Original Item: Only One Available. Just acquired at a recent military show! This is a very nice example of a rare Royal Bavarian Officer's Sword from the Pre-WWI era of the German Empire. Of all the states of the Empire, Bavaria was the one Kingdom that enjoyed the most independence, and often had their own regulations and specific patterns of issue items. This is one such sword, made by the legendary Solingen-based firm of Carl Eickhorn and described in their 1908 catalog as pattern Nr. 170, Bayerischer Offizier-Pallasch "with fine chiseled hilt for all branches of service". The ornate hilt is decorated throughout with embossed oak leaf and acorn designs, and features a flat round hand guard and a shield-shaped langet with a rampant lion and Bavarian shield.

The black celluloid over a wood base, and is bound with a skein of three pairs of twisted steel wire, with the central pair being thicker. The celluloid is in very good shape, showing no cracking or chipping, however the steel wire wrapping has oxidized and is a bit loose. The hilt as a whole is still solid on the tang of the blade, though it does look to have been "touched up" at some time with gold paint on the metal portions. As best we can tell these originally would have had nickel plating on the iron hilt, and we can definitely still see some of it intact.

The double-etched nickel-plated straight blade is in very good condition and has a double fuller on each side, measuring 31 inches from the spear point to the hilt. The plating is very well retained, showing some light overall oxidation and a few areas where the plating has flaked away. The etched panels are very well retained, and bear the Bavarian coat of arms and the motto In Treue Fest on both sides. The blade buffer washer is still present, but we cannot tell if it is made from leather or possibly white felt, now stained. The sword measures 36 3/8 in overall length.

The reverse ricasso is stamped with the Carl Eickhorn "Two Squirrel" trademark over C.E., for manufacture by the legendary firm of Carl Eickhorn, located in Solingen, the "City of Blades" in Western Germany. Per J. Anthony Carter's book GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this specific version of the mark was used on swords, "walking out" bayonets, and other similar items after 1906. This is exactly the mark that should be on a WWI Blade. This company was founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn, and is arguably the most famous of all Solingen makers. Not only could the family trace their history back 500 years, but they could also demonstrate involvement in the hardening and grinding industries for the same period. Truly the nobility of Solingen Edged weapon dynasties. Eickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers. 

The steel scabbard has a single hanging ring, and has the standard black enamel finish, which has worn off in some areas. The scabbard is straight with no major dents, and really looks great. It fits the blade well, though it can be quite difficult to put on, even though there are no dents, bends, or other issues we can see.

Overall condition is very good and quite attractive. A lovely example of a rare sword by the most legendary of all Solingen makers. Ready to research and display!!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 31”
Overall length: 36 3/8”
Scabbard length: 31 3/4”
Handguard: 4”L x 5”W