Original Imperial German WWI Artillery NCO Triple-Etched Dove’s Head Sword by Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie with Sharkskin Grip
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of the brass Dove Head sword worn by Army NCO's, made by the Solingen-based firm of Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie. It has a triple-etched nickel plated blade with floral motifs and crossed cannons, denoting artillery. This sword design is a simplified version of the Officer's dove's head sword, without the decorative designs and engraving usually seen on the hilt. It has the standard "P" guard used on German dress swords, with a simple cross guard and plain rain guards (chappes). The hilt is brass from what we can tell,, with a lovely patina of age.
The scabbard of this example still has good black lacquer, retained at nearly 95%. It does appear to have been refinished at some point during the period, but it was long ago as there is finish crazing in the top coat. The shell is straight, and we cannot see any large dents at all.
The grip is a very nice shark skin over a wood base. It is wrapped with three strands of twisted nickel-plated silver wire, with the central strand being much thicker than the outer two. This is one of the most well-preserved sharkskin grips we have ever seen. The original leather blade buffer is still present, however it is definitely worn from age and oxidation.
The 30 ½” blade of this example is in very good condition, and does not show any signs of use or abuse. These were ceremonial swords, and not really intended for cutting. The nickel-plating is just shy of complete, with just a few specs of rust where the plating has worn, mainly on the edge. The plating does show a bit of flaking at the tip, and has some oxidation under the chape. The etched designs on the blade are very nice, showing "crossed cannons" and floral designs.
The reverse ricasso is stamped with the trademark "Knights's Head" logo of legendary maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen. This trademark is used on private purchase blades and walking-out bayonets during the WWI period and prior. Unfortunately the chappe/rainguard completely covers this area, so photographing the logo is impossible.
Overall a very good condition high quality NCO sword, made by a legendary German sword maker, based in Solingen, the "City of Blades" in Western Germany. Ready to hang on the wall!
Dimensions:
Blade length: 30 3/4”
Overall length: 35 3/4”
Handguard: 4 1/2”L x 6”W
Scabbard length: 31 ¾”
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