. This sword appears to me as though it is a vintage of about the turn of the last century, so this would fit pretty good. The spine of this blade is etched with oak or laurel style leaves. The scabbard is straight throughout and does have the original paint. The paint shows a lot of age and a lot of rust here and there, but even still, if it were compounded and waxed, I think it would come up pretty nice. The scabbard is straight throughout and has the fixed in-place-style ring which is attached to a “U” bracket. There is a small piece of leather still affixed to the ring. A very rare sword here, and if you are collecting Model 89s, this would be a very very difficult piece to find. I was lucky enough to acquire this example from the family that brought it home.

    Excellent. $1,195.00

21. SWDSIMP #30073 Imperial Chevauxlager Cavalry Sword

    This Chevauxlager Cavalary 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.

    Excellent Plus. $795.00

22. 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.

    Excellent Plus. $995.00

23. 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 Cavalry 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.

    Excellent. $295.00

24. SWDSIMP #28652 Imperial Bavarian Army Officer's 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.

    Excellent Plus, Plus. $695.00

25. SWDSIMP #24973 Imperial Prussian Jawless Lion Head Cavalry 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.

    Excellent Plus. $495.00

26. SWDSIMP #28445R Imperial "Grosser" Sized Prussian M89 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.

    Excellent Plus. $695.00