Original Item: Only One Available. This is a beautiful classic Lionhead German WWI Artillery Officer's sword, made by the Solingen-based firm of Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie. The all brass alloy hilt consists of a finely detailed lion head cat with floral backstrap and "P" guard. Unlike many examples, this Lion's head was not made to have plastic "jewels" installed as eyes. There is nice detail throughout his whiskers, chin, muzzle, and especially the Lion's Mane. The handwork is beautifully rendered throughout this brass. The "P" guard has raised leaf designs, as well as a shield and Iron Cross, while the grip ferrule has raised out oak leaves and acorns around it.

The crossguard has a lovely set of "Crossed Cannons" on the chappe, the standard insignia of artillery units. These are arrayed in laurel leaves, with a pebbled background, with lots of hand enhanced details. The end of the crossguard is a nice leaf motif. The reverse chappe shows a shield surrounded by laurel leaves on one side, and oak leaves on the other. Often this shield would be engraved with the owner's initials.

The brass alloy hilt still has a some of the original gilded finish, making it very attractive. This was most likely mercury gilding, which unfortunately "evaporates" over time. You can also see traces of the gilding throughout, in the more recessed areas.

The scabbard of this example still has good original factory black lacquer, it is retained at 80%, with areas of rust and chipped finish, especially around the drag. There is also a bit of the drag detached from the scabbard at the top.

The grip is an outstanding brown celluloid over a wood base. It is wrapped with three strands of twisted brass wire, with the central strand being much thicker than the outer two. The celluloid is great, however one of the loops of wire has broken, so it is hanging partly loose in one groove only. There are still remains of the original red felt blade buffer on the cross guard.

The 31 1/2 inch blade of this example is in good condition, though it unfortunately was sharpened in areas to remove nicks, which has removed the nickel plating in those areas. Overall the plating is still at least 80% complete however, with the expected patina and light oxidation from age in areas.

The blade's ricasso is stamped with the double trademark "King's Head" alongside a "Knights's Head" logo of legendary maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen, over the firms initials of W.K & C. 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 an very good condition high quality sword from a legendary German sword maker, based in Solingen, the "City of Blades" in Western Germany.