{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-personalized-and-unit-marked-nco-dove-head-sword-by-wkc-waffenfabrik-with-steel-scabbard","title":"Original German WWII Personalized and Unit Marked NCO Dove Head Sword by WKC Waffenfabrik with Steel Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original German WWII Heer Army NCO Dove Head sword by the renowned Solingen maker \u003cstrong\u003eWeyersberg Kirschbaum \u0026amp; Cie., or WKC Waffenfabrik\u003c\/strong\u003e. The sword is especially interesting because it was personalized by its original owner with a punched \u003cstrong\u003ePM\u003c\/strong\u003e 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, \u003cstrong\u003e34”\u003c\/strong\u003e unsharpened blade, visible WKC \u003cem\u003eKnight's Helmet\u003c\/em\u003e trademark, and original black finished steel scabbard, this is a strong personalized example with excellent research potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe right side langet was personalized by its owner with a small punched monogram:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePM\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe opposite langet bears an additional unit or regimental style marking:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e4 R R 1.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eJbg.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003esix non-magnetic wires\u003c\/strong\u003e laid into the grooves and twisted into pairs, with the central pair being of larger diameter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade measures \u003cstrong\u003e34”\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ricasso is stamped with the trademark \"Knight's Helmet\" (\u003cem\u003eRitter-helm\u003c\/em\u003e) logo of legendary maker \u003cem\u003eWeyersberg Kirschbaum \u0026amp; Cie Waffenfabrik of Solingen\u003c\/em\u003e, which is completely hidden under the langet:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(Knight's Helmet)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eW K C\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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 \u003cem\u003eKlingenstadt\u003c\/em\u003e, or \"City of Blades\". Per J. Anthony Carter's fine work \u003cem\u003eGERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS\u003c\/em\u003e, 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 \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying steel scabbard is straight and free from major dents. It retains approximately \u003cstrong\u003e75%\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the German WWII sword collector, this example has considerably more personality than a standard unmarked NCO Dove Head sword. The punched \u003cstrong\u003ePM\u003c\/strong\u003e monogram, unexplained \u003cstrong\u003e4 R R 1. \/ Jbg.\u003c\/strong\u003e unit style marking, original wire wrapped grip, \u003cstrong\u003e34”\u003c\/strong\u003e WKC blade, hidden Knight's Helmet trademark, leather blade buffer, and approximately \u003cstrong\u003e75%\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 34”\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 38 3\/4”\u003cbr\u003eHandguard: 4 1\/2”L x 5 1\/2”W\u003cbr\u003eScabbard length: 35\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45959350288453,"sku":"ONAC25SD0814","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/87A522AA-81C4-45C3-93AC-EF009ADC077D.jpg?v=1791564455","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-personalized-and-unit-marked-nco-dove-head-sword-by-wkc-waffenfabrik-with-steel-scabbard","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}