Original Items: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of a German WWII Luftwaffe Officer's Sword, made by the legendary Solingen-based firm of Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie (WKC), Waffenfabrik (Weapons Factory). It features great aluminum fittings and a lovely nickel plated steel blade. This is mid-war produced example, as early war examples were silver-frosted nickel alloy. As the war continued they moved to the "air-age" aluminum material, which was felt to be more appropriate.

The 26 1/4" blade is fully nickel plated, and is in very good condition. It shows some runner wear on the flats of the blade, and also has some overall light scuffing. There is some denting and light chipping on both sides of the blade, probably from USGI's playing around with the sword after capture. The blade was never sharpened, correct for a dress sword.

The reverse ricasso is stamped with the trademark "Knight's Helmet" (Ritter-helm) logo of legendary maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie (WKC) Waffenfabrik GmbH of Solingen:

(Knight's Helmet)
W.K.C.
WAFFENFABRIK
SOLINGEN

This company is a famous manufacturer of military swords and cutlery in Solingen, Germany - a city famous since the middle ages for its metal-working and craftsmanship in sword making. Per J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS, the traditional manufacturing of swords at WKC dates back to the year 1774 when the Weyersberg first registered the ''Kings head'' as their trademark. Later in 1883 the company merged with the Kirschbaums, and the company Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie was formed, which continued into the Weimar Period. It then rebranded as W.K.C. Waffenfabrik GmbH, and produced many edged weapons during the NSDAP Period. The company is still in operation today. The leather blade buffer at the top of the cross guard is fully present, and in very good condition.

The fittings of this sword are bright aluminum, and show only light wear and some minor scratching, probably from storage. It does not look to have seen any major use during service. The pommel still has good crisp edges and the oak leaves on the sides are in excellent condition. The "broken sun cross" swas's on the pommel and cross guard also retain virtually all of their original brass highlighting, which has matured a bit to a nice dark gold color. The cross guard arms are the downward sloping type being in three tiers and carved with lines to simulate feathering. These quillon arms still have good, crisp edges, with just a bit of wear. The pommel is tight to the blade, however the handle and cross guard area bit loose, probably from the wood having shrunk over the years.

The grip is a fine blue Moroccan leather covered carved wood base. This leather is in excellent condition throughout and still has its original graining in the surfaces, with some areas of light wear. The grip is wrapped with a skein of 4 wires, the center pair of which is twisted. The wrapping is still in very good condition, with a lovely matured patina.

The leather-covered non-magnetic metal scabbard of this example is straight throughout, with no dents or bends that we can see. The leather covering is in very good condition, and still shows the leather grain well throughout. There are some small scuffs and tears, but overall it's really in great shape. The scabbard is equipped with upper and lower matching bright aluminum mounts. These mounts are in fine condition and are retained by headless, flush mount screws, however the drag screws are missing. The original matching leather crescent hanger is also in place with no signs of rot, just a bit of finish wear. This crescent hanger is equipped with a closed matching aluminum box clip.

A lovely Luftwaffe Officer's sword by a desirable maker that has passed the test of time with flying colors. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Blade Length: 26 1/4"
Blade Style: Double Edge w/ Partial Fuller
Overall length: 33 1/2“
Crossguard: 5 1/4"
Scabbard length: 28”