Original Item: Only One Available. This is a beautiful classic Nickel-Plated Imperial German WWI Presentation sword, made by the Solingen-based firm of Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie. 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.

The scabbard of this example is in great shape, with almost all of the original nickel plating intact. It still has the hanger ring, as well as the rectangular hole where it could be hooked to the belt when in close quarters. This was a sword to wear to formal or parade occasions, and the owner very well couldn't have it hitting other people. There are some small areas of plating loss and wear, but no dents we can see, making this an excellent example.

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 has unfortunately broken off, with just a small piece remaining. There is also the tiniest remnant of the original red felt blade buffer on the cross guard.

The 33 inch blade of this example is in excellent condition, with just a few scratches and areas of oxidation where the plating has flaked. 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. Additionally, the large panels have been "Fire Blued", giving them a lovely blue-purple color that can shift in the light. The colors and etching are retained superbly, making this a very impressive display piece.

The main panel on the right side also has a unit designation, written in German Black-Letter "Textura" type face:

This would stand for the Magdeburg Train Battalion No.4, which as far as we can tell, was part of the IV. Armee-Korps based in Magdeburg, which at the time was the Capital of the State of Saxony in the German Empire. 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.

The blade's ricasso is stamped with the double trademark "King's Head" alongside a "Knights's Head" logo of legendary maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen, over the firms initials of W.K & C. This trademark is used on private purchase blades and walking-out bayonets during the WWI period and prior. 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. 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.

Overall an excellent condition highly attractive sword from a legendary German sword maker, based in Solingen, the "City of Blades" in Western Germany. Ready to display!