Original Imperial German WWI Cavalry Officer’s Triple Etched Lion Head Sword by C.A. Westmann of Dresden with Steel Scabbard
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a beautiful Imperial German WWI-era cavalry officer’s private-purchase sword featuring an ornate brass lion-head hilt, sharkskin-covered grip, triple-etched blade, and original black-painted steel scabbard. The combination of the finely detailed hilt, crossed-sword cavalry device, extensive blade decoration, and Dresden retailer or maker inscription gives it the impressive appearance expected of a high-quality officer’s dress sword.
The brass-alloy hilt is formed with a classic lion-head pommel, floral-decorated backstrap, and P-shaped knuckle guard. The lion is especially well rendered, with clearly defined whiskers, muzzle, chin, eyes, ears, and flowing mane. The decorative work continues along the backstrap and ferrule, creating a rich and highly finished appearance.
The obverse langet bears a crossed-swords device, supporting the sword’s identification with the cavalry. Crossed weapons and trophies of arms were frequently used on Imperial German officer swords, with crossed swords or lances particularly associated with mounted service. Comparable cavalry officer examples are documented with gilt-brass lion-head hilts, crossed-sword devices, and extensively etched blades.
The grip is constructed from wood covered in dark sharkskin or fishskin and wrapped with two straight wire strands and one twisted central strand. The grip covering shows considerable age and handling wear but has not worn completely through to the wooden core. The wire remains substantially intact, although there is a small amount of looseness or movement.
The blade measures approximately 30 3/8" and retains its unsharpened ceremonial edge. Officer swords of this type were principally private-purchase dress and service weapons, although officers continued to carry swords as part of their field and formal equipment during the Imperial period.
The blade is triple etched, with decoration extending along both faces and the spine. The surviving designs include floral scrollwork, patriotic and martial motifs, a royal coat of arms on one side, and an elaborate trophy or arrangement of weapons on the other. The etching extends approximately halfway along the blade.
Much of the original nickel-plated finish remains, although it shows moderate wear, scratches, discoloration, and surface deterioration. The etched decoration is considerably worn and faint in areas but remains visible enough to appreciate the original quality and complexity of the blade.
The spine is etched:
C.A. WESTMANN
DRESDEN
This inscription identifies the Dresden firm associated with the sword. C.A. Westmann may have served as the retailer, military outfitter, or cutler who supplied the finished sword, while the unmarked blade itself may have been manufactured by one of the major Solingen firms. No separate Solingen trademark is described.
The black-painted steel scabbard remains in fair condition with moderate oxidation, scratches, dents, and substantial wear through the finish. There is a slight bend to the body and several smaller dents, but these do not prevent the blade from being inserted or withdrawn.
The wear to the scabbard is consistent with prolonged carrying and storage. Imperial German officers still wore swords as part of their service and field dress during the opening period of WWI, although no documentation accompanies this example to confirm that it was carried in combat.
Overall, this is a very attractive and high-quality Imperial German cavalry officer’s sword with excellent visual presence. The detailed lion-head hilt, crossed-sword cavalry device, original sharkskin grip, triple-etched blade, Dresden inscription, and matching steel scabbard make it an impressive addition to an Imperial German cavalry, officer’s edged-weapon, or WWI collection.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 30 3/8"
Overall Length: 35 1/4"
Handguard: Approximately 4" Wide x 4 3/4" Long
Scabbard Length: 31 1/8"
- This product is available for international shipping.
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