{"product_id":"original-german-wwi-bavarian-infantry-nco-double-etched-dove-head-sword-with-sharkskin-grip-and-scabbard-by-weyersberg-kirschbaum-amp-cie-excellent-condition","title":"Original German WWI Bavarian Infantry NCO Double Etched Dove Head Sword with Sharkskin Grip and Scabbard by Weyersberg, Kirschbaum \u0026amp; Cie. - Excellent Condition","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent Imperial German WWI Bavarian infantry NCO’s dove-head sword manufactured by the renowned firm of \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeyersberg, Kirschbaum \u0026amp; Cie\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollowing 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original felt blade buffer remains present at the base of the blade, although it has become heavily deteriorated with age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIN TREUE FEST\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeaning approximately “Steadfast in Loyalty.” The motto was closely associated with the Bavarian monarchy and appeared extensively on Bavarian military swords, insignia, and equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reverse ricasso bears the Knight’s Helmet, or Ritterhelm, trademark of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWEYERSBERG, KIRSCHBAUM \u0026amp; CIE.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOLINGEN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeyersberg, Kirschbaum \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 31 7\/8\"\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 36 7\/8\"\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 32 1\/2\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45409847246917,"sku":"ONAC25SD0840","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/A281A439-BC8F-4FA2-9037-C2517B7FE8D7.jpg?v=1785180420","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwi-bavarian-infantry-nco-double-etched-dove-head-sword-with-sharkskin-grip-and-scabbard-by-weyersberg-kirschbaum-amp-cie-excellent-condition","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}