Original item: Only One Available. Just received out of long long storage! Despite the machine guns and artillery, swords were still issued to officers in WWI. This is a fine example of the German Artillery Officer's Sword, commonly referred to as the "Blücher Sabel," named for the Prussian Commander Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, who was ally to the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

This example is in very nice service used condition, with a mostly bright blade that is both sharpened and covered with small dents and nicks on the cutting edge. Some machining marks can still be seen however, but this was not a sword that spent all of its time in the scabbard. It is stamped on the upper spine near the hilt is a small Crown over W over 09 for Kaiser Wilhelm II 1909, the year it was accepted into service. The ricasso bears the German maker's name:

This company is a famous manufacturer of military swords and cutlery in Solingen, Germany - a city famous since the middle ages for its metal-working and craftsmanship in sword making. Per J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS, the traditional manufacturing of swords at WKC dates back to the year 1774 when the Weyersberg first registered the ''Kings head'' as their trademark. Later in 1883 the company merged with the Kirschbaums and the company WKC was formed as it exists today.

The sword also has the standard bakelite ribbed grip, as expected on the later model swords, with the characteristic single knuckle bow hand guard. The crossguard does not have any chappe or rainguard attachments, and there are also not the grip back strap side tabs usually seen. However each manufacturer was allowed some leeway in deciding how to construct their swords.

There are various proof marks on hilt and blade, and this sword comes with the original all steel scabbard, which is in very good condition. The metalwork all has an aged oxidized patina, which we have left in place to preserve the authenticity. It could be polished and cleaned, but we think it looks great as is.

Both the Crossguard and the Scabbard are marked with Imperial German regimental designations. The scabbard has an earlier Artillery Regiment marking crossed out, however the second matches that on the crossguard: 32. A. 2. 26.. This indicates issue to the 32nd (3rd Royal Saxon) Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Squadron, 26th Weapon. This regiment, raised in 1 February 1889, was part of the XIX Army Corps.

A most desirable German Very early WWI Artillery Officer's "Blücher Sabel" with scabbard by WKC. Regimentally marked and ready to display!

Specifications:
Overall length: 36 ½”
Blade length: 29 ½”
Blade Style: Curved Saber
Handguard dimensions: 6 ¾” wide x 6” long
Scabbard length: 31”
Weight: 3 lbs. 10 ½ oz..