{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-heer-army-officer-dove-head-sword-by-wkc-waffenfabrik-with-black-enamel-steel-scabbard","title":"Original German WWII Heer Army Officer Dove Head Sword by WKC Waffenfabrik with Black-Enamel Steel Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original German WWII Heer Army officer’s dove-head sword manufactured by the renowned Solingen firm WKC Waffenfabrik, formerly \u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeyersberg, Kirschbaum \u0026amp; Cie\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e. Complete with its original black-enamel steel scabbard, it retains a substantial amount of its gold-toned hilt finish, an excellent black celluloid grip, complete wire wrapping, and a bright nickel-plated blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hilt is the later-war type constructed from aluminum alloy and finished with gilt or gold-colored lacquer. Approximately 75% of the original finish remains, with expected loss on the raised portions of the design where the sword was handled and worn. The surviving finish gives the hilt an especially attractive aged appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe dove-head pommel, backstrap, side tabs, and guard are decorated with deeply cast oak leaves and acorns. Much of the ornamentation was hand enhanced after casting, and the recessed backgrounds retain a fine pebbled texture that adds considerable depth to the design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe obverse langet displays a spread-wing Heer eagle facing to the viewer’s left, while the reverse langet has a blank shield-shaped panel intended for the addition of an owner’s monogram. No monogram was ever applied to this example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grip is constructed from carved wood covered in black celluloid. The covering remains in very good condition with no cracks, chips, or significant losses and shows only minimal handling wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grip is wrapped with three pairs of twisted wire, with the central pair being slightly heavier in diameter. The wire has developed an attractive age patina and remains complete. It is slightly loose in places, but no strands are missing or displaced. All hilt components remain firmly mounted to the blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe single-edged blade measures 31 3\/4\" and is equipped with a broad fuller. It retains its original nickel-plated finish and remains in excellent condition overall, showing only light scuffing and handling marks. There is no significant oxidation or pitting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe edge remains correctly unsharpened. A very small bend is present at the extreme tip, but this is minor and does not significantly detract from the sword’s appearance. The original leather blade buffer remains present at the base and shows expected wear from age and use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ricasso bears the Knight’s Helmet, or Ritterhelm, trademark above the WKC initials for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWKC WAFFENFABRIK\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOLINGEN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original leather chappe or rain guard partially covers the trademark, making it difficult to photograph in its entirety without disturbing the aged leather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWKC traced its sword-making history to the Weyersberg family, whose King’s Head trademark was registered in the 18th century. In 1883, Weyersberg merged with the Kirschbaum firm to form Weyersberg, Kirschbaum \u0026amp; Cie., one of Solingen’s foremost military edged-weapon manufacturers. The company continued into the Weimar period and later operated as WKC Waffenfabrik GmbH, producing a wide range of military swords and edged weapons during the German WWII era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe original black-enamel steel scabbard remains in very good condition and retains approximately 90% of its factory finish. It is free from major dents and has only a very slight bend approximately 9\" from the drag, which does not interfere with inserting or withdrawing the blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA band of oxidation is present around the scabbard body approximately 8\" below the throat. Additional finish loss and oxidation are visible around the suspension ring. The surviving enamel displays an attractive pattern of fine age checking and crazing that confirms its originality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth throat screws remain present, and the scabbard is structurally solid. The hanger ring is intact and suitable for display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a cohesive and well-preserved example of a WKC produced German Army officer’s sword. The substantial surviving gold-toned hilt finish, crisp oak-leaf decoration, excellent celluloid grip, complete wire wrap, bright nickel-plated blade, visible WKC trademark, and original black-enamel scabbard give it excellent collector appeal. It would display especially well as part of an advanced German WWII officer’s edged weapon, uniform, or Heer collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 36 3\/4\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 31 3\/4\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Single Edged with Fuller\u003cbr\u003eGuard Dimensions: 5\" Wide x 4 1\/2\" Long\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 32 5\/8\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45409117667397,"sku":"ONAC25SD0836","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/35522BF7-40D5-42E2-BE0D-B56DC8B678F5.jpg?v=1785240466","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-heer-army-officer-dove-head-sword-by-wkc-waffenfabrik-with-black-enamel-steel-scabbard","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}