Original Item: Only One Available. This is a beautiful classic Nickel-Plated Imperial German WWI Presentation sword, named to a member of the Life Guard Hussars Regiment. It conforms to the Model 1889 standard quite well, with a straight thrusting blade, and a basket hilt guard. The presentation version is of course quite less robust than the cavalry issue, and these were privately purchased, so there is no acceptance marking on the spine.

The guard is partly "fold-away", and that portion also bears the Prussian Eagle on it, with the shield of the House of Hohenzollern on the chest. The grip is molded bakelite or gutta percha, and is in very good shape, with little wear, and no cracks or chips. Both the leather and red felt blade buffers are still present, and in good shape.

The 33 inch blade of this example is in excellent condition, with just a few scratches and areas of oxidation where the plating has flaked. It has an incredible triple-etched design, meaning it is on both sides as well as the spine of the blade. The designs have the typical borders and floral designs, but also lots of images of horses, as hussars are a type of cavalry. The left side has a large panel showing a cavalry engagement between two different mounted forces, possibly from the Franco-Prussian War. There is also the insignia of the Order of the Black Eagle, used by the Guard Regiments of the German Empire, with the motto SUUM CUIQUE ("may all get their due") visible.

The main panel on the right side also has a unit designation, written in German Black-Letter "Textura" type face:

This would indicate that "C. Kiff" was part of the 3rd Eskadron (Squadron) of the Life Guard Hussars Regiment. Raised on 21 February 1815 and garrisoned in Potsdam, this unit was part of the Guard corps, usually an elite unit recruited only from Prussian lands. This large panel has also been "Fire Blued", giving it a lovely blue-purple color that can shift in the light. The colors and etching are retained superbly, making this a very impressive display piece.

The black enamel painted scabbard is standard issue for this sword type, and does look to have been repainted at least once. It does not show any major damage however, and still has the throat intact. It still has the hanger ring, as well as the rectangular hole where it could be hooked to the belt when in close quarters. This was a sword to wear to formal or parade occasions, and the owner very well couldn't have it hitting other people.

Overall an excellent condition highly attractive M1889 Cavalry Presentation sword from the Imperial German "Life Guard" Hussars. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:
Overall length: 38 1/2”
Blade length: 33”
Blade Style: Straight Single Edged Spear Point
Basket dimensions: 5" width x 5” length
Scabbard Length: 34"