Original German WWI Bavarian Infantry NCO Etched Dove’s Head Sword with Sharkskin Grip & Scabbard by Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie.

Original Item: Only One Available. With the establishment of the German Empire, a series of conventions brought the bulk of the various state military forces directly under the administration of the Prussian War Ministry. Bavaria however maintained a degree of autonomy in peacetime, with its own two (later three) army corps remaining outside the Prussian order of battle. The Bavarian infantry and cavalry regiments retained their historic light blue and green uniforms, distinctive from the Prussian model adopted throughout most of the army. The individual Bavarian soldier swore an oath of loyalty to King Ludwig, though in wartime this pledge of obedience was extended to Kaiser Wilhelm as supreme commander. In July 1914, the Bavarian Army numbered 92,400 or 11 percent of the total Imperial Army.

This is a nice example of the plain nickel plated Dove Head sword worn by Bavarian Army NCO's, with a lovely "Double-Etched" bright steel blade. This sword design is a simplified version of the Officer's dove's head sword, without the decorative designs and engraving usually seen on the hilt. It has the standard "P" guard used on Imperial German dress swords, with a simple cross guard. The hilt is brass with a lovely patina of age on the exposed metal.

The grip is a very nice sharkskin example. It is wrapped with two strands of straight brass wire and one strand of twisted brass wire. There is some looseness in the wrappings, but they still display well. The original felt blade buffer is present but heavily degraded. The curved single-edged 33 3/4” blade with broad 3/4-length fuller, decorated on each side with the Bavarian motto “In Treue Fest” surrounded by decorative border and foliage. The blade is in very good condition with deep etching and polish.

The reverse ricasso is stamped with the double trademark "Knight's Helmet" (Ritter-helm) alongside a "Kings's Head" (königskopf) over W.K.C. logo of legendary German maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen. 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 steel scabbard has two hanging rings, still retained. It has the standard nickel plating, which has worn off in some areas, and the underlying steel has oxidized. The scabbard is still straight, though it does have minor denting.

Overall condition is very good. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 33¾”
Overall Length: 38⅞”
Scabbard Length: 35”