{"product_id":"original-imperial-german-wwi-bavarian-model-1889-cavalry-officer-s-sword-with-etched-blade-portepee-and-scabbard-no-maker-mark","title":"Original Imperial German WWI Bavarian Model 1889 Cavalry Officer’s Sword with Etched Blade, Portepee and Scabbard - No Maker Mark","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is a very attractive Imperial German Bavarian Model 1889 Cavalry Officer’s Sword, or \u003ci\u003eKavallerie-Degen M1889\u003c\/i\u003e, dating from the late Imperial period. The sword is identifiable as Bavarian by the elaborate pierced guard displaying the crowned Bavarian lion with the distinctive lozenge-pattern shield, together with the etched Bavarian motto \u003cb\u003eIN TREUE FEST\u003c\/b\u003e on the blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hilt is one of the most visually impressive features of the sword. The pierced basket-style guard incorporates a large rampant Bavarian lion clutching the shield bearing the familiar Wittelsbach lozenge pattern. The guard retains an attractive aged finish, with much of its original bright appearance remaining beneath period patina. The backstrap terminates in a wonderfully rendered lion-head pommel, while the black composition grip remains wrapped with numerous strands of twisted gilt-colored wire. The wire is remarkably complete and gives the grip an excellent period appearance. A brown leather blade washer is still present at the base of the blade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Model 1889 cavalry sword was adopted in several forms throughout the armies of Imperial Germany, with individual kingdoms and states substituting their own heraldic devices for the Prussian eagle normally seen on the pattern. Bavaria retained a particularly distinctive version featuring its heraldic lion and shield. The straight, plated blade remains very attractive and retains extensive decorative etching on both sides. Most prominent is the banner inscription:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIN TREUE FEST\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis translates approximately as \u003cb\u003e“\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eSteadfast in Loyalty\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003e”\u003c\/b\u003e, the traditional motto of the Wittelsbach dynasty and the Royal Bavarian Army. The inscription is surrounded by elaborate foliage and military-style ornamental engraving. One side also incorporates the Bavarian arms above the motto. The etching remains quite visible throughout despite some light wear to the plated surface. The blade itself is straight and displays scattered scratches and areas of minor finish loss, but the decorative panels remain clear and make an excellent presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncluded with the sword is an original period officer’s portepee, constructed with a broad woven metallic strap backed in reddish-brown leather and terminating in a braided stem and large, tightly woven acorn-shaped knot. Particularly interesting are the surviving traces of blue thread within the knot construction. During the Imperial period, sword knots could incorporate the colors of the individual German state, and blue was one of Bavaria’s traditional state colors, paired with white. The portepee shows age and wear, including fading, fraying, and deterioration to portions of the leather backing, but remains substantially intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying steel scabbard retains its black finish and single suspension arrangement. The finish shows expected scratches, abrasions, areas of paint loss and oxidation, particularly toward the lower portion and drag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, this is an attractive Imperial Bavarian cavalry officer’s sword, retaining its distinctive lion-and-shield guard, lion-head pommel, wire-wrapped grip, etched \u003cb\u003eIN TREUE FEST\u003c\/b\u003e blade, black steel scabbard, and officer’s portepee. It presents as a complete example with strong appeal for collectors of Imperial German and WWI edged weapons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeasurements:\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 30 ½”\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 31 ½”\u003cbr\u003eFull Length: 37 ½”\u003cbr\u003eGuard Dimensions: Approximately 5\" x 5\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45719968088133,"sku":"ONAC25SD0830","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/1770CC10-73FD-41F9-BC03-CC4AE0036EA5.jpg?v=1790479994","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-imperial-german-wwi-bavarian-model-1889-cavalry-officer-s-sword-with-etched-blade-portepee-and-scabbard-no-maker-mark","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}