Exceptional Monogrammed Imperial German Kriegsmarine Officer’s Sword by WKC

The sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 36 inches, with a blade length of approximately 30 inches. The blade is very bright and in near mint condition, showing some smudges and a film of dirt but without chips, nicks, inclusions or rust. The ricasso bears the maker mark of “W.K. & C.” (for the firm of Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie.). The sword grip, which is fully wrapped in twisted wire,  shows some golden toning from age but it is without chips or cracks. The lion head pommel, the back strap, the knuckle guard and the folding cross guards all show retention of much of their original fire gilt finish with a fine patina. These components also show significant hand finishing of details of the design. The sword even has detailed decorative work to the interior base of the knuckle guard. The lion head pommel is fitted with one green eye and one red eye, a classic configuration for the Imperial Kriegsmarine sword reflecting the navigation lights of the ships of the sea. The cross guard has a folding clamshell guard with a relief anchor, while the reverse of the guard has a folding lock guard which bears the engraved initials “WC”. The leather scabbard is supple, complete, and intact, without cracks or splits, although showing relatively scuffs, primarily on the edges. The three scabbard fittings, like the components of the hilt, show the retention of much of the original gilt finish, with the lowest scabbard fitting showing tarnish, dirt and verdigris on the drag. Wrapped around he grip is the original bullion officer’s portepee, with the silver bullion cord, slide and stem being laced with black and red accents. The portepee ball is silver bullion, toned like the cord, and it has an insert of red, white and black threads. The cord of the portepee shows obvious fraying in the areas where the cord was rubbed during the time in which the sword was carried. Overall the sword is exceptionally impressive and in excellent condition.