Etched M1889 Garde Du Corps Sword Commemorating the 1902 Imperial Army Maneuvers in Sonnenburg by WK&C

The sword has an overall length in the scabbard of approximately 38 inches, with a blade length of approximately 32 inches. The plate is generally bright, although showing some surface grime, with scattered dark specks as well as spots of plating loss. The ricasso is marked by the firm of WK&C. The blade bears an etched panel with raised lettering of “Sonnenburg 8-12 September, 1902”. This was the date and location of large maneuvers of the Imperial German Army, which culminated in a cavalry charge by the Garde du Corps that was personally led by Kaiser Wilhlem II. The grip is covered in ray skin which shows some chips, and it is triple wrapped in twisted brass wire. The grip is affixed with an enamel Garde star which shows some chips. The brass pommel and guard have a dark, uncleaned patina. The guard of the sword is an interesting variant, in that the standard sword has three curved bands that reach down from the pommel to a lower section of the guard which bears an dual wing Prussian eagle displaying the monogram of Wilhelm II on its chest. However, this example of the sword has two curved bands coming down off of the pommel, and the Prussian eagle has only one wing. Nevertheless, the edge of the eagle is not sharp but rounded, and the entire guard has an even, dark, patina, and so there does not appear to have been any modification of the guard. The leather finger loop is in place at the base of the grip inside of the guard, although the leather is quite dry. The scabbard paint shows some scratches, chips, and spots of rust, but the paint is largely intact. Overall the sword is in very good condition.