Original Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is an exceptional Imperial German Kaiserliche Marine officer’s sword carried by a member of the von Parpart family during the Imperial and First World War era. It combines a desirable Damascus steel blade, extensive engraved naval decoration, a lion’s head hilt, and a personalized folding guard engraved v. Parpart. Although the precise officer has not yet been conclusively identified, the named family association gives this sword considerable historical interest and makes it an excellent candidate for further research through Imperial German naval rank lists and surviving personnel records.

The sword features a 31¾-inch Damascus steel blade engraved on both sides with naval anchors, ships, and other maritime motifs appropriate to an officer of the Kaiserliche Marine. The surface now displays a heavy, peppered layer of old oxidation that has darkened the blade and obscured portions of the original decoration. Small traces of gold inlay remain visible, as shown in the photographs. We have not located a maker’s mark. Even with the age-related surface wear, the distinctive Damascus pattern and surviving naval engraving give the blade impressive visual character.

The brass hilt is fitted with an attractive lion’s head pommel and a folding side guard engraved v. Parpart. The “von” designation indicates an association with the German nobility, and genealogical material places branches of the Parpart family within the old Prussian and Pomeranian landed and military world. The name itself has long associations with Pomerania, where several localities bore the name Parpart, and family traditions and records identify noble von Parpart lines extending back many generations. One documented Prussian branch received formal noble recognition in 1834, while other genealogical sources record additional von Parpart family members connected with estates and military service in Pomerania and West Prussia. The exact relationship between those branches and the officer who owned this sword remains to be established.

The named guard is especially significant because officers of the Kaiserliche Marine belonged to a relatively small and socially prominent professional corps. During the decades before 1914, Germany rapidly expanded its navy into a modern force of battleships, cruisers, torpedo craft, submarines, overseas stations, and naval aviation. During the First World War, its officers served not only with the High Seas Fleet, but also aboard U-boats, auxiliary cruisers, coastal commands, overseas stations, and the developing naval air arm. The Bundesarchiv preserves extensive Imperial naval personnel and operational records, including officer rank lists, command files, and service documentation that may offer a path toward identifying the original von Parpart owner.

The grip appears to be bone or ivory and is now missing its original wire wrap. Fortunately, it does not exhibit extensive cracking or major loss. The sword measures 37⅛ inches overall and retains the elegant proportions and ornate presentation expected of a privately purchased Imperial naval officer’s sidearm.

The accompanying steel scabbard retains much of its enameled finish, with scratching and finish loss concentrated near the drag. Both suspension rings remain present. The interior throat fitting appears to be absent, and two holes near the throat indicate the locations of the now-missing retaining screws. The scabbard measures 33⅜ inches and is not original to the sword, as it lacks the fitting required for the folding guard to snap into place and lock. It nevertheless accommodates the blade and presents well for display.

A striking and research-worthy Imperial German naval officer’s sword, distinguished by its engraved Damascus blade, lion’s head hilt, and personalized v. Parpart family inscription. The combination of naval imagery, aristocratic association, and surviving period character makes this a particularly appealing piece for collectors of Imperial German edged weapons and Kaiserliche Marine history.

Specifications:

Overall Length: 37⅛ inches
Blade Length: 31¾ inches
Scabbard Length: 33⅜ inches