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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, so goes the demand......and the prices!
SWDSIMP - 006 - 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.
Near Mint Sword, Excellent Scabbard (19428) $ 1495.00
SWDSIMP - 007 - WEIMAR FIRE OFFICIAL'S SABER W/ 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 (19126) $ 995.00
SWDSIMP - 014 - 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 (23188) $1195.00
SWDSIMP - 015 - 23197 - IMPERIAL SAXON SCHUTZMANN SABER - WKC
This saxon
saber is a rare pattern that I have not handled in the past, but
I did manage to find it listed in the WKC Imperial catalog. This
example is listed in the WKC catalog as model number 144.
Looking into my German English dictionary I believe that a Schutzmann
is translated as a policeman. This saber is completely
composed of brass gilded fittings which are smooth throughout.
The hilt style is a typical NCO design having smooth pommel, backstrap,
"P" guard, crossguard, langet and quillon end. There
are slight traces of gild remaining, but for the most part, it
has all gone to time and is replaced with a pleasing patinated
brass surface. The grip is a sharkskin being in perfect condition
and colored a pleasing blue purple tone. This sharkskin grip is
tightly wrapped with triple-twisted silver wire, the center being
slightly larger. The scabbard of this example is composed of a
leather shell. This black leather is decorated with twin lines
which run the length of the edges and it is sewn-up the rear.
It shows a little mild age, but for the most part, the leather
is still supple and in excellent condition. There are two mounts
fitted to this shell. They consist of a fairly long lower chape
mount, which is slightly curved, to match the blade. The upper
mount is fitted with a very long style lug. Both of these mounts
are retained with staples in the usual manner. They are also different
from most mounts in that there is a bordered ridge where the mount
meets the leather. The curved blade is a 29-inch long example.
It is triple etched having military style themes consisting of
shields, spears, drums and the like. This blade is still fairly
bright and would clean up nicely to a near mint condition. The
spine has the name of a distributor, "Mohr & Speyer Strassburg".
This store was apparently where this policeman of the past purchased
this weapon. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the turn-of-the-century
king and knight logo with the firm's initials, "WKC"
beneath. This is a fairly rare sword in good collectible condition.
Excellent Plus $495.00
SWDSIMP - 026 - 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.
Excellent (23696) $1495.00
SWDSIMP - 030 - 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.
Excellent Plus Plus $1,195.00
SWDSIMP - 031 - 24737 - IMPERIAL PRUSSIAN GARDE ARTILLERY SABER BY W.K. & C
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 officers 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 owners
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.
Near Mint $1,495.00
SWDSIMP - 038 - 24973 IMPERIAL PRUSSIAN JAWLESS LION HEAD CALVARY SWORD - W.K. & C.
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 felines whiskers, brow
and mane area. The lions 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 makers 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 firms initials W.K. & C.. A good
looking sword here, which could easily clean up to really look
great.
Excellent Plus $495.00
SWDSIMP - 039 - 24947 IMPERIAL LION HEAD SABER WITH PIERCED HILT AND BAND DAMASCUS BLADE BY M. NEUMANN
The hilt of
this Imperial / Lionhead sword is quite beautiful, featuring a
highly detailed lions 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 owners
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 distributors
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 day you look at it.
Excellent Plus Plus $3,495.00
SWDSIMP - 041 - 24809 OLDENBURG CALVARY 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 cats
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 owners 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 firms 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
Calvary 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. Extremely rare offering.
Mint $4,995.00
SWDSIMP - 044 - 26783
- IMPERIAL BAVARIAN ARTILLERY SWORD - NO MAKER (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 dont 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
SWDSIMP - 045 - 26339
IMPERIAL NAVAL SABER CARL EICKHORN
This Naval
saber is of all-brass construction and is the same as the piece
that I show in my Navy book on Page 440. The hilt design consists
of a fine lion head which is the style without glass eyes. This
lion has exceptional detail to his whiskers, brow and flowing
mane. The mane runs backward throughout the entire back strap
of the sword. There is lots of hand-enhancing to all of this hair.
The basket hilt is a stationary style. It has the normal naval
designs and there is random pebbling in the plain areas. At the
center basket is an oval design which features a raised out Imperial
crown over a fouled anchor. The details to the crown are quite
good, as are the finials and the cross on top. The anchor designs
are also highly detailed. The ferrule of this piece has a lot
of floral designs and it is the same as the one shown on the lower
picture of Page 440. This hilt is equipped with a genuine ivory
grip. The ivory is in nice condition, having golden tones and
there is also some graining in the features. The grip is cracked
along both front and reverse edges and, if anything, these cracks
make for a more attractive grip here. The grip is tightly wrapped
with triple twisted, gilded wire. The center wire is larger than
the outer two and the outer two are twisted opposite for effect.
A good-looking hilt here which has never been cleaned and remains
in the dull brass patination. The scabbard shell is the standard
black leather type. This leather shows some minor age, but it
is still sound throughout. It is decorated with lines which run
along the edges of both sides and it is sewn up the rear. The
leather scabbard has three matching dull patina brass mounts.
These mounts are engraved in the usual naval motif designs. They
are retained by the larger style staples, all of which are present.
There are eyelets on the center and upper mount. These eyelets
have rope designs raised out in the center. The saber blade is
32 inches in length. It is a triple etch type and is slightly
gray from age. This blade is a fairly wide design and does not
have a quillback. The designs etched into the blade are of a nautical
theme. There are many designs to look at on both sides. They feature
compasses, ships wheels, anchors, an Imperial flag, oars,
a fully rigged sailing ship, a lighthouse and fouled anchors with
Imperial crowns on both sides. This blade must have really looked
spectacular when it was new. The upper spine also has the name
of the distributor it was purchased through. It is raised out
I.Robrecht Hoflieferant Berlin. In addition, on the
reverse ricasso is stamped with the back-to-back squirrels that
were the logo used by Carl Eickhorn prior to World War I. This
is a good representative example. This sword is not mint by any
means, but it is not in too bad a condition either.
Excellent. $1,195.00
SWDSIMP - 046 - 26736C
IMPERIAL LION HEAD ARTILLERY SABER W.K. & C.
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 dont
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.
Excellent Plus Plus. $695.00
SWDSIMP - 047 - 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.
Excellent Plus. $695.00
SWDSIMP - 048 - 26461
- IMPERIAL MODEL 89 NICKEL CALVARY SWORD
This nickel
Calvary sword is very similar to the example shown on Page 379
of the Angolia book. The hilt configuration consists of a flatter
style pommel device in the center which retains the tang. The
D guard is relatively plain, having three openings
in the shape of tear drops. The cross guard area has a folding
basket which depicts the Prussian eagle. This eagle has a sword
in one claw and a scepter in the other. He looks upward and to
the left with a crown on his head. The grip is a black Bakelite
having ribs for a handhold. Attached through the teardrop openings
of the D guard is a green, Third Reich NCO style knot.
This green and bullion knot may very well be original to the sword,
as possibly its original owner was also an NCO in Hitlers
army. The scabbard of this example is nice and straight. It has
a nickel plated finish which looks to all be there, however, it
has never been cleaned. This scabbard has lots of patination over
its surfaces, but Ill bet it is mint underneath. There are
two stationary retaining rings. The long, straight blade of this
example is a beauty. It is a high-quality, triple-etched example,
measuring over 34 inches in length. It appears to be in bright,
mint condition. The etches have beautiful frosted backgrounds
and they are of military motif. There is lots of raised out floraling
and depictions of standartes, flags and cannon. The spine also
has a rather intricate floral style design with beautiful frosted
backgrounds. This nice blade is quite impressive. A good, original
sword here.
Excellent Plus Plus. $695.00
SWDSIMP - 049 - 26760
- IMPERIAL JAWLESS ARTILLERY SWORD - CARL EICKHORN
This Artillery
Sword shows usage and wear, but it should clean up for someone
who wants to devote a little time to it. The motif is the jawless
lion head with an artillery cannon depicted on the langet. It
is of all-brass construction throughout. The d guard
depicts a shield device with swords coming out of the top. The
back strap has a panel of raised out floral devices. The reverse
langet has a shield with laurel leaves and the obverse langet
features a wreath of laurel leaves with crossed cannon. The grip
is a sharkskin example. The sharkskin is worn through at the middle
three or four ribs. This grip is still tightly wrapped with triple
twisted brass wire. The center wire is of larger dimension. The
scabbard of this example is mostly straight, having a small ding
just above the lower chape. The original paint is still fairly
good, rating at about 85%. The curved blade is a 31-inch example.
It still looks pretty good, having nice nickel finish throughout.
The edges, though, have been sharpened. This may have been done
prior to Word War I, when it was ordered that existing swords
be sharpened to stimulate strength amongst the Officer Corps.
The reverse ricasso is stamped with the back-to-back squirrel
trademark which was the logo of the Carl EIckhorn firm used prior
to World War I. This sword is all there, just needs someone to
give it some TLC.
Excellent Minus. $395.00
SWDSIMP - 051 -22220R - IMPERIAL GROSSER SIZED
PRUSSIAN CALVARY 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, Weirberg 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 (22220) $695.00
SWDSIMP - 052 - 22218R - 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.
Excellent Plus, Plus (22218) $595.00
SWDSIMP - 053 - 22209R - IMPERIAL SAXON INFANTRY
OFFICER DEGEN - W.K. & C.
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 firms 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.
Excellent Plus Plus (22209) $650.00
SWDSIMP - 054 - 22214R - IMPERIAL ARTILLERY OFFICERS
LIONHEAD w/ TRIPLE ETCHED BLADE - Clemen & Jung
This
Lionhead Sword has an outstanding hilt of highest quality brass
construction. The Lionhead has lots of detail to his snout, brow
and flowing mane. This cat is fitted with pinkish eyes and they
really look terrific against the fine gilded finish of this hilt.
The gilding rates at approximately 85% to 90%. The backstrap is
finished in a series of floral designs and there is also a flower
in the center. A small portion has been left open for the possible
use of a monogram. The P guard is also a fine hem
displaying raised out oak leaves with acorn designs. The lower
portion of the guard is finished in floral designs. The quillon
has a star-like pattern across its surfaces ending in a further
small Lionhead. This cat has a closed mouth and looks rather demure.
The ferrule has a series of swirling floral designs. The langet
features oak leaves surrounding a pair of crossed cannons. The
reverse langet also is quite nice having a shield device and lots
of floral designs which reflect hand enhancing. The grip is a
sharkskin type. It still retains all of its surfaces and fine
graining. The blue/purple color is still mostly all there. This
fine grip is tightly wrapped with triple twisted silver wire.
This wire is slightly larger in the center. The 32 inch blade
is a very impressive example being of a slightly larger proportion
than normal. The blade has beautiful highest quality nickel-plating,
and other than just a little bit of peeling at the blade tip,
this blade is in full mint condition. The obverse and reverse
both display a beautiful floral pattern which has a series of
raised checkering built into the design. This checkering also
has small dots added. (This is a typical Germanic style etch and
the same designs can be seen on the Third Reich Luftwaffe generals
degen hilt). The frosting behind this etch is 100% and really
sets off the raised out bright work. Beautiful designs here. It
is also interesting to note that not only is there a floral designs
on the spine but the checker pattern has also been added giving
a very pleasurable result. Very fine blade here! The obverse ricasso
is deeply stamped with the Clemen & Jung logo. This consists
of a crown over a shield. Inside the shield is the letter Z.
The blade buffer is still in place showing some age. The scabbard
of this example, unfortunately, is not in very good condition.
It has some dents and dings at the bottom chape area. The painted
finish has mostly come off and this scabbard is down to the steel
base. The paint only remains at perhaps 10% to 15%. This is not
all bad, though, as a new paint job could be easily applied by
just removing the rest of the paint residue. With a new paint
job and some filling in of the bottom dings, this scabbard could
look really nice. There is also a small leather accouterment still
retained by the carrying ring. A good looking example here which
is worthy of displaying in a set of cradles.
Excellent Plus, Plus (22214) $995.00
SWDSIMP - 055 - 27101
- IMPERIAL NAVAL SABER - NO MAKER
This Imperial
Naval saber was apparently made during World War I, as the base
metal parts throughout the hilt and the scabbard are made of iron
having a gilt finish. The pieces are highly patinated and apparently
have not been cleaned in almost 100 years. There are hints of
the gilt work underneath and I assume this metal could be cleaned
if someone wanted to go through the process. The motif, of course,
is a lion head pommel. This cat is a good looking example and
is fitted with red and green faceted glass eyes. This same identical
sword motif can be seen in my Naval book on Page 446. The book
example is also an unmarked piece and is of gilded iron, only
the gilting is still quite bright in the book piece. Nevertheless,
these are the same sword. The detail to the lion is quite good
and his mane runs backward into the back strap. The back strap
features a series of raised oak leaves and acorns. A repeat of
this motif is followed on the d guard. There are signs
of hand-enhancing throughout this work and it is quite nicely
done. The reverse langet is a folding type with good spring. It
is holed and when closed downward, locks the scabbard in place
through a male portion on the scabbard obverse beneath the throat
area. The obverse features a folding clamshell also with good
springs. The clamshell is the same as the book piece, having a
pleasing oval design in the center. Raised out of the oval is
a fouled anchor with an Imperial crown above. On either side of
the oval are more oak leaves and acorns, all in relief. The quillon
ends in a teardrop having floral designs. The grip of this example
is a toned celluloid. This off-white ivory colored material is
in totally perfect condition and is tightly wrapped with a large
single twisted iron wire. The scabbard of this example is formed
of a black leather shell. This shell is decorated with twin lines
on the edges of both sides and sewn up the rear. The leather shows
little age and with a little polish should come up to mint. Fitted
to the shell are the three Naval style mounts all having traditional
Naval engravings. These mounts are patinated exactly like the
hilt and there are hints of gilding beneath. The mounts are held
in place by staples in the usual manner. The upper and center
mount are equipped with eyelets and hanging rings. Maybe the best
part of this sword, though, is the fine curved blade. This blade
is still bright and shiny, reflecting outstanding nickel plated
surfaces. In fact, this triple etched blade is still in near full
mint condition. The spine area depicts a series of floral-like
designs with frosted backgrounds. The obverse and reverse have
nautical themes. Both sides depict fully rigged sailing ships
and sea plants beneath. The designs upward from there depict in
the center an Imperial crown over a fouled anchor on both sides.
Other things to be clearly seen in the designs are a Prussian
crowned eagle, a set of crossed sword and spyglass with a compass,
a trident, a set of crossed cannons, a set of crossed standarts
and a globe having a cannon running through the center and a series
of crossed oars behind it. In between are floral designs. There
is a lot to study on this beautiful blade. All of this raised
etch work is precisely done and still has its original frosting
behind it to highlight the workmanship. Even the seagulls above
the sailing ships shown on both sides are clearly visible. A really
great sword blade here. Overall, a fine example of a wartime produced
piece and remaining in relatively nice condition.
Excellent Plus. $1,195.00
SWDSIMP - 056 - 27138
- IMPERIAL NAVAL SABER WITH IVORY GRIP AND DAMASCUS BLADE - CARL
EICKHORN
This Imperial
Naval saber is very desirable and in choice condition. The saber
shows mild overall usage, but absolutely no abuse and remains
in a great collectible state. This sword has all of the features
that most collectors are looking for. It is the Model No. 348
as manufactured by Carl Eickhorn and a sword with the identical
hilt can be seen in my Naval book on Page 441, lower. The hilt
of this example is produced of fine quality brass. The pommel,
of course, features an outstanding male lion head. This cat has
a very long face with high proportioned mane jutting out and upward
from his forehead. The cat has hand-enhanced whiskers and brows
as well as enhancing to the mane hair flowing backward down the
back strap. This beautiful cat is equipped with faceted red and
green glass eyes. They look so colorful they almost give life
to the metal. The back strap itself has an open center area which
would have been reserved for a possible monogram. On either side
upward and downward, there are fine floral designs which have
much cross checkering and other hand-enhanced chiselings. The
D guard on the opposite side features more floral
motif, being raised out and having hand enhancing and beautiful,
intricate motifs. The reverse has a clamshell which is holed to
go over the male counterpart at the upper scabbard reverse. The
spring is in good shape. The obverse clamshell also has a fine
spring mechanism. It is detailed with an angled crown which rests
over a chain fouled anchor. The angle is about 45 degrees and
is very effective. Surrounding the crown and anchor are raised
out floral designs and the plain areas in between have been randomly
pebbled. A terrific look here! The quillon ends in a floraled
ball. The grip of this example is a beautiful genuine ivory. This
ivory has toned to a golden color and there are lots of grains
to be viewed throughout the surfaces. This ivory is in perfect
condition, having no splits or chips. It is tightly wrapped with
twisted triple brass wire. This wire is very tight and quite beautiful,
having trapped the residue of the last 100 years in its recesses.
Decorating the hilt is a silver bullion sword portepee. It is
the type used after 1923, not having the red and black speckles
of the Imperial period. This indicates that this saber could have
been carried during the Nazi period. This portepee is in what
appears to be the period tie and other than showing fine age patination,
it is in perfect condition with no fraying. A beautiful naval
bullion knot here worth quite a bit on its own. This knot has
the typical cats anus stuffing we like to see and the stem
and slide have the bullion v designs in the weave.
An outstanding hilt here! The scabbard is composed of a leather
shell. This leather is still in good condition, showing little
age. It is decorated with twin lines on the edges of both sides
and is sewn up the rear. The shell is fitted with matching brass
mounts. These mounts have the traditional Naval designs and they
are retained by the large size staples often seen on Eickhorn
pieces. The upper and center mounts are equipped with eyelets
and carrying rings. The blade of this piece is extremely long
for a Naval saber. It measures 32 inches. It is a quillback design
and is forged in maiden hair Damascus. The design
pattern is very prominent in the surfaces and there is virtually
no age. There are no problems, pitting or stains and this blade
virtually grades in near mint condition. A beautiful example here
of Imperial Damascus work. The blade ricasso is stamped on the
reverse with the back-to-back squirrels. Beneath the rodents are
the firms initials CE. There is also the original
felt style blade buffer which has turned quite brown with age.
This is a remarkable opportunity to acquire an outstanding Naval
saber. This example has really everything if you hare looking
to add a Damascus piece to your collection. Pieces of this caliber
are rarely seen on the marketplace today. What a wonderful look
it would make in a collecting room displayed on a cradle with
possibly an Imperial reef jacket, accompanying peaked cap and
perhaps even a Damascus naval dirk to totally fill out the grandeur
of it all. Just imagine all of the places that this sword must
have been. It is a remarkable artifact, and thank goodness it
has been properly preserved over the years and from now on will
be enjoyed by collectors hopefully through eternity. Dont
miss out on this example if you have been looking for a Damascus
naval. Excellent Plus Plus. $3,495.00