Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent Imperial German WWI Bavarian infantry NCO’s dove-head sword manufactured by the renowned firm of Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie. of Solingen. It features a deeply double-etched blade displaying the Bavarian motto “In Treue Fest,” a sharkskin-covered grip with brass wire wrapping, and its original black-painted steel scabbard with two suspension rings.

Following the establishment of the German Empire in 1871, most German state military forces came under increasing Prussian influence. Bavaria nevertheless retained considerable military autonomy during peacetime, including its own army administration, distinctive traditions, and separate royal identity. Bavarian soldiers swore allegiance to the King of Bavaria, while during wartime the Bavarian Army served under the Kaiser as supreme commander.

This sword is the restrained NCO version of the more elaborately decorated officer’s dove-head pattern. The hilt has the traditional rounded dove-head pommel, plain backstrap, simple crossguard, and P-shaped knuckle guard commonly found on Imperial German military dress swords.

The hilt appears to be constructed from brass that was originally nickel plated. Much of the plating has worn away through age and handling, exposing the brass beneath and creating an attractive mellow patina.

The grip is wood covered in dark sharkskin and wrapped with two straight brass wires surrounding a central twisted strand. The sharkskin remains in very good condition and provides an excellent contrast with the aged metal fittings. The wire wrapping shows some looseness but remains substantially complete and displays well.

The original felt blade buffer remains present at the base of the blade, although it has become heavily deteriorated with age.

The gently curved, single-edged blade measures approximately 31 7/8" and has a broad fuller extending through roughly three-quarters of its length. Both sides are decorated with deeply etched floral borders and foliage surrounding the traditional Bavarian military motto:

IN TREUE FEST

Meaning approximately “Steadfast in Loyalty.” The motto was closely associated with the Bavarian monarchy and appeared extensively on Bavarian military swords, insignia, and equipment.

The blade remains in very good condition with a bright polished surface and strong, well-defined etching. It shows only expected light scratches, minor discoloration, and handling wear. The edge remains unsharpened, consistent with its original use as a dress and service sword rather than a purpose-sharpened combat weapon.

The reverse ricasso bears the Knight’s Helmet, or Ritterhelm, trademark of:

WEYERSBERG, KIRSCHBAUM & CIE.
SOLINGEN

Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie., commonly abbreviated WKC, was one of Germany’s leading manufacturers of military swords, bayonets, and edged weapons. The company was formed in Solingen during the 19th century through the merger of two prominent sword-making firms and supplied military edged weapons throughout the Imperial German period.

The original steel scabbard remains present and retains both suspension rings. It has the standard black painted finish, with scattered areas of paint loss exposing oxidized steel beneath. The scabbard remains straight and shows no significant denting that would interfere with inserting or withdrawing the blade.

Condition is excellent overall. The blade retains strong polish and crisp decoration, while the sharkskin grip, wire binding, hilt, and scabbard remain substantially complete. The primary condition issues are wear to the original nickel plating, looseness to portions of the grip wire, deterioration of the felt blade buffer, and scattered oxidation and finish loss on the scabbard.

The deeply etched Bavarian motto, excellent sharkskin grip, desirable WKC Knight’s Helmet trademark, and complete two-ring scabbard make this a particularly attractive example of a Bavarian infantry NCO’s sword from the Imperial German and WWI period.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 31 7/8"
Overall Length: 36 7/8"
Scabbard Length: 32 1/2"