Original Item: Only One Available. This is a wonderful condition Imperial German late 19th Century Miniature Model 1889 Infantry Officer Kaiser Honor sword and scabbard, with a very nice etched blade. The sword measures 11 3/8 inches with a blade of 9 inches long. These were made as miniature copies of the Honor Sword made in Solingen for Kaiser Wilhelm II circa 1895, and we have seen various different versions of these. Some were distributed on "Kaiser Day", while others such as this one are etched with a message describing the glory of Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades". These were often purchased as souvenir items, and would be given to friends or other associates.

The ricassos bear the “King’s Head” and “King’s Helmet” trademarks of WEYERSBERG KIRSCHBAUM & CO SOLINGEN. WKC is one of the more famous makers in the legendary "City of Blades", Solingen. They were chosen for their pre-eminence even within the center of German edged weapon manufacture to make the swords celebrating the Kaiser's day that Celebrated the city.

One side of the blade is etched with the following message:

Du Schweistest in Wettern Germania Schwert, Du schufest das Reich uns im Weltall geehrt, Du schlangst um Alldeutschland ein ehernes Band. Willkomen Du Reichsschmiedim bergischen Land!

In English, this roughly translates as:

"You swore Germania sword in Wettern, you created the empire for us honored in the universe, you wrapped an iron band around all Germany. Welcome you rich blacksmith into the Mountain Land!"

In this case the Bergische Lande (Mountain Land) area of Western Germany is the center of German swordsmithing, with the fortress city of Solingen in the center.

The other side of the blade reads: 

Wir recken das Eisen zu mannhafter Wehr. Wir geben die Waffen dem reisigen Heer In der Esse Gluthen, in Feuers Strahl Formt Meisterhand Schneidig den Klingenden Strahl.

This translates roughly to:

"We raise the iron to manly defence. We give the weapons to the mighty army In the forge glowing, in the ray of fire Master's hand dashingly forms the ringing ray."

Definitely a message extolling the skill and quality of the weapons produced in Solingen. The gilding is very well-retained on the blade, and the red felt blade buffer is retained as well! The included scabbard is nickel plated brass, and is in great shape.

The original sword knot is retained without any damage.

A very nice collectible from the turn of the 20th century, ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 9"
Blade Style: Spear Point Sword
Overall length: 11 3/8“
Guard: 1 3/4"L x 1 3/4"W
Scabbard Length: 9 3/4"