Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a classic Nickel-Plated Imperial German WWI Presentation sword, named to a Kurhessian Train Battalion. It conforms roughly to the M1852 / 79 Cavalry Sword pattern, with a lovely steel basket hilt. 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 design is relatively plain, in some respects, especially compared to the higher end versions with gilt brass alloy hilts, however this type of sword has an elegance and simplicity that those cannot match. Also without all the engraving work and gilding, they tend to weather the ages much more easily.
This example however looks to have probably spent a good deal of time in an attic, or possibly hanging on a wall. It has lost the original scabbard that came with it, and the nickel plate is flaking in areas, and there is some oxidation of the blade. However it still has a classic look, and is highly decorative.
The grip on this example is the standard shark skin over a wood base, and is retained at nearly 100%, with minimal age to the skin. The original wire wrapping however is completely missing, with no trace that it ever had one. It is possible that it was made this way, but we cannot say for sure. The original leather finger loop inside the basket is actually still present, though it is partly torn and in delicate condition. Usually they are completely missing. The original red felt blade buffer is present, however it has had a thicker leather buffer fitted on top of it.
The 32 3/4 inch blade of this example is in very good condition, still showing the original etched designs well, though the nickel plating is flaking in areas unfortunately. It has an incredible triple-etched design, meaning it is on both sides as well as the spine of the blade. The designs show typical floral designs but also a Soldier on a Horse, as well as a horse's head, and four horses pulling a heavily loaded supply carriage. The large panels were probably originally "fire blued" however now they have faded to a lovely black oxidized patina.
The main panel on the right side also has a unit designation, written in German "Black-Letter" type face:
Kurheff. Train Bataillon No 11.
This would stand for the Kurhessische Train Bataillon Nr. 11 (Kurhessian Train Battalion No.11), also called the Kurhessische Train-Abteilung Nr. 11. As far as we can tell, this unit was part of the XI. Armee-Korps based in Kassel, which makes sense given that the other name for the region was Hesse-Kassel. While the Electorate technically did not exist during the German Empire, the name of the regiment was preserved. Each "Corps" level group could have one or more specialized battalions under them, of which the "Train" battalions were one. These had evolved out of the earlier supply train units, and were first seen during the Franco-Prussian war. Additionally, the guard is stamped on the left side with T.B. 11. 1. 63, for Train Battalion 11, 1st Company, 63rd Weapon.
Overall a highly attractive sword from the days of the German Empire, ready to research and display!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 32 3/4"
Blade Style: Single Edge w/ Fuller
Overall length: 38“
Guard dimensions: 5 1/2" width x 5” length
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