Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original German WWII Heer Army NCO Dove Head sword by the renowned Solingen maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie., or WKC Waffenfabrik. The sword is especially interesting because it was personalized by its original owner with a punched PM monogram on one langet and carries an additional regimental style marking on the opposite side. Combined with its plain NCO pattern hilt, original wire wrapped black celluloid grip, 34” unsharpened blade, visible WKC Knight's Helmet trademark, and original black finished steel scabbard, this is a strong personalized example with excellent research potential.

The Dove Head NCO sword was a simpler counterpart to the more ornate officer patterns. This example uses the familiar “P” shaped guard with a plain crossguard and undecorated rain guards, or chappes, giving it the restrained appearance associated with enlisted and NCO dress swords.

The hilt is constructed from nickel plated steel and now displays an attractive oxidized patina from age and use. The surviving finish and underlying steel construction give the sword a distinctly service worn appearance without any major looseness or structural problems.

The right side langet was personalized by its owner with a small punched monogram:

PM

The letters were formed from a series of small individual punch marks rather than professionally engraved. This langet is also bent slightly inward toward the blade.

The opposite langet bears an additional unit or regimental style marking:

4 R R 1.
Jbg.

The marking is preserved exactly as supplied. The characters are closely spaced, particularly on the second line, and we have not been able to identify the unit with sufficient confidence. It is therefore best left as an intriguing research point rather than assigning it to a specific regiment without further evidence.

The grip consists of black celluloid over a wooden core and still retains an attractive glossy surface. It shows some cracking and deterioration from age and use but remains complete. The grip is wrapped with a skein of six non-magnetic wires laid into the grooves and twisted into pairs, with the central pair being of larger diameter.

The grip wire shows oxidation, wear, and worked in dirt and grease. Several sections have shifted slightly from their original positions, and the overall wire wrap is somewhat loose. The original leather blade buffer remains present above the guard. Importantly, the hilt is still tight on the blade with no wobble.

The blade measures 34” and remains in very good condition overall. It shows no evidence of major use or abuse and retains its original factory blunt edge. These swords were intended primarily for dress and ceremonial wear rather than cutting, and there are no noticeable dents or nicks along the edge.

The nickel plated blade has developed oxidation over time. It also appears to have been coated with grease many years ago, which subsequently dried and produced unusual patterned areas in the aged finish. There is additional plating loss and oxidation closer to the ricasso, but the blade remains visually strong and substantially intact.

The ricasso is stamped with the trademark "Knight's Helmet" (Ritter-helm) logo of legendary maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie Waffenfabrik of Solingen, which is completely hidden under the langet:

(Knight's Helmet)
W K C

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. Located in Western Germany, this fortress city was known as the Klingenstadt, or "City of Blades". 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 was 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 accompanying steel scabbard is straight and free from major dents. It retains approximately 75% of its original black enamel lacquer finish. There is extensive checking, crazing, and scratching throughout the surface, with some scuffing and light oxidation, but there are no obvious signs that the scabbard has been refinished.

The original hanger ring and square loop for “hitching up” the sword remain intact. Together with the aged black enamel finish, these surviving fittings give the scabbard an excellent period appearance and complement the patinated hilt very well.

For the German WWII sword collector, this example has considerably more personality than a standard unmarked NCO Dove Head sword. The punched PM monogram, unexplained 4 R R 1. / Jbg. unit style marking, original wire wrapped grip, 34” WKC blade, hidden Knight's Helmet trademark, leather blade buffer, and approximately 75% original scabbard finish all contribute to its appeal. It would display particularly well in a Heer NCO sword, WKC edged weapons, personalized militaria, or advanced German dress sword collection.

Dimensions:
Blade length: 34”
Overall length: 38 3/4”
Handguard: 4 1/2”L x 5 1/2”W
Scabbard length: 35"