Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a beautiful classic Nickel-Plated Imperial German WWI Presentation sword, used by a member of the 20th (2nd Württemberg) Uhlans "King William I". It conforms to the Model 1889 standard quite well, with a straight thrusting blade, and a basket hilt guard. The presentation version is of course quite less robust than the cavalry issue, and these were privately purchased, so there is no acceptance marking on the spine.
The guard is partly "fold-away", and that portion also bears the Prussian Eagle on it, with the shield of the House of Hohenzollern on the chest. The grip is molded bakelite or gutta percha, and is in very good shape, with little wear, and no cracks or chips. The felt blade buffer is still present, and in good shape.
The 33 inch blade of this example is in fair condition, with some damage near the ricasso and areas of oxidation where the plating has flaked. It has an incredible triple-etched design, meaning it is on both sides as well as the spine of the blade. The designs have the typical borders and floral designs.
The main panel on the right side also has a unit designation, written in German Black-Letter "Textura" type face:
Ulan Regt. Konig Wilhelm I (2 Wurtt.) No. 20
This would indicate the soldier was a member of the 20th (2nd Württemberg) Uhlans "King William I". The 20th (2nd Württemberg) Uhlans "King William I" (Ulanen-Regiment "König Wilhelm I." (2. Württembergisches) Nr. 20) was a cavalry regiment of the Army of Württemberg. The regiment was formed as dragoons in 1809, and was reorganized as uhlans in 1871. The regiment took part in Napoleon's Russian campaign, the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian war. In World War I it served as divisional cavalry for the 26th (1st Württemberg) Division. Formally disbanded on May 1, 1919, the regiment existed until September 1920 as Abwicklungsstelle. The 1st Squadron/18th Horse bore the regiment's tradition in the new Reichsheer.
The reverse ricasso of the blade is marked withthe double trademark "Knight's Helmet" (Ritter-helm) alongside a "Kings's Head" (königskopf) over W.K.C. logo of legendary German maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen. 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.
The other side of the ricasso is marked W. Baumeister / Ludwigsburg. This would indicate that one of the makers made the sword, while the other retailed it.
The end of the crossguard is engraved with a name, an indiscernible first name over Rühle over 3/20, a good research project.
Overall an excellent condition highly attractive M1889 Cavalry Presentation sword, ready for further research and display.
Specifications:
Overall length: 38 1/4”
Blade length: 33”
Blade Style: Straight Single Edged Spear Point
Basket dimensions: 5" width x 5” length
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