{"product_id":"original-imperial-german-pre-wwi-officer-s-dress-sword-with-triple-etched-blade-by-wkc-waffenfabrik-and-scabbard-circa-1900","title":"Original Imperial German Pre-WWI Officer’s Dress Sword with Triple-Etched Blade by WKC Waffenfabrik and Scabbard - Circa 1900","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is an especially attractive Imperial German officer’s private-purchase dress sword dating from the years immediately preceding the First World War. Manufactured by the renowned Solingen firm \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eWeyersberg, Kirschbaum \u0026amp; Cie. (W.K.C.)\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e, the sword is distinguished by an extensively decorated triple-etched blade, with ornamentation applied to both faces as well as along the spine. The principal etched decoration extends approximately 14 inches from the hilt, while the decorative panel along the spine is somewhat shorter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sword follows a classic Imperial German officer’s dress pattern, with a nickel-finished stirrup-type hilt incorporating a simple knuckle bow, plain backstrap and rounded pommel. The grip is covered in dark ray or fishskin and remains tightly bound with its multi-strand twisted metal wire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade bears the distinctive knight’s helmet maker trademark associated with\u003cb\u003e W.K.C.\u003c\/b\u003e, here appearing by itself rather than accompanied by the firm's initials or full name. \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eWeyersberg, Kirschbaum \u0026amp; Cie.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e was established at Solingen in 1883 through the combination of the Weyersberg and Kirschbaum concerns and became one of Germany’s major manufacturers of military and ceremonial edged weapons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe real highlight is the high-quality etched blade. Both faces are decorated with elaborate scrolling foliage and military trophies. One side incorporates a prominent Imperial-style eagle surrounded by grouped standards, weapons and martial equipment. The opposite face carries another extensive trophy-of-arms composition incorporating flags, weapons and what appears to be a military drum element, together with a second eagle farther down the design. These military trophy arrangements were popular decorative themes on privately purchased German officer swords and should not, by themselves, be interpreted as proof of service in a particular branch such as artillery. The spine is additionally etched with a continuous laurel design, giving the sword the desirable collector designation of “triple etched.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade itself is a long, slightly curved single-edged form with a substantial fuller and a spear-type point. Considerable portions of the original polished surface remain, allowing the etched decoration to remain visible despite patination, staining and handling marks. There are also scattered scratches and areas of surface pitting, particularly within and around portions of the etched panels, but the major decorative elements remain identifiable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sword retains its original scabbard with two suspension bands and two loose carrying rings. Imperial German regulations began eliminating the lower suspension ring in the first decade of the 20th century, with two-ring scabbards generally associated with the earlier configuration; German military scabbards were subsequently ordered blackened shortly before the First World War. The surviving two-ring configuration therefore strongly supports manufacture around the turn of the century, probably before approximately 1906.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scabbard remains complete through its rounded drag and shows extensive wear. Much of the finish survives, accompanied by oxidation and scratches. Both suspension rings remain in place. The hilt likewise shows mellowing and spotting to its plated surfaces, while the fishskin grip and wire binding remain particularly attractive and substantially intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrivate-purchase officer swords varied considerably in quality and decoration according to the purchaser’s tastes and budget, with elaborate etched blades representing one of the more desirable options available from the major Solingen manufacturers. This is a particularly attractive Imperial German officer’s sword, with its extensive surviving blade etching and early two-ring scabbard giving it considerably more appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasurements:\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 31 ⅞”\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 35”\u003cbr\u003eFull Length: 39 ⅞”\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45719955570757,"sku":"ONAC25SD0972","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/70F1F9E6-95F9-4159-ABCA-9CD52B25C8B6.jpg?v=1790480232","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-imperial-german-pre-wwi-officer-s-dress-sword-with-triple-etched-blade-by-wkc-waffenfabrik-and-scabbard-circa-1900","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}