Original Item: Only One Available. This is a genuine vintage Model 1855 Officer's Sword, from what was then the Kingdom of Bavaria. We believe this to be from the early German Empire period (post 1871), but it is possible that it was made before that. It is still in very good condition, with a lovely aged patina, and comes complete with its original black painted steel scabbard. It features a brass hilt with a "P guard", and a "Dove Head" pommel. The grip is sharkskin, with twisted wire wrapping. There is only light wear to the grip, and it is a bit loose on the tang

The 30 1/4 inch blade is in very good shape, and and looks to be bright steel, not plated. This has allowed some areas to oxidize, especially near the point, and there are also some areas of staining scattered throughout the surface. There are etched panels on both sides of the blade, showing foliate designs around the Crown over L proof for Ludwig II of Bavaria, often called the "Swan King" or "The Fairy Tail King."  He reigned from 1864 until his very suspicious death in 1886. The original blade buffer is unfortunately missing.

This example bears the manufacturer's logo of a Knight's Helmet (Ritter-helm) on the blade ricasso, the logo of Wilhelm Reinhard Kirschbaum of Solingen, a member of the well-known Kirschbaum family. He was the son of Carl Reinhard Kirschbaum, who died suddenly in 1862, and took over the business and the trademarks. In 1870 the company would be reorganized as "W.R. Kirschbaum". Wilhelm himself would then pass away suddenly in 1882, after which the family elected to amalgamate with Gebrüder Weyersberg, whose own family head Hermann died in 1883. This formed the famous firm of Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co. As part of this agreement the sales and trading portion of Weyersberg continued under numerous brand names. For more information please see J. Anthony Carter’s work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

The scabbard is in good condition, and is the standard straight steel type, probably originally painted black. It is now missing all of the original finish, and has a nice oxidized patina overall. There are some dents towards the drag, but they do not interfere with sheathing the blade.

A very nice example of German Empire period Officer's sword from Bavaria, ready to display!

Specifications:

Blade Length: 30 1/4"
Blade Style: Single Edge w/ Double Fullers
Overall length: 35 1/4“
Guard dimensions: 5" width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 32 1/4”